Invisible Bugs crawling on skin? Strange sensation...

[Haywoodusmc]

I posted this info before, but it was a reply to someone else's similar post...

I am a 23 year old healthy male. I recently had a full physical and the results were that I am in above average health. I have no diseases, do not use drugs, but drink on occasion.

Anyways, just started noticing these strange symptoms, within the past few weeks. Nothing "brought it on" so to speak that I can tell of. It's been going on longer, but less noticeable, now since I do not talk sleeping meds any more, it's all that I can notice...

Symptoms are strange sensations on my skin. The sensation is it feels like there are "invisible bugs" crawling on, and/or biting my skin. No actual bites, rashes, bugs, sores, or anything of the nature is ever visible. Occurs more at night, while laying down than any other time. The sensation occurs throughout my entire body, no area is exempt from this sensation, and it seems to be completely random, at times I'll feel it on my arm, then my face, then leg, then arm again, etc, no pattern. The sensation "goes away" once I touch the area (either itch it, brush at it as if there WAS a bug I am brushing off, slap it, or touch it in any way...)

I've heard that various forms of dry skin, or minor allergic reactions to soaps could produce such a problem... I have not changed body soaps, shampoos, or laundry detergent types in quite a while (well before such symptoms) I do not have dry skin, or any type of rash.

Ruled out dry skin

I've read about "Morgellons" (years ago, before it was a mainstream idea) and don't think that is what I have... I have no lesions, sores, boils, wounds, or anything of the sort, and no fibers protruding from anything.

Ruling out Morgellons.

I had read about the possibility of it being bed bugs (from reading sites like this online) so I tore my bedroom apart looking for signs of an infestation, and saw NOTHING. My mattress is brand new, the apartment I live in is also pretty close to brand new. Never the less, not a thing was found, searched mattress, box spring, walls near bed, everything.

Ruled out bed bugs.

The only other thing I've seen it could be is Restless Leg Syndrome. NOT sure about that, but I did hear that that sensation in the legs is a symptom of that, and that in some cases, the skin crawling sensation can occur all over the body, not just the legs, and still be considered RLS.

Undecided about RLS possibility.

The only other things I have going on that MAY be related, is an upper back pain/numbness... unknown cause. Been going on for years though. No diagnosis.

So basically I'm out of ideas, and about to go insane. It's terrible at night not being able to sleep because of that feeling, and not being able to sleep with my girlfriend because I keep her awake with my constant moving around and itching...

[dramaticgerboa]

I am even more confused now. Not sure these creatures are inside the guts or in my beds or in my pants.
It has been more than a year now. I feel they are some living, hopping and invisible demons waiting for me at home and when they  take or inject  their stuff I get allergy, itching and  I start getting disorientated so I cannot concentrate on any work. My whole body feels flushed with lactic acid and I can do any training. My lips, hand, feet and skin gets swollen and  I start feeling  many swollen ridges in my head. They go everywhere: nose, eyes, ears, my pants - everywhere:)
This is a nightmare...

[Merfsterf]

For those with an unexplained sensation of bugs crawling on them... especially at night, please consider getting your iron levels checked with your PCM.  Iron-deficiency anemia is a growing problem due to poor nutrition, and one symptom can be restless leg syndrome (often experienced at nighttime and includes a lot of the symptoms described by others above).  If you eat mostly carbohydrates in your diet, and not a lot of eggs, meat, or green leafy veggies... you could be at higher risk for this type of anemia.  If you are not able to see a doctor, consider taking a supplement with added iron.  Also, try to improve your iron intake with iron fortified foods, green leafy veggies, and lean meats.  You might want to increase your fiber and water, because constipation is common as your body gets used to the increase in iron.  It's still best to get lab tests, especially if you're symptoms don't improve after increasing your iron for about a month.   As others have suggested, you could also have a food allergy, or even some sort of gallbladder or liver issues.  If you're also experiencing abdominal tenderness, or yellowing of the eyes or skin, or fevers, you'd better get to the ER stat.  And of course, you'll need to be fairly confident that you've ruled out a bug infestation!
Here are a few articles describing how low iron can lead to your symptoms:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352512617301650
https://thenpmom.wordpress.com/2012/02/15/iron-deficiency-anemia-the-most-common-anemia/
https://www.myactiveiron.co.uk/2017/08/09/6-weird-signs-iron-levels-low/

[myweinnerdog]

I'm a female, 32 years old, healthy overall.
I started feeling this ever since like a year later I got a dog (been with my dog for 2 years), and what I JUST noticed right now is that I felt this right after I had contact with my dog, and my dog JUST had contact with some poo... don't know if it's its own, or cat poo (since evil cats come and poo in my yard to provoke my doggie).

I don't let my dog sleep in my bed regularly but let her get in my bed  last night after weeks of not doing so thinking that those episodes had to do with my dog, and during that time of not letting her in I didn't have any episode, but last night didn't have any problem whatsoever either... except right now that my dog went outside, and I noticed foul odor when she came inside. I know she probably rubbed herself on the grass (which she likes to do) but sometimes she rubs herself to *more* than just grass.
She came inside. I pet her head (clean, not-"soiled"-head), and now I'm chilling in bed (before I go and wash her) and starting to feel the creeps again!!! (she's in her bed now)


does this ring a bell to anyone???

btw, I dont get any bites, just the "walking" sensation all over my body.

[GorgeousOh]

It can be mites. There are different types of mites. You get  this weird and creepy sensation of bugs crawling on your body - random places and your skin being itchy. They are not visible in the eyes. Good luck.

[child123]

yes my name tammie tate find me at woodhaven in foresat park  86 street near bank

[Imonyourskinitsme]

Suggestion to get over this. Design two very simple healthy diets sharing none of the same foods. Stick to each diet, for two weeks. By the end of the two weeks your itching, biting sensations should be gone.
In these diets, avoid everything that causes anyone digestion issues. Research this.
Thus you hopefully can prove the bugs are not real (if its the case), and that you are experiencing an inappropriate (ancient?) physical reaction. Please try. Best wishes.

[gr8info]

To quickly get to my point; if you had a dental sealant used up to a year before your symptoms you could be experiencing an allergic reaction.  Since your body cannot remove the sealant your nervous system slowly goes haywire and creates the bug crawling sensations or even the sores that won't heal.  This is especially likely for those with an allergy to sulfa.  The solution is simply to have the sealant removed and let your body heal.  Your dentist will think you're crazy but, it's the only thing that will work if this situation fits you.

[FreedomsWings84]

Hi Haywoodusmc, I'm not a medical professional, but I have heard that liver problems can cause skin itching. Maybe you could get your liver tested. Otherwise, I wonder if it could be a peripheral nervous system issue. I'm truly sorry, as I have had issues with nerves that I am trying to figure out. I hope you have found an answer that you needed since your post in 2009!