Fibromyalgia and skin problems – new study

A study that looked at skin problems in people with fibromyalgia has found that no single diagnosis is over-represented, other than an increase in sweating.

Data from a group of 885 people with fibromyalgia from a tertiary referral centre was analysed. Problems identified included hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) in 270 (32%), burning sensation of the skin or mucous membranes in 29 (3.4%) and various unusual cutaneous sensations in 14 (1.7%). Pruritus without identified cause was noted by 28 patients (3.3%), with another 16 people (1.9%) reporting neurotic excoriations, prurigo nodules or lichen simplex chronicus. Some form of dermatitis other than neurodermatitis was found in 77 patients (9.1%).

So while people with fibromyalgia may have skin-related symptoms associated with their fibromyalgia, no single diagnosis stands out, other than the increase in sweating.