Feeling bugs on the skin when none are found

Overview

The feeling can come from dry skin, nerve damage, menopause, stimulant drugs, or alcohol withdrawal.

Sometimes a person feels sure bugs are there despite tests; this can be treated by a mental health professional.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Crawling feeling on skin
• Feeling bugs on the skin that others can't find

Less common

• Itching
• Scratches

Look up a symptom: Itching

When to get medical care

Causes

Many causes.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older adults: More common
• People using stimulants like meth or cocaine: Higher risk

Possible complications

• Skin infection: From scratching and picking

Diagnosis

Exam and tests.

Treatment

Gentle skin care.

Self-care

• Moisturize
• Don't pick
• Avoid scratching and picking

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Avoid stimulant drugs

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Older adults: More common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Treatment of the cause usually helps.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Could my medicines cause this?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Feeling bugs on the skin when none are found