paresthesia.....has anyone heard of this?

Gail K.
on 1/10/08 4:44 am - Parkton, MD
I have a spot on my back where my bra strap hit me on my left side. For a very long time I have had major itching there. Sometimes it felt like something was crawling around under my skin. Lately, it has not been itching but that part of my skin feels somewhat numb and it tingles and burns under the skin. Sometimes I put ice on it to relieve it. It is very irritating. Has anyone ever experience this?
Gail K
 
joteddie
on 1/10/08 1:26 pm - Cumberland, MD
Wikipedia Paresthesia or paraesthesia (in British English) is a sensation of tingling, *****ing, or numbness of a person's skin with no apparent long-term physical effect, more generally known as the feeling of pins and needles or of a limb being "asleep" (but not directly related to the phenomenon of sleep). Its manifestation may be transient or chronic.

Treatment should be decided by a neurologist. A CT scan is often used as a diagnostic tool.

Medications offered can include the immunosuppressant prednisone, intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG), anticonvulsants such as gabapentin or gabitril and antiviral medication, amongst others.

In some cases, rocking the head from side to side will painlessly remove the "pins and needles" sensation in less than a minute. A tingly hand or arm is often the result of compression in the bundle of nerves in the neck. Loosening the neck muscles releases the pressure. Compressed nerves lower in the body govern the feet, and standing up and walking around will typically relieve the sensation. An arm that has "fallen asleep" may also be "awoken" more quickly by clenching and unclenching the fist several times; the muscle movement increases blood flow and helps the limb return to normal.

Manipulation of the neck won't apply to facial paresthesia, such as early stages of Bell's palsy, as nerves of the face and scalp don't pass through the neck.

Paresthesia caused by shingles is treated with appropriate antiviral medication.

Joteddie1.jpg Century Club Card image by joteddie

Gail K.
on 1/10/08 8:44 pm - Parkton, MD
thank you so much. I wasn't sure what kind of doctor to see for this condition. I just self diagnosed....I know that I should not do that but I was thinking about a dermatologist but there was nothing on my skin. Thanks again
Gail K
 
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