skin is extremely sensitive to touch. it. started after Covid

@ginaschra
Have you had a neurologist do a skin punch biopsy from thigh/ankle to check for small fiber neuropathy? Have you been tested for prediabetes or other viruses? Are you vitamin deficient?

Covid can affect your nervous system in many ways since it is a toxic and destructive spike protein. I started getting a sensitive scalp that would flare every now and then after Covid plus I had new breathing and heart/chest pain after the mRNA shot.

No I have not had the skin punch biopsy. I go for my regular checkup and will ask my dr about this. I am no longer pre diabetic. I am vitamin d deficient. Thanks for reaching out. I’ll keep you posted.

Skin sensitivity, especially to touch, is something I've experienced as part of my long COVID recovery. It could be caused by nerve dysfunction or inflammation triggered by the virus, and it's also been linked to MCAS, where mast cells become overly active, releasing histamine and other chemicals. This can lead to a variety of skin issues, such as burning, itching, or heightened sensitivity. In many cases, it's a combination of nerve irritation and immune system dysregulation that causes the skin to become more sensitive, even with slight touches. I’m a little over two years in and it still is happening here and there. I believe it’s MCAS.

I also have a very heavy load of mast cells with heightened allergies including skin sensitivities. It does help to take a Zyrtec every day to block histamine H1 receptors and some also take a Pepcid to block the H2 receptor. I have not been able to find a doc who specializes in Mast Cell Activation to see if there are other steps I can take.

@vostie I’m so sorry that you’re dealing With all the skin problems and Long Covid! I have a resource that you can use to, hopefully, find a doctor who knows MCAS.
NORD. National Organization for Rare Diseases. https://rarediseases.org/
GARD. Genetic and Rare Disease Organization. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/
Give them a call!

Thanks Becky - I will check with them. Very nice of you!

@itsmeagain
Yes I’ve had this extreme sensitivity for 4 years now. It’s constant and the slightest touch is terrible.
I’m pretty much bed bound and people getting me into bed or getting me dressed don’t always remember and I’m constantly having to remind them if my yelp doesn’t do it.
I’m going to have to address this with my neurologist. He just seems to want to stay on the Privigen ivig teatment and I think we need to try something else . Thanks

Hello 🙂
@itsmeagain
Especially thinking of you. I hope you have had success treating your awful symptoms< 3 I recently read your post and had to continually look at who had written it! I was certain I had written it because it describes 100% how I have been feeling since January 2024:( I have visited so many specialist (allergy, dermatology, rheumatology, neurology) all of which have stated they do not know what is causing my pain but are sorry. I had a punch biopsy but it was negative for small-fibers neuropathy (a comment question from another). My current PCP is just treating my pain with Cym**lta and Ly**ca. I am grateful but at times it does not help as much as I would hope. My life sadly has dramatically changed. I used to always be so busy; working and doing athletics. I am excitedly looking forward to attending the PRC in February at the Mayo in Rochester. But at the same time I just want to get better and try and stay hopeful I will but as the days continue my hope lessens. I am going to post and pray that you see this even though it has been so long so that we can help each other. Please write back:)

@topeanut
Have you seen a neurologist? They can be helpful. Mine recommended ivig treatments 4 years ago and they are helping, though not as much as I’d hoped. However we’ve determined that I need to continue with them as last year during hurricane season (I live in Florida) I fell behind in my schedule and backslid seriously. But that still isn’t enough. I’m still tied to a wheelchair or my bed.
I’m beginning to think prayer is the only solution and I’m going to keep at that.
It’s really a shame that medical science hasn’t been able to help us but perhaps that’s our lot in life.
Keep at it and pray and I’ll add you to my prayer list.
God bless.

@topeanut
I just remembered that my CIDP was determined by a spinal tap . And I remember reading that this was a good test for that.
My first one didn’t reveal much. Maybe the doctor didn’t do it right. I’ll be honest, it was extremely painful. But the second one, which was the determinant, was a breeze! Honestly. I guess it does depend on the doctor. This one was over before I realized it.
The neurologist can prescribe it.
I just don’t know how you find the right one.
Try it and good luck.