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Published on: 7/15/2026
Why might the skin on my stomach feel numb?
Numbness in the stomach skin often occurs when a nerve in the abdominal wall is compressed, irritated, or injured. A common cause is abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES), where a nerve becomes trapped as it passes through the abdominal muscles. Other causes include diabetic neuropathy, shingles, post-surgical nerve damage, hernias, or pressure from tight clothing.
Symptoms may include a tingling, "pins and needles" sensation, reduced sensation to touch, or sharp pain in a specific spot on the abdomen. While some cases resolve on their own, persistent or worsening numbness should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, especially if paired with weakness, bowel changes, or severe pain.
Because abdominal numbness can stem from many different conditions—some minor, some serious—it's important to identify what's driving your symptoms before deciding on next steps. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights based on your unique situation, understand possible causes, and learn which type of care may be right for you—all in just a few minutes.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026
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When you experience numbness on the skin of your stomach, one common cause is that a small nerve in the abdominal wall might be squeezed or irritated. This condition is sometimes called abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES). In ACNES, the nerve that supplies feeling to your stomach area becomes trapped, which can lead to numbness or even pain.
Other reasons might include issues with your nerves overall, such as peripheral neuropathy. This can be due to not having enough vitamins, exposure to certain toxins, or side effects from some medications. Nerve issues can change how sensations like touch and pain are felt, sometimes causing numb spots.
If you have numbness that worries you or comes with other symptoms, it may help to talk with a doctor. You can start by using a free symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your symptoms. They can check if there is any nerve damage or if something else is affecting your nerves. Remember, this information is for learning and understanding; it is important to discuss your situation with a healthcare professional to get advice that fits your needs.
(References)
Kanakarajan S, Dharmavaram S, Tadros A, Pushparaj H, Rose A. Abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome: A cross sectional survey of treatment outcomes. Br J Pain. 2022 Oct;16(5):538-545. doi: 10.1177/20494637221101719. Epub 2022 May 20. PMID: 36389004; PMCID: PMC9644107.
Stucky CL, Mikesell AR. Cutaneous pain in disorders affecting peripheral nerves. Neurosci Lett. 2021 Nov 20;765:136233. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136233. Epub 2021 Oct 1. PMID: 34506882; PMCID: PMC8579816.
Staff NP, Windebank AJ. Peripheral neuropathy due to vitamin deficiency, toxins, and medications. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2014 Oct;20(5 Peripheral Nervous System Disorders):1293-306. doi: 10.1212/01.CON.0000455880.06675.5a. PMID: 25299283; PMCID: PMC4208100.
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