If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. What is formication? Formication is the feeling of insects crawling across or underneath your skin. The name comes from the Latin word “formica,”which means ant. Formication is known as a type of paresthesia. Paresthesia happen when you feel sensations on your skin that don’t have a physical cause. Paresthesia can take many forms. These can include burning, tingling, or numbness. With formication, you might also describe the “crawling” sensation as feeling like “pins and needles.” Formication is also called a tactile hallucination. This means that you’re feeling a sensation that has no physical cause. Formication can be a symptom of several conditions. These conditions include fibromyalgia and Parkinson’s disease. Withdrawal from alcohol or drug use can also trigger formication.

What are the symptoms of formication? The main symptom of formication is the sensation of bugs crawling on or underneath your skin. This feeling also causes you to feel itchy. This can cause you to scratch your skin where you feel the sensation, even if there’s no actual cause of the itch. Constant scratching or picking to satisfy an itch can lead to skin damage and open cuts. These open cuts can get infected and lead to other conditions, such as skin ulcers or open wounds. Formication can happen at the same time as other symptoms, depending on the underlying cause. Other symptoms can include: aches around your entire body

feeling exhausted

feeling stiff

difficulty concentrating (often called “fibro fog” in the case of fibromyalgia)

shaking in hands or fingers, or tremors

moving slower over time, a symptom of bradykinesia

feeling depressed

feeling angry or agitated

How is formication diagnosed? At your appointment, your doctor will want to know: any other symptoms that you’ve noticed in addition to formication

what time of day the crawling sensations are most noticeable

what medications you’re taking and whether you noticed the sensations after you started taking those medication

any recreational psychoactive substances that you’re currently using Giving your doctor a full picture of your symptoms can help them recognize other indications of: an underlying condition

a reaction to medication

complications from drug use Formication symptoms are similar to those of scabies. This condition happens when tiny mites burrow into your skin and lay eggs. It’s important for your doctor to identify symptoms that may show that no actual insects are causing your symptoms.

How is formication treated? Treatment for formication depends on the cause. A long-term treatment plan may be necessary for fibromyalgia, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease to manage symptoms and complications. Radiation therapy may be effective for treating formication caused by skin cancer. In some cases, an antihistamine, such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may help reduce the crawling sensations. Take these right after the sensation starts to prevent acute itching episodes. Shop for Zyrtec and Benadryl. If formication is caused by using prescription or recreational drugs, quitting that drug may help stop the sensation completely. However, don’t stop using a prescription drug without first consulting your doctor. They may recommend an alternative medication that doesn’t cause formication in case you need that type of medication for another condition. Rehabilitation treatment can help you address addiction to drugs like cocaine or meth. Rehabilitation can also help you manage formication as a withdrawal symptom during your recovery from drug use. Many support groups for drug addiction exist. These can provide you with a community to share your experiences with as you cease drug use.

What are possible complications of formication? Complications from untreated conditions that cause formication, such as diabetic neuropathy or Lyme disease, include: cuts and wounds that heal slowly

loss of sensation

ulcers and abscesses

meningitis

heart disease

kidney disease

stroke Cuts, scabs, and open wounds from constant scratching are a common complication of formication due to the associated itching sensation. Bacterial or viral infections from these cuts can cause: pus or discharge from a wound

heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop (hemorrhage)

a fever of 101°F (38˚C) or higher

lockjaw

gangrene

sepsis Formication caused by neurological conditions or the use of psychoactive substances like ecstasy can lead to delusional parasitosis. This happens when you believe that actual insects are crawling on you.