Periodic Skin Hypersensitivity

[aox]

For at least two years, I have experienced periodic hypersensitivity in my ankles. Simply moving the hair on the area feels very painful as if the hair is being pulled out. It started on my right ankle and a year later started happening on my left as well.

Presently, it has now started happening on my left thigh. There isnt much hair on my thigh, so it isn't painful, but instead just extremely sensitive. Prior to this, I hooked myself on a nail and subsequently scratched my leg in that area a few days ago. That was when I started noticing the heightened sensitivity -- moving my hand over the healing injury (or clothes rustling over it for that matter) was extremely noticable.

I should point out that this occurance is periodic and sometimes lasts for up to half a day. Most of the time I can ignore it, though, so I am not positive on exactly how long it may be presenting for at any given time.

Is this serious enough for me to need to seek expert advice in person? What could cause it? I would attach pictures, but the skin (other than the injury) doesn't look any different than it has.

[aox]

Morning all,

I just woke up, and upon stretching, realised that certain areas of my skin and muscle experienced burning pain to do so. When I examined the areas (the right side of the back of my right kneecap and the right side of the ball of my right foot), the seemed to exhibit the exact opposite of the reported symptoms listed above.

Instead of the skin having increased sensitivity to touch, it is diminished to the point that I can barely feel it. Though, the underlying muscle seems to have increased sensitivity, as demonstrated by the pain from stretching. Also, it is very easy to notice the oddities in these areas while walking.

It may be noteworthy for me to tell you that the hypersensitivity in my ankles has not returned since my initial posting until rigtht now. I still plan to see a doctor about it when I obtain the insurance to do so. Until then, your information is much appreciated on these subjects.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

You seem to be having static mechanical tactile allodynia.

Allodynia is a painful response to a usually non-painful stimulus and can be either static or mechanical. Static mechanical allodynia means pain in response to light touch/pressure.It is a clinical feature of many painful conditions, such as neuropathies, postherpetic neuralgia, fibromyalgia, and migraine.

In my opinion taking a consultation from a physician/neurologist and getting nerve conduction tests will prove helpful.

Hope it helps .Take care and pls do keep us posted in case you have any additional queries.Kind regards.