Formication anyone ?

[susan]

This was one of my most annoying of peri-menopause symptoms and had no idea what it was for about three years, i was constantly checking myself for ants and bugs, wondering if the cats had got fleas, thinking my eyes were deceiving me as I would look down immediately and there would be nothing there to see ! grhh ! Another menopause symptom that makes you think you are losing your mind.

Formication is the medical term for a sensation that resembles that of insects crawling (tactile hallucination) on (or under) the skin. It is one specific form of a set of sensations known as paresthesia, which also include the more common prickling, tingling sensation of "pins and needles". Formication is a well documented symptom that has numerous possible causes.

FORMICATION
The experience of formication may sometimes cause feelings of itchiness, tingling, pins and needles, burning, or even pain. When it is perceived as itchiness, it may trigger the scratch reflex and because of this, some people who are suffering from the sensation are at risk of causing skin damage through excessive scratching. More rarely, susceptible individuals who fixate on the sensation may develop delusional parasitosis, becoming convinced that this sensation is being caused by actual insects, despite repeated reassurances from physicians, pest control experts, and entomologists.

[jacksfullofaces]

Susan
I used to wake in the night feeling as though my skin had been burned by the sun. Husband had to sponge me with cool water - it was revolting.
However on a different note started hormones and noticed nocturnal itchiness - researched and thought bedbugs - husband poo poo'd the notion until I woke one night and made him shine his torch in the bed. Away crept two well fed little bugs ;D
Jacks xx

[susan]

I honestly though I had somekind of human fleas that were not visible to the naked eye. I had this for years.

From April to October I tend to wear skirts with no tights and I spent so much time quickly looking down trying to catch the little bugg&rs on my skin, but never found even one, which on reflection is hardly suprising.

I was gobsmacked when I found out what it was and that it had a proper terminology and was generally known about (but not by me!).

I imagine loads of women have this but haven't a clue what it is.

LOL @ the bedbugs Jacks. I think they are overtaking the world. I am sure I brought some back in some suitcases from holiday one year and it was a swanly five star place. These bugs know how to live in style and don't care if they are in The Four Seasons or a Travel Lodge.

xxxx

[susan]

It's certainly a weird one Lainey. I can't remember when I finallyb managed to put a name to it but I was so glad when I did.

I still get it a little but no longer on my shins which is where mine was really bad. I tend to get it on my scalp which is not good as I end up scratching so I guess people think I have nits.

xxxx

[susan]

It's really interesting when you start talking about it LD as many seem to have suffered some form of it, whilst not really knowing what was going on or speaking about it.

Glad yours is going though or at least not as bad as it was

xxxx

[menocholy]

Oh my gosh yes, I used to have this real bad.
Didn't know what it was at the time as well and thought I was going crazy.
As soon as I'd lie down in bed it would start, my legs were VERY itchy and I sometimes would scratch them to the point of causing small breaks in the skin.
Also when I was tired I would get an itchy head, it was so uncomfortable to try not to scratch too much in public, I didn't want anyone thinking I had lice.
It died down drastically, stopped for a while but has been starting up slowly again.
This time it's been easier to deal with because I finally know what it is and I know I do not have bugs which is really reassuring.