The symptoms are thought to be a manifestation of menopause, much like a hot flash, and the cause is believed to be a reaction of estrogen receptors in the skin to reduced levels of this hormone. or Healthy Lifestyle Brands. It is probably due to the successive irritation of nerve fibrils in the skin. At times patients who suffer from it will scarcely be persuaded that it is not due to insects. All rights reserved. Formication a medical term use to identify a condition were a person feel a sensation that exactly resembles that of small insects crawling on (or under) the skin. Formication is often associated with delusions of parasitosis, where patients have a fixed, false belief that they are infested with parasites or … Formication has many causes include various medical conditions, altitude sickness, prescription drug side effects, and drug withdrawal. It is one specific form of a set of sensations known as paresthesias, which also include the more common prickling, tingling sensation known as "pins and needles". Coming from the Latin word “formica” which means ants, Formication indicates that type of paresthesias or skin sensation that has symptoms such as –. [citation needed]. If this is part of the problem, consult a dermatologist. [2] It can also occur as a symptom of benzodiazepine withdrawal, withdrawal from medication such as SSRI/SNRI antidepressants and tramadol; and as a side effect of opioid analgesics. In the 1797 edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica, a description of the condition raphania includes the symptom: ...a formication, or sensation as of ants or other small insects creeping on the parts.[6]. We follow a strict editorial policy and we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding any level of plagiarism. This can cause … [1] However, in many cases no external trigger creates the sensation. A percentage of the Formication patients are women who have had their menopause. You should not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication or other treatment. This article may contains scientific references. Wellbutrin, on the other hand, is prescribed to people who want to quit smoking or are suffering from depression.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'epainassist_com-banner-1','ezslot_1',149,'0','0'])); Those, who are intoxicated or are delirious and undergoing treatments for these with prescription medicines mentioned as above, are often seen to scratch themselves due to Formication sensations. Formication is a well documented symptom, which has numerous possible causes. The good news is that formication usually does eventually disappear on its own. This article does not provide medical advice. What Causes Drug-Induced Formication? Drug-induced formication happens when a person is using various types of drugs with stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. Herpes Zoster or Shingles. What can I do? I’ve heard the incidence of formication during perimenopause described as "rare," but I have also read that as many as 20 percent of all women experience it. Formication may sometimes be experienced as feelings of itchiness, tingling, pins and needles, burning, or even pain. Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging for Women's Health Issues, 5 Supplements That Support Healthy Vision. While many people have itching of the skin, formication is a rare condition that very few people may have. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Is There a Link Between HLA–Cw6 and Psoriasis? What causes serious trouble apart from the weird and annoying sensation, is that people start scratching their skin vigorously, when they suffer from Formication. If you are going through menopause, a support group can be helpful. Sometimes, fibromyalgia is also a cause behind formication. Get To Know What Possibly Could Be Causing Your Symptoms! Start your 14-day free trial now! I’ve also read that acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can help, so you might explore these options. Singles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that leads to … [7], Abnormal sensation that bugs are crawling on or under the skin, "INVISIBLE ITCHES: Insect and Non-Insect Causes", "Neurotoxicological effects and the mode of action of pyrethroid insecticides", "Neurologic manifestations of chronic methamphetamine abuse", https://www.healthline.com/health/formication#diagnosis, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Formication&oldid=987325349, Symptoms and signs: Cognition, perception, emotional state and behaviour, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2019, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 6 November 2020, at 08:49. Since in fibromyalgia, the brain doesn’t interpret or process the signals or sensations properly, a tingling, itching and crawling sensation is often experienced by many. Formication also occurs in alcoholism and can be a symptom of drug toxicity, particularly from overuse of cocaine and amphetamines. Sometimes, severe itching also occurs among menopausal women. Formication is a sub-category of paresthesia, or sensations in the skin which may include burning, itching, tingling, numbness, warmth or cold. The symptoms are thought to be a manifestation of menopause, much like a hot flash, and the cause is believed to be a reaction of estrogen receptors in the skin to reduced levels of this hormone. When formication is perceived as itchiness, it may trigger the scratch reflex, and because of this, some people who experience the sensation are at risk of causing skin damage through excessive scratching. [2] Formication can be a result of stimulant intoxication or withdrawal (methamphetamine, cocaine,[4] MDMA aka ecstasy[5]) or alcohol withdrawal in alcoholics (i.e. The main symptom of formication is the sensation of bugs crawling on or underneath your skin. Doctors are at a loss. So, its major reasons include –. Though it can’t be said that menopause is a cause behind Formication, as menopause makes the skin dry and itchy, women may feel the sensation of ants or insects crawling on their arms and legs. In rare cases, individuals become convinced that the sensation is due to the presence of real insects on or under the skin. Dietary Do’s and Don’ts for Migraine Sufferers, Shirshasana (Headstand) Versus Inversion Therapy Using Inversion Table, Understanding Joint Pain and Tips to Get Relief Using Home Remedies, Erectile Dysfunction: Does Opioid Cause ED, Libido: Opioid Induced Female Sexual Dysfunction. The sensation can lead to … Formication is also a type of paresthesia which is defined as tingling dermal sensations. The word is derived from formica, the Latin word for ant. Our articles are resourced from reputable online pages. Not just the substance, alcohol or drugs, sometimes the prescribed medicines are also a reason behind Formication.