From the Research
Formication is a tactile hallucination that creates the sensation of insects crawling on or under the skin when no actual insects are present, often associated with substance withdrawal, psychiatric disorders, or as a side effect of certain medications, and its treatment should focus on addressing the underlying cause rather than the sensation itself. This condition can be described as feeling like ants or other small bugs moving across the skin's surface or just beneath it. The causes of formication are varied and include:
- Substance withdrawal, particularly from alcohol, cocaine, or methamphetamine
- Certain psychiatric disorders, such as delusional infestation
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Parkinson's disease
- Menopause
- Side effects of some medications, including anti-Parkinsonian agents, antidepressants, and antihypertensives 1 The sensation of formication occurs due to abnormal nerve firing or neurotransmitter imbalances that trick the brain into perceiving stimuli that aren't actually there, similar to other types of hallucinations but specifically affecting the sense of touch. It is essential to address the underlying cause of formication, and treatment may involve adjusting medication dosages, switching medications, or undergoing proper medical detoxification for withdrawal-related cases. Additionally, patients experiencing formication should avoid scratching to prevent skin damage and infection, and instead use cool compresses or moisturizers to soothe the skin, as suggested by studies on delusional parasitosis and formication 2, 3, 4, 5.