What Is Dysesthesia a Symptom Of? Causes & Symptoms

Dysesthesia can cause abnormal sensations in response to normal stimuli. For example, gentle touch may be perceived as unpleasant or painful. In some cases, it may cause insensitivity to stimuli or sensitivity in the absence of stimuli.

Symptoms are often localized (scalp, face, feet, or hands) or generalized and may vary in intensity from person to person. Dysesthesia symptoms may include:

• Itching
• Burning
• Stinging
• Feeling that something is crawling on or under the skin
• Severe, sharp, shooting, or stabbing pain
• Discomfort or pain in the absence of any stimuli or in response to harmless stimuli such as light touch
• Pins and needles sensation
• Prickling sensation
• Feeling of tightness around the chest, arms or legs (called MS hug)
• Electric shock sensation
• Feeling of cold
• Feeling of wetness

Treatment of dysesthesia largely depends on the severity of symptoms, cause, and sites affected. Many times, dysesthesia is associated with mood disturbances such as anxiety, depression, and irritability, as well as lack of sleep and fatigue. These symptoms need to be addressed through treatment.

Dysesthesia treatment may involve the following:

• Topical treatment:
  • Capsaicin cream
  • Local anesthetic patches
  • Combination gels or creams containing amitriptyline 1% with ketamine 0.5%
• Oral medications:
  • Antidepressants (such as amitriptyline)
  • Anti-seizure medications or antiepileptics (such as gabapentin, pregabalin, and carbamazepine)
  • Antipsychotic medications (such as pimozide and venlafaxine)
  • Beta-blockers (such as propranolol)
  • Cannabinoids
• Physiotherapy
• Physical barriers:
  • Gloves
  • Thermoplastic facemasks to be worn at night
  • Night-time arm splinting
• Botulinum A injection
• Intralesional steroid shots
• Transcutaneous electrical muscle stimulation
• Narrow-band ultraviolet radiation
• Alternative treatments:
  • Meditation
  • Acupressure
  • Acupuncture
  • Deep breathing
  • Biofeedback
  • Yoga
  • Epsom salt or oatmeal baths
  • Hypnosis

Dysesthesia symptoms may resolve on their own, but they tend to recur and may worsen over time. Seek medical help if:

• Symptoms progressively worsen.
• You experience severe pain.
• Your symptoms affect your sleep, work, or social life.
• You develop mood changes such as irritability, depression, or anxiety.