Many patients who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia also have a slew of other co-morbid diagnoses that overlap; skin conditions can be included in this category. In fact, those people who have been diagnosed with lupus or psoriasis are more likely to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
An article found on belmarrahealth.com shows there seems to be a connection with nerve involvement and skin. In a study, researchers at Albany Medical College found that in women with fibromyalgia, there was the presence of peripheral neurovascular pathology which means there were excessive nerve fibers that were found in the palms of the hands versus the brain which is one explanation of deep tissue pain and skin tenderness that some patients with fibromyalgia experience. Some scientists have also discovered nervous system function among blood vessels.
So based on this, there is an obvious connection between the nervous system and the skin. And the skin is actually a part of the immune system, the immune system is designed to protect our bodies from foreign things and if something tries to affect this, our bodies begin to mount a defense. In some cases, fibromyalgia can cause an immune response which is the way a person’s body responds to protect itself.
Fibromyalgia and skin problems
Many of individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia will build up skin problems, together with rashes, these rashes can make you feel painful wearing clothes, resting at night, or feel unappealing. The rash is usually red, and may be raised and bumpy. It can also be sore or itchy, or cause a crawling sensation in the skin.
Some rashes could be an effect to medications if this is probable, always consults a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. A hypoallergenic moisturizer, a gentle cream designed for nappy rash such as Sudocrem, or an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream, may help. Studies have shown there is a lot going on under the skin’s surface when you have fibromyalgia.
Researchers have found there are excessive sensory nerve fibers in the palms of the hands of women with fibromyalgia. Research has also shown that an elevated level of immune-reactive proteins exists just beneath the skin’s surface. There seems to be no end to the pain that accompanies fibromyalgia.
Everything from internal pain to external pain can be part of the list of symptoms attached to this confusing and often debilitating syndrome. To declare that a person suffers with fibromyalgia pain is similar to saying the United States is a large country.
The fact is that there are numerous types of pain and in order to bring relief, each pain has to be treated individually.”The pain and discomfort felt in the skin are probably part of the pain ‘deregulation’ of fibromyalgia. People with fibromyalgia seem to process sensations differently than other people. For example, “if I was to pierce your finger five times with a pin, after the first small number you wouldn’t sense it any longer your body would become familiar to it, but fibromyalgia patients keep on to feeling it powerfully.
The excess pain can happen almost anywhere, but because your skin is the largest organ in your body and it has most of the nerve endings that you are dealing with, it’s no doubt that our skin becomes oversensitive to a number of things. The accurate reason behind the skin problems in fibromyalgia syndrome is not entirely apparent. People with fibromyalgia syndrome seem to have increased immune system activity under the skin.
This could direct to discharge of histamine, which can escort to itching, rashes and skin uneasiness, and heparin, which reduces blood clotting and could escort to growth of bruises. If this is the cause, antihistamine tablets and creams may help. There is four times the number of mast cells in the skin tissues of those with fibromyalgia. Mast cells are generated by the immune system and contain substances such as histamine and cytokines. Both of which, may be responsible for causing skin irritations and painful reactions.
One of the most upsetting and tricky skin pains a FMS victim deals with is known as tactile allodynia. The word tactile means feel and allodynia means a excruciating reply to a non-painful incentive. It is this pain reaction that makes it unfeasible for a mother to allow her little child grasp hold of her legs. Some people think it is bizarre behavior when she says ‘no, don’t touch Mommy, but the truth is that the pain on the skin is beyond expression and so she’s doing what she can to avoid being touched. Read More Here
A hard thing when you have little kids. People with fibromyalgia syndrome predisposed to build up dry skin, which can deteriorate the itching. This can occur anywhere on the body, but may be most severe in the hands and fingers. To treat or prevent this, avoid harsh soaps and shower gels and keep skin well moisturized, especially after baths and showers this will also reduce any itching.
Avoid anything with too many artificial fragrances cocoa butter or shea butter, or hypoallergenic baby products may help. Corticosteroid creams may also help, but consult a doctor or pharmacist first. The skin of fibromyalgia victims often begins to alter color, look, or quality. Mottled skin is due to blood vessel changes in the skin that cause a blotchy appearance. These blotches can appear anywhere on the body, particularly on the inside of the forearms and thighs
What things can you do if you are one of those who have to deal with this on top of your fibromyalgia pain?
-> The first thing is to limit your sun exposure, and if you will be out in the sun, make sure to protect yourself by using sunscreen and/or clothing and a hat to protect your skin.
-> Also, using a mild soap can be very effective as well as using warm water versus hot water when bathing, showering or washing your hands.
-> For women, limit the amount of makeup you use or make sure the makeup you are using is non-comedogenic to reduce irritation.
-> And lastly, use moisturizer on your skin to prevent dryness which leads to itchy skin.
Management
There are multiple home remedies to address skin disorders associated with fibromyalgia. One of the most important things you can do is avoid excessive sun exposure, which has proven to be very painful for fibromyalgia patients. As well, use gentle cleansers ones that are designed for sensitive skin and don’t contain harsh, abrasive scrubs.
Hot water, even if it feels good at times is in fact very cruel and drying to the skin. “Soak in lukewarm water and apply minimum soap with a spongy cloth only to those areas that get filthy, you don’t need to rub every edge of skin every day. Pat dry after a bath or shower instead of rubbing. Another important tip for women is, go with minimal makeup as it can easily irritate the skin.
As for facial creams, it is probably best to seek the advice of a dermatologist. If your skin is easily irritated, minimize your use of cosmetic products. Pick products that work well but don’t contain too many harsh ingredients. It’s important to keep an open mind when faced with skin problems linked to fibromyalgia. You just might find that a simple home remedy brings you great relief.
It is significant to keep in mind even though, when there is continuing pain, rash, and annoyance, seeing a dermatologist is as vital as your visits with the doctor who diagnosed you with fibromyalgia in the initial place.
Related Article:
Skin Wounds not healing due to Fibromyalgia
Products help with Fibromyalgia Itching
References:
- Skin Problems – Fibromyalgia via Fibromyalgia Symptoms
- Skin-Related Fibromyalgia Symptoms By Sue via Fibro Daze
For support and Discussion join the group “Living with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Illness”
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