How to Get Rid of Fibromyalgia Rash on Your Skin ?

How Does Fibromyalgia Cause Rashes?

Fibromyalgia is not just a musculoskeletal condition, meaning it doesn't just affect the muscles and joints. However, hardly few recognise the fact that fibromyalgia is a systemic condition, and not limited to just the muscles and joints. To understand this, you must be aware of the common causes of fibromyalgia. Eventhough the exact cause could not be pointed out yet, some of the enlisted factors are;

• Genetic
• Environmental
• Neurological

Whatever the cause maybe, one of the main features of this condition is systemic inflammation - inflammation that has spread throughout the body. 

Why Does the Body Go into an Inflammatory State?

Inflammation is actually your body's response to any injury, be it mild or severe. But in case of fibromyalgia, this inflammatory response in the body becomes dysregulated or uncontrolled. It is just like the absence of an automated switch that can stop the flow of water in a pipeline when your water tank is filled.

So, now your body experiences a chronic-low grade inflammation, which eventually spreads throughout the body, ultimately reaching the skin.

Here, the answer you must know to stop this condition from harming your body is, what causes the inflammation to be triggered?

Some of them are;

• Overactive nerve cells that release pain-producing chemicals.
• Activated immune cells release pro-inflammatory chemicals like cytokines.
• Disrupted hormonal regulation like cortisol and serotonin.
• Altered gut microbiome.
• Free radicals in your blood and cells damage the body tissues.
• Exposure to some environmental toxins and infections.
• Poor diet with high levels of sugar and processed food that does not allow your body to balance its chemical reactions.

With these, the whole body system is disturbed, and it is difficult to function well. 

Neurological Dysfunction Causing Rash

Fibbromyalgia has a significant effect on the nerve cells that send different kinds of signals in your body. One of them is the sensation of touch, pain and temperature. Now, with the extensive damage caused by inflammation in the body, affecting nerve cells, these sensations are altered. 

• Sometimes you feel an increased sensation of itching or pain which makes you want to repeatedly itch your skin without the presence of an identified rash.When you itch your skin repeatedly, it will cause redness and injury in the area. 
• Moreover, a disrupted immune system and inflammation are also a cause of an increased probability of rash on your skin.

Several studies have investigated the relationship between fibromyalgia and skin rashes. 

A study published in the journal "Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology" examined the prevalence of skin abnormalities in individuals with fibromyalgia. The researchers found that 32% of the participants had skin-related symptoms, including rashes, itching, and dryness. 

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Other Common Skin Conditions Associated with Fibromyalgia

It is not just rash; you may also see some other skin conditions when you suffer from fibromyalgia.

1. Dermatographism: This is commonly known among people as writing on the skin. If you have dermatographism, you will see raised lines or welts on your skin when something or someone touches, scratches or strokes you with a little pressure.

2. Chronic Urticaria : These are seen as hives on your skin. These are often painful bumps that come and go. You may see them more in the cold seasons.

3. Raynaud's Phenomenon: The condition makes your blood vessels in the extremities (fingers and toes) constrict in reaction to cold, stress and anxiety. You may see your body's reaction as the colour of your skin changing to white, blue or red.

Note: The above conditions do not always come with fibromyalgia but from other factors, too.

Symptoms and Variations of Fibromyalgia Rash

The symptoms of fibromyalgia rash can come anywhere from the face to the legs. You may experience;

• Itching
• Tenderness
• Increased sensitivity to touch
• Redness
• Burning sensation

These symptoms may vary  from one person to another. Some may not even experience any kind of discomfort with fibromyalgia rash.

What Does Your Bioenergy Go Through in Fibromyalgia Rash - An Ayurvedic View

According to Ayurveda, Fibromyalgia results from imbalances in the three doshas - Vata, Kapha, and Pitta. 

Rashes are a characteristic reflection of severe imbalance in the Pitta dosha. It is when Pitta dosha is excessively disturbed; the skin shows symptoms such as redness, burning pain, bumps and other reactions such similar to dermatographism.

The occurrence of rashes is not just a superficial occurrence but due to problems with the whole body's metabolism. 

That is why, to eliminate these accumulated toxins and avoid them reaching your skin, Ayurveda encourages detoxification therapy.

At Nirva, the treatment for Fibromyalgia rash often involves a combination of herbal remedies, Ayurvedic oil massages and baths, lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, meditation, and yoga or pranayama practices. 

Treatment and Self-Care Options for Fibromyalgia Rash

When you get a fibromyalgia rash, the first aim of treatment is to reduce the acute symptoms. Then, the goal is to overcome the root cause: fibromyalgia.

1. Topical Applications for Rash

• You can use topical creams that contain anti-inflammatory substances or antihistamines. Some of the herbal anti-inflammatory creams may contain turmeric, neem and mint. You can also apply a paste of turmeric to help reduce your rash immediately.
• Applying regular moisturisers will help reduce itchiness. Choose products made from aloe vera and mint leaves.
• You can also use ayurvedic oils regularly - eladi oil, nalpamaradi oil - to overcome increased sensitivity of skin.

2. Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle and environmental changes are of utmost importance in overcoming fibromyalgia rash.

• Practise stress reduction techniques that can prevent triggering the inflammation. 
• Get good sleep to promote relaxation and balance and reduce oxidative damage to your nerve cells.
• Consume a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins. 
• Get enough hydration to maintain skin health.
• Avoid triggers like skin care products that contain chemicals, exposure to environmental pollutants, and skin irritation from clothing.

To Conclude

Knowing the reality of the systemic involvement of fibromyalgia can help a lot in making the best health decisions. Preventing triggers and practising detoxifying methods can help you get rid of both the rashes and fibromyalgia at its root.

The approach needs a deeper understanding of individual and personalised care.

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