Question: Is Chronic Nerve Pain Linked to Skin Changes?
Answer: Yes, some types of chronic nerve syndromes can cause changes in the skin. This is common in cases of peripheral nerve injury, or damage to the nerves that are outside the spinal cord and brain. These same nerves supply the organs, muscles and skin. If the nerves are damaged, they may no longer innervate (or supply) the skin adequately, which can cause it to change color or texture. It also can alter the way certain sensations, such as light touch and temperature, are felt.
Other symptoms of chronic nerve pain.
Some examples of nerve pain disorders that may cause skin changes include reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and peripheral (diabetic) neuropathy.
Sources:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Peripheral Neuropathy Fact Sheet. Accessed 2/20/10. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/peripheralneuropathy/detail_peripheralneuropathy.htm#115863208
