What's causing the itching, crawling sensations, and painful shower water feeling with heat and redness in lupus?
These sensations are actually really common with lupus, and you're definitely not alone. Many MyLupusTeam members describe very similar experiences. There are a few possible reasons this is happening. Possible Show Full Answer
What's causing the itching, crawling sensations, and painful shower water feeling with heat and redness in lupus?
These sensations are actually really common with lupus, and you're definitely not alone. Many MyLupusTeam members describe very similar experiences. There are a few possible reasons this is happening. Possible causes include:
- Skin lupus (cutaneous lupus) — Lupus can make skin highly sensitive, causing itching, burning, and reactions to everyday stimuli like water or heat
- Nerve sensitivity (peripheral neuropathy) — Lupus can affect nerves, leading to pins-and-needles, crawling, or burning sensations
- The "crawling bug" feeling (formication) — This is when the brain misreads touch signals, creating a sensation of something crawling on the skin
- Medication side effects — Some lupus medications can cause tingling, itching, or crawling sensations as side effects
- Hot water — Heat from showers can strip moisture from already-sensitive skin, triggering redness, itching, and burning Some things that may help:
- Switch to lukewarm or cool showers instead of hot
- Keep showers shorter and pat skin dry gently rather than rubbing
- Apply a gentle, hypoallergenic moisturizer right after showering
- Talk to your rheumatologist about whether medications could be contributing
It's worth bringing all of these symptoms up with your doctor, especially the heat and redness, so they can help pinpoint the exact cause and find the right relief for you. 🌿
June 14
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