https://www.lymedisease.org/allodynia-feels-like-sand-paper/?utm_source=sept+16%2C+2017

Allodynia feels like sand paper rubbing across a sunburn

By Sophia Galpin

Allodynia is pain produced by a non-painful stimulus–something that shouldn’t normally cause you pain such as wind or light touch.

Usually, when you hurt yourself, whether it be from a burn on a hot oven or if you fall over and scrape your knee, your brain receives a pain signal. These painful sensations are interpreted by our nocireceptors (specialized nerves where pain signals originate).

In patients with allodynia, however, those receptors are being triggered incorrectly. They react to stimuli that for most people are harmless and shouldn’t cause a pain response.

What does it feel like? Like having really bad sunburn all the time. And when clothes, sheets, or people touch you, it feels like sand paper rubbing across your sunburn. Even other people’s hair touching you feels sore.

There are 3 types of allodynia

Tactile allodynia (pain caused by something touching your skin, i.e., when brushing your hair, shaving or showering or even being in a light gust of wind).

Dynamic mechanical allodynia (pain caused by movement across the skin such as stroking or massage)
Thermal allodynia (mild heat or cold temperatures causing pain)
When I last posted, I was suffering from all three types of allodynia from the waist down. That alone was incredibly difficult to manage. I have since traveled to America and back, and had many months of intensive Lyme disease treatment. This caused an almighty flare which has not receded, and I now have all three types all over my body. The severity has also increased.

I made a video for Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May this year highlighting some of the ways allodynia now affects my life:

More at the link: https://www.lymedisease.org/allodynia-feels-like-sand-paper/?utm_source=sept+16%2C+2017

Many Blessings,
CrystalRiver