Refers to sensation that resembles that of small insects crawling on or under ,the skin.
A form of sensations known as paresthesias.
May cause feelings of itchiness, tingling, pins and needles, burning, or even pain.
May trigger the scratch reflex, at risk of causing skin damage through excessive scratching.
Rarely, some patients believe this sensation is comes from real insects experiencing delusional parasitosis..
Causes include normal states such as menopause, pesticide exposure, diabetic neuropathy, skin cancer, syphilis, Lyme disease, high fever or herpes zoster.
Can be experienced during high fevers. and ascent to altitude.
May be related to drug side effects from methylphenidate, dextro/levo-amphetamine and eszopiclone.
May be related to withdrawal of opioids, amphetamines, and alcohol,