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Definition

Paresthesias are skin sensations, such as burning, numbness, itching, hyperesthesia (increased sensitivity) or tingling, with no apparent physical cause (idiopathic). The most common locations of paresthesias are the hands, arms, legs and feet, although paresthesias can occur anywhere on the body.

Additional Info

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There are many possible causes of paresthesia - too many to list here. Some examples include:

• Physical nerve damage.
• Inadequate blood supply to the affected region.
• Pressure on the spinal nerves (e.g. herniated disk, tumors).
• Carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive stress injuries.
• Various long-term medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, underactive thyroid, migraine headaches, multiple sclerosis).
• Transient ischemic attack (temporary and focal loss of cerebral function, "ministrokes").
• Stroke ("brain attack").
• Certain medications.
• Toxic action on nerves, such as that from lead, mercury or arsenic. See also poison and neurotoxin.

A common cause of unexplained skin irritation is getting chemicals on yourself without realizing it. For example, if a small amount of a substance was spilled and not cleaned up, someone might later rest their arm or hands on the spill area and be exposed without realizing it. In addition, those who are sensitized (allergic) or have chemical hypersensitivity can exhibit symptoms even on exposure to trace amounts of certain subtances.

If you notice any of the symptoms of paresthesia or have other unexplained medical issues, you should see your doctor for a physical examination and possible treatment.

Books Available

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• Paresthesia: A Revised and Updated Study Revised, Updated Edition", Hardcover, 102 pages, 2015. Estimated price $58.29. Info and/or order .
• "The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Paresthesia: A Revised and Updated Directory for the Internet Age", Paperback, 120 pages, 2002. Estimated price $28.95. Info and/or order .
• "Pick Your Poison: How Our Mad Dash to Chemical Utopia is Making Lab Rats of Us All", Hardcover, 256 pages, 2011. Estimated price $19.24. Info and/or order ILPI recommended.

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SDS Relevance

Paresthesias can appear on a Safety Data Sheet as a symptom of exposure to a number of toxic substances such as lead, mercury or arsenic, neurotoxicants, or skin irritants. These effects may or may not be reversible. Consult Section 11 (toxicological information) of the SDS for symptoms of exposure. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, aprons, goggles, dust masks etc. may be recommended in Section 8 (exposure controls/personal protection) of the SDS. Follow good chemical hygiene and clean up all spills promptly and completely.

Further Reading

• Numbness and tingling at NIH/NLM's MedLine Plus Medical Encyclopedia.
• The NIH's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke's Paresthesia Information Page.
• What Is Paresthesia? at Healthline.
• Paresthesias: A Practical Diagnostic Approach from Fam Pract. 1997,56 (9), pp 2253-2260.
• Causes of Tingling and Numbness (Paresthesia) at HealthHype.com.
• What is the best diagnostic approach to paresthesias of the hand? from Fam Pract. 2002,51(12), pp 1076-1078.
• Numbness (paresthesia and neuropathy) at the Autoimmunity Research Foundation.

See also: Irritant, sensitizer, urticaria.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

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