What is this prickly skin pain?

[irish]

Today I had my appt with my immunologist and asked about the prickly feeling on my arms. I had mentioned this earlier in a post on this thread. My immunologist said that this can be related to mast cells. These are cells that are involved in the immune/allergy system. I need to look this up and research it more. THought maybe some of you might be interested in this also. Irish

[BKreader]

Thanks Irish,

I will totally look it up. I was wondering if it was allergy related. I did try taking diphenhydramine just in case. I am waiting to see Neurolgist in 3 weeks. In the mean time, I am taking gabapentin and have just upped my dosage. I have requested my Rhuemy run B12 and D testing as well as anything else that would be relevant.

I have had thorough allergy testing as well as ALCAT testing. I am mostly following a VERY strict ALCAT diet. I cannot imagine what else I could be reacting too. Seems like I am just getting hypersensitive to everything.

I did notice that once to medication calmed things down to just the toned down biting sensation, I had felt this before for a few days when I was visiting family on the East Coast mid July. I thought it was bugs and kept checking the bed. My husband thought I was crazy. Then I thought I brought the bugs home. Then a few weeks ago, I had a couple episodes where it felt like I had splashed very cold ice water on my leg. I really hope this could be some annoying allergy issue rather than permanent neurological stuff.

I still have not fully accepted this disease and what it can do to me. I just can't with three small kids relying on me. I cannot understand why new symptoms keep popping up so fast. I feel like I am on a rapid downward spiral. Sometimes I wonder if it is all of the meds.

[jordozmom]

Hi!

When I first started having SJS problems I noticed that my skin was crazy dry (not necessarily flakey but tight) and if I didn't cover myself with lotion or cream after a shower I would have a pin prickly sensation all over.  Drove me crazy.  To this day I put lotion on after every single shower and my friends make fun of me because I put hand cream on every time I wash my hands and sometimes in between.  My fianc? and I went to a hotel on vacation and got a room with a hot tub and after some romantic time in the tub I tried to play it cool and not ruin the romance by stopping to put cream on but finally I was like NOOOOOOPE!  GOTTA PUT LOTION ON! Because it was starting to get prickly/itchy.   Lol!  True Story!

[GeorgiaGirl]

I have gone through this all summer.  It is exacerbated when I am in sunlight.  The rheumy said that Sjogren's can cause this (parathesias, neuropathy), but that he would expect to see vasculitus, major swelling of paratoid glands at the same time.  He sent me to a neuro who agreed with him.  They did lots of blood test, a MRI to rule out MS and EMG/nerve conduction.  The only thing that showed up was an ulnar nerve lesion, which would not cause the sensations, as I have them on both arms, legs & face. 

[BKreader]

Georgiagirl- thanks for your input. I did have some parotid swelling and facial nerve issues a few weeks ago. I can see that there may be sun connection but really hope not. I had a recent EMG about a month ago that was fine. It's just so wierd. Are you doing anything for the discomfort? The gabapentin is helping some but I am needing larger doses. I am waiting for blood test paperwork and visit neurologist on 27th. I too have it all over. I am actually hoping for an MRI that would include my head so I might get some explanation for the shooting pains I get through my face on occasion.

[gurs]

I have this all over all the time....Its usually neuro-related, or as Im finding, probably due to my flucuating hormone levels from menopause, which I common, plus the SS issues.

Yes, bet its neuropathy....

Gursie