Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypes of Fibromyalgia RashCausesSelf-CareManaging Flares
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types of Fibromyalgia Rash
Causes
Self-Care
Managing Flares
Fibromyalgiais a complex medical condition that adversely affects those who have the condition in several ways. Certain skin conditions that cause skin rashes are common in people with fibromyalgia but are not specific symptoms of the condition. These rashes can vary in appearance and may be itchy.
This article will discuss what a fibromyalgia rash might be, what causes rashes more common in people with fibromyalgia, and how to relieve a rash.
Carol Yepes / Getty Images
What Is a Fibromyalgia Rash?
No specific rash is asymptom of fibromyalgia. But researchers have found that certain skin conditions are more likely to occur in people with fibromyalgia than in those who do not have fibromyalgia. These skin conditions include:
A small study from 2016 found various skin conditions to be more common in those with fibromyalgia. However, due to the size of the study, more research needs to be done to confirm its findings.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoLichen simplex chronicus on ankle.Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonenwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
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?
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. Mast cells are a type of white blood cell (WBC) found under the skin and in other areas. When there is an allergic response, mast cells release chemicals that cause flushing and itching.
Fibromyalgia medications may also be the cause of skin rashes. Many medications may cause itching and rashes. These medications and the type of skin rash they cause are:
Fibromyalgia and COVID-19COVID-19 and fibromyalgia are connected. 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.
Fibromyalgia and COVID-19
COVID-19 and fibromyalgia are connected. 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.
COVID-19 and fibromyalgia are connected. 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. Taking care of the skin with a self-care routine is an important step in maintaining the body’s largest organ, the skin. Here are a few ways to practice self-care with a fibromyalgia rash:
Managing Fibromyalgia Flares and Rash Symptoms
Fibromyalgia is a complex condition that can require several treatments. 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.
Since fibromyalgia does not cause tissue inflammation taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen), is generally not helpful in managing symptoms.
Summary
Fibromyalgia is a medical condition that causes pain, trouble sleeping, and many other possible symptoms, but a rash is not a symptom of fibromyalgia. 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.
Any new rash or symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider for a diagnosis and to develop a treatment plan. It is important to use good skin care when you have fibromyalgia.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kaya Erdogan H, Sas S, Acer E, Bulur I, Altunay IK, Erdem HR.Cutaneous findings in fibromyalgia syndrome and their effect on quality of life.Dermatologica Sinica. 2016;34(3):131-134. doi:10.1016/j.dsi.2016.01.006American 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/s10067-014-2488-3DermNet.Lichen simplex chronicus (neurodermatitis).Dost Surucu G, Inan Dogan E.Dermatological findings in fibromyalgia syndrome and their effects on quality of life, clinical findings, and depression.J CLIN EXP INVEST. 2022;13(1):em00791. doi:10.29333/jcei/11665Kepekci M.Dermatological findings in female and male fibromyalgia patients.Haydarpasa Numune Med J. 2020;60(3):241–245. doi:10.14744/hnhj.2018.98705National Cancer Institute.Mast cell.Yener M, Erturan I, Ceyhan AM, Inal EE, Kazanoglu OO.The evaluation of prevalence of fibromyalgia in patients with chronic urticaria.Med Sci Monit. 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.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kaya Erdogan H, Sas S, Acer E, Bulur I, Altunay IK, Erdem HR.Cutaneous findings in fibromyalgia syndrome and their effect on quality of life.Dermatologica Sinica. 2016;34(3):131-134. doi:10.1016/j.dsi.2016.01.006American 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/s10067-014-2488-3DermNet.Lichen simplex chronicus (neurodermatitis).Dost Surucu G, Inan Dogan E.Dermatological findings in fibromyalgia syndrome and their effects on quality of life, clinical findings, and depression.J CLIN EXP INVEST. 2022;13(1):em00791. doi:10.29333/jcei/11665Kepekci M.Dermatological findings in female and male fibromyalgia patients.Haydarpasa Numune Med J. 2020;60(3):241–245. doi:10.14744/hnhj.2018.98705National Cancer Institute.Mast cell.Yener M, Erturan I, Ceyhan AM, Inal EE, Kazanoglu OO.The evaluation of prevalence of fibromyalgia in patients with chronic urticaria.Med Sci Monit. 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.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Kaya Erdogan H, Sas S, Acer E, Bulur I, Altunay IK, Erdem HR.Cutaneous findings in fibromyalgia syndrome and their effect on quality of life.Dermatologica Sinica. 2016;34(3):131-134. doi:10.1016/j.dsi.2016.01.006American 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/s10067-014-2488-3DermNet.Lichen simplex chronicus (neurodermatitis).Dost Surucu G, Inan Dogan E.Dermatological findings in fibromyalgia syndrome and their effects on quality of life, clinical findings, and depression.J CLIN EXP INVEST. 2022;13(1):em00791. doi:10.29333/jcei/11665Kepekci M.Dermatological findings in female and male fibromyalgia patients.Haydarpasa Numune Med J. 2020;60(3):241–245. doi:10.14744/hnhj.2018.98705National Cancer Institute.Mast cell.Yener M, Erturan I, Ceyhan AM, Inal EE, Kazanoglu OO.The evaluation of prevalence of fibromyalgia in patients with chronic urticaria.Med Sci Monit. 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.
Kaya Erdogan H, Sas S, Acer E, Bulur I, Altunay IK, Erdem HR.Cutaneous findings in fibromyalgia syndrome and their effect on quality of life.Dermatologica Sinica. 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).
Dost Surucu G, Inan Dogan E.Dermatological findings in fibromyalgia syndrome and their effects on quality of life, clinical findings, and depression.J CLIN EXP INVEST. 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):241–245. doi:10.14744/hnhj.2018.98705
National Cancer Institute.Mast cell.
Yener M, Erturan I, Ceyhan AM, Inal EE, Kazanoglu OO.The evaluation of prevalence of fibromyalgia in patients with chronic urticaria.Med Sci Monit. 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.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
