Published on: 6/20/2025
What are tactile hallucinations and what might cause them?
Tactile hallucinations are feelings of touch or movement on the skin that aren't real, and they can be caused by drugs or conditions like Parkinson's Disease.
Explanation
Tactile hallucinations are when someone feels things on their skin that aren't really there. These can feel like bugs crawling or something touching the skin.
Causes:
- Drug Use: Some medicines or drugs can make people feel these hallucinations. This can happen with both recreational drugs and some prescription medications.
- Medical Conditions: A common symptom reported with Parkinson's Disease is the feeling of strange skin sensations.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these hallucinations, especially if it's causing distress, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider. For mental health support, visit 988lifeline.org.
(References)
- Nakamura M, & Koo J. (2016). Drug-Induced Tactile Hallucinations Beyond Recreational .... American journal of clinical dermatology, 27637620.
- Fénelon G, Thobois S, Bonnet AM, Broussolle E, & Tison F. (2002). Tactile hallucinations in Parkinson's disease. Journal of neurology, 12529792.
- Huang SS. (2025). Challenges in the management of visual and tactile .... World journal of psychiatry, 39831009.
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