These rashes can vary in appearance and may be itchy.
Carol Yepes / Getty Images
What Is a Fibromyalgia Rash?
No specific rash is asymptom of fibromyalgia.
Carol Yepes / Getty Images
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
What Causes Rashes and Skin Symptoms in Fibromyalgia?
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
The cause of fibromyalgia rashes is not well-known, but researchers have found potential mechanisms for the rash.
One possible cause is the immune system.
There is an increase of mast cells on the skin in people with fibromyalgia.
When there is an allergic response, mast cells release chemicals that cause flushing and itching.
They respond more actively to mechanical or chemical stimulation.
They can also trigger skin inflammation by their actions.
Fibromyalgia medications may also be the cause of skin rashes.
Many medications may cause itching and rashes.
Some people who had COVID-19 had symptoms, like unexplained pain,for months after the infection.
This is a symptom of fibromyalgia, and some of these people met the clinical criteria for fibromyalgia diagnosis.
People who already had fibromyalgia may have been especially vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The isolation and stress during the pandemic could cause depression and anxiety.
It also could have affected sleep and mood, which are all symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Self-Care With a Fibromyalgia Rash
People withfibromyalgiacan have sensitive skin that is prone to rashes.
People who experience fibromyalgia flares and rashes should report new symptoms to healthcare providers.
There are no specific guidelines for treating fibromyalgia rashes.
However, the following treatments are common in managing fibromyalgia.
Antidepressants like tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, andanticonvulsantsare used to help manage fibromyalgia symptoms.
However, people with fibromyalgia are more prone to a couple of different types of rashes.
They have an increased risk of developing hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).
This can lead to soft or cracked skin that is at risk for fungal or bacterial infections.
They also have an increased risk of the itchy lichen simplex chronicus rash.
It is important to use good skin care when you have fibromyalgia.
2016;34(3):131-134. doi:10.1016/j.dsi.2016.01.006
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hyperhidrosis: signs and symptoms.
Laniosz V, Wetter DA, Godar DA.Dermatologic manifestations of fibromyalgia.Clin Rheumatol.
2014;33(7):1009-1013. doi:10.1007/s10067-014-2488-3
DermNet.Lichen simplex chronicus (neurodermatitis).
2022;13(1):em00791.
doi:10.29333/jcei/11665
Kepekci M.Dermatological findings in female and male fibromyalgia patients.Haydarpasa Numune Med J.
2020;60(3):241245. doi:10.14744/hnhj.2018.98705
National Cancer Institute.Mast cell.
2013;19:757-761. doi:10.12659/msm.889626.
Food and Drug Administration.Medication guide Cymbalta.
Food and Drug Administration.Lyrica prescribing information.
UpToDate.Patient education: fibromyalgia (beyond the basics).
London Pain Clinic.How to treat skin rashes in fibromyalgia.
