If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.
Overview
Picking can cause sores.
Help is available.
When to get medical care
Call 911Thoughts of harming yourself or others: call or text 988, or call 911 if you're in danger.
Get care todayInfected sores.
See a doctor soonOngoing feeling.
Causes
Causes include dry skin, nerve problems, drugs, and delusional infestation.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause feeling bugs on the skin that others can't find. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Feeling bugs on the skin when none are foundSee a doctor if it doesn't get better
A real feeling of crawling, biting, or itching on or under the skin when no bugs can be found.
What you can do at home
- Moisturize.
Medicines
Depends on cause.
At the doctor
The provider will check.
Questions you may be asked
- Symptoms
The exam
A skin exam.
Tests
- Blood tests
Prevention
Get help.
- Seek care
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.