Why does it feel like tiny things or bugs are crawling all over me?

Question

So after months of not washing my comforter (two months of which the comforter wasn't moved or slept in), I come home and begin to feel things crawling up and down my scalp, legs, thighs, arms, armpits, neck, hands (fingers too), chest, feet, pubic area, back, face (especially in the nose and eyebrows), basically everywhere. I've noticed that it's usually only in the areas with hair. These sensations last the entire day, but they worsen while I'm in bed. It does not matter whether the blanket is covering the area or not, it will still feel like something is crawling. When I check, I am not able to see anything, even when I stare at the area for a while.

This sensation is not a whole mass, or army of bugs. It is only one to a few things crawling in an area or in different parts of the body. However, it's constant (every second, every minute, etc.)

A few days afterwards, I vacuum the carpet, I wash my comforter, bed sheet, pillow covers, pajamas, some things I've been in contact with, and take a really long hot shower, wash my hair, use body wash, etc. I go to bed and I can still feel the crawling.

My parents are too cheap to have me see a doctor or dermatologist or neurologist (they're expensive, and sometimes they don't help at all, but charge you $75 for a visit, and what with gas prices..)

I have browsed the internet and this site and I don't know what my exact problem could be. Possible ones:

- Parasites (bird mites, dust mites, eggs, etc.)

- Something that could develop into a rash later on

- Nerves (causing my hair to stand on end, or send signals of bugs or crawling sensations?)

- My arm hair, leg hair rising up and down (but not because of the wind)

No, this is not restless leg syndrome.

No, I do not think it is lice or bed bugs, otherwise they would be visible.

No, I am not on drugs.

I don't think this is dry skin, I put lotion on my entire body and could still feel the crawling.

No, I am not imagining this or that it only occurs when I think about it. It happens 24/7, when I am doing other things and not entirely aware of my body.

If anyone could please direct me to some websites that might help me diagnose my problem, or is detailed about one of the possible ones (especially about my hair, I'm starting to think that it's regarding my body hair, and what causes this?). I have used a number of search terms, and I'm not sure what this could be, or if it's contagious.

Or if you're positive you know what I have, please tell me. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

try having better hygiene  .. and it is probably crabs !

Answer 2

crabs. learn how to wash your sheets

Answer 3

Quit doing drugs, ohh and also watch Oceans 13 you will see your problem

Answer 4

i think it just mite be in ur head or u need to see a doctor ur health is very important bc if it is crabs they can go inside ur v****a and strt eating ur ovurious then thaat could b a huge prob if u dont see a doctor!

Answer 5

I have the same exact problem. Everything that you mentioned is actually whats happening to me. BTW im not on drugs.

Answer 6

thats gross. probably the "bed bugs" they can be any number of microscopic insects.  you will have to see a dermatologist to get it fixed.  washing or cleaning things wont help because they have probably laid eggs on you and these will just hatch and they will continue the bug-walking-feeling.  or have you been smoking meth? if you have then thats probably it

Answer 7

One question - does it still happen when you are in a bath of hot water?

If so then the problem is hair.

You may have become hypersensitive and are feeling your individual hairs standing thus giving the feeling of bugs crawling all over you.

The body lotion you are using may either have caused the problem (in which case the simple fix is to change it), or it may be making a slight problem worse (the lotion may be 'holding' your hairs down so when they release you feel it as movement).

If you do develop a rash then definitely go see a doctor.

Answer 8

It really sounds like you do need to see a neurologist.  Like you have an underlying neurological problem.  Not saying you are nuts or anything, but that you have an underlying problem that ONLY a Dr can help.  If you can go to your family Dr, try to do that.  There is a possibility that they do have the knowledge of what is bothering you and it more than likely can be helped with a mild anti-depressant.  I know how miserable you are.  I hope you can find some relief soon.