Yes, many MyLupusTeam members report that crawling, buzzing, or "bugs under the skin" sensations are very real and frustrating experiences. One MyLupusTeam member described waking up with a "terrible buzzing feeling all over, like crawling critters." So you're definitely not alone in this!
The nighttime timing is worth Show Full Answer
Yes, many MyLupusTeam members report that crawling, buzzing, or "bugs under the skin" sensations are very real and frustrating experiences. One MyLupusTeam member described waking up with a "terrible buzzing feeling all over, like crawling critters." So you're definitely not alone in this!
The nighttime timing is worth mentioning to your rheumatologist, as it could be a helpful clue in identifying the cause. With lupus, this crawling sensation (called paresthesia) can be triggered by a few different things:
- Nerve damage – Lupus can inflame tissues around nerves, causing them to send random signals like crawling or tingling
- Medication side effects – Some lupus medications like leflunomide or cyclosporine can affect the nervous system
- UV light exposure – Sun exposure during the day could potentially trigger symptoms that show up later at night
- A lupus flare – The crawling feeling can be a flare symptom
Keeping a simple log of when the sensation happens and any possible triggers can really help your doctor figure out what's going on and adjust your treatment plan if needed.
July 4