Abnormal sensation that bugs are crawling on or under the skin
Not to be confused with Fornication.
Medical condition
Formication
Specialty
Psychiatry, neurology
Formication is the sensation resembling that of small insects crawling on (or under) the skin, in the absence of actual insects. It is one specific form of a set of sensations known as paresthesias, which also include the more common prickling, tingling sensation known as pins and needles. Formication is a well-documented symptom which has numerous possible causes. The word is derived from formica, the Latin word for ant.
Formication may sometimes be experienced as feelings of itchiness, tingling, pins and needles, burning, or even pain. When formication is perceived as itchiness, it may trigger the scratch reflex, and, because of this, some people who experience the sensation are at risk of causing skin damage through excessive scratching.
In some cases, static electricity can attract particulates to the skin and can also cause body hair to move, giving a sensation like insects crawling over the skin.[1] However, in many cases no external trigger creates the sensation.
In rare cases, individuals become convinced the sensation is due to the presence of real insects on or under the skin. Such patients have what is known as delusional parasitosis. They believe their skin is inhabited by, or under attack by, small insects or similar parasites, despite repeated reassurances from physicians, pest control experts, and entomologists.[2]
^Potter, Mike. "INVISIBLE ITCHES: Insect and Non-Insect Causes". ENTFACT-58. University of Kentucky. Retrieved 2013-12-13.
^Hinkle, Nancy C (2000). "Delusory Parasitosis" (PDF). American Entomologist. 46 (1): 17–25. doi:10.1093/ae/46.1.17. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-10-21.
Formication is the sensation resembling that of small insects crawling on (or under) the skin, in the absence of actual insects. It is one specific form...
infestation is present. They usually report tactile hallucinations known as formication, a sensation resembling insects crawling on or under the skin. Morgellons...
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infested with parasites). For example, excessive cocaine use can lead to formication, nicknamed "cocaine bugs" or "coke bugs", where the affected people believe...
tactile sensations (including those kinds classed as paresthesia or formication). Sometimes there is synesthesia; many people report seeing a flash of...
sensation that resembles small insects crawling on or under the skin (formication); skin discoloration (pink cheeks, fingertips and toes); swelling; and...
formication, is the sensation of insects crawling underneath the skin and is frequently associated with prolonged cocaine use. However, formication may...
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hallucinations that support the delusional beliefs. Delusional parasitosis with formication ("cocaine bugs") is also a fairly common symptom. Cocaine-induced psychosis...
arms, and upper torso Sensation of tiny insects crawling over the skin (formication) Mottled or marbled skin usually around the shoulders, upper chest and...
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individuals with delusional parasitosis are infested with collembola. Formication – Abnormal sensation that bugs are crawling on or under the skin Morgellons –...
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pruritus (itch). Feeling, a perceptual state of conscious experience. Formication, a sensation that resembles that of small insects crawling on or under...
by attacking those who doubt their condition". Culture-bound syndrome Formication Fringe medicine Jay Traver List of topics characterized as pseudoscience...
uncontrollable picking in users. These drugs can create the sensation of formication, which feels like something is crawling on or under the skin. Thus, excoriation...
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disorders. Many of these symptoms are characteristic of metallic poisoning: formication, edema, and weakness of the extremities, later leading to infected boils...
arms, and upper torso Sensation of tiny insects crawling over the skin (formication) Mottled or marbled skin or subcutaneous crepitation, usually around...
Sunday Plaid Psapp Sofalofa A Hawk and a Hacksaw Stendec) The Buoys Now Formication The Voom Blooms Little Man Tate Gravenhurst Mr Hudson & The Library Joan...
coordination problems, unexplained hair loss, involuntary muscle twitching, formication (a sensation that feels like small insects crawling under the skin),...
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