Why Do People with Fibromyalgia Get Itchy Skin?

People with fibromyalgia also grapple with a lesser known symptom, skin rash or itchy skin. At first thought, not many will relate itchy skin to the chronic pain disorder. However, skin rash and itch can indicate several medical ailments which are linked to fibromyalgia.

Various groups of researcher have conducted several separate studies to uncover the relationship between fibromyalgia and itchy skin. Here are a few theories behind fibromyalgia skin rash and itch.

An immunological reaction under the skin

Itchy skin or skin rash may arise due to an immunological reaction just under the skin surface. According to early research led by Dr X Caro from Southern California Fibromyalgia Treatment Centre, in Northbridge, CA, immune-reactive proteins found under the skin’s surface in fibromyalgia patients were responsible for skin sensitivities. These proteins are believed to have escaped through the usually bigger pores in blood vessels and are seen as foreign substances in the skin tissues. The body’s immunity react to attack these proteins just under the skin causing the appearance of rash or itch.

Skin microcirculation abnormalities

Skin rash and irritation may also result due to deformation in the microcirculation beneath the skin. Research led by Dr Sprott H, found evidence of distorted structure and function of microcirculation, comprising of capillaries and blood vessels, beneath the skin in patients with fibromyalgia especially near tender points. These abnormalities disturbs the flow of blood to the skin and may be responsible for skin irritation, rashes and queer sensations in the skin.

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