Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

What to do for pins and needles sensation in my skin?

I am a 56 year old woman who developed psoriasis in October 2012.  My psoriasis in under control, with the exception of my scalp.  When I started tanning, the lesions all over my body went away.  I am now and have for some time now experiencing skin discomfort.  It feels like I have tiny needles piercing every pore on my body.  It is not itchy nor is it painful, it's just extremely uncomfortable.  Wearing clothes really bothers my skin, so when I don't have to be out of the house, I am usually a cotton sheet with the arms and head holes cut out.  I often feel like burlap or wool is rubbing against my skin.  My dermatologist said it was probably just my nerves.  Also, my hair started falling out and I've lost about half of my hair.  Thankfully, in the last 2 weeks, my hair has stopped falling out.  I am on Pristique for depression and I also take spirolactone, Synthroid, and Crestor.  Prescription anti-hystimines don't take this pins and needles feeling out of my skin.  I have seen a rheumatologist and I don't have psoriatic psoriasis.  My family doctor has thrown up his hands and said the next step is to send me to a psychiatrist.  Is there any hope for relief for my skin?
6 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Do consult your Doc about B12.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
May be a course of B12 would be right on in this situation. My good wishes.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I did see a neurologist and he diagnosed me with cutaneous dysesthesia.  He put me on Cymbalta for a month which didn't work and then changed my medication to a drug used for Parkinson's disease.  I've only been on it for about 8 days, and so far, it to is not working.  Besides, one of the side effects of this drug can be the development of mylenoma (skin cancer).  As I tan 3 to 4 times a week to keep my lesions away, and the fact that my sister has already had skin cancer, I'm very worried about taking this drug.  I see him tomorrow and will see if there's something else he can prescribe to help with the pins and needles feeling.  It's not itchy, just feels like I'm laying on a bed of needles 90% of my waking hours.  Thanks, you were right on.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Welcome Vandy, and speedy recovery.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you, I've made an appointment to see a neurologist.  I'm going to print out your response to me and take it to him.  Maybe that will give him a place to start.

thanks again, you're imput is much appreciated.

Debbie
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Cutaneous dysesthesias. Might represent an anxiety state associated with Psoriasis.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Dermatology Community

Top Dermatology Answerers
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn to identify and prevent bites from summer’s most common pests.
Doctors argue for legislation to curb this dangerous teen trend in the latest Missouri Medicine report.
10 ways to keep your skin healthy all winter long
How to get rid of lumpy fat on your arms, hips, thighs and bottom
Diet “do’s” and “don’ts” for healthy, radiant skin.
Images of rashes caused by common skin conditions