Stress may make the pain worse in some people. Similarly, if certain fabrics hurt the skin, a person can try clothing made of a different, less irritating material. But switching to a different type of brush or brushing it less frequently may be possible. It may not be possible to limit all the things that cause discomfort, but some changes may help.įor example, it might not be reasonable for someone to shave their head if brushing their hair hurts. Identifying and decreasing pain triggers as much as possible may also reduce symptoms. Quitting smoking can be beneficial on many levels, from improving circulation to decreasing inflammation.Īlthough living a healthful lifestyle will not cure allodynia, it can enhance overall health and help people with the condition cope more efficiently. Research shows that smokers experience more chronic pain than nonsmokers.
Some people might find that lifestyle changes, such as light exercise, a healthful diet, and getting enough sleep might help. Getting diabetes under good control can also be helpful. For example, preventing migraines or treating migraines straightaway can help reduce the risk of allodynia symptoms. Treating an underlying condition that is causing allodynia may also help. Over-the-counter, non-steroidal medicines may also be effective.Ĭomplementary approaches to pain management, such as acupuncture and massage, may not be tolerated as they involve touch and can lead to discomfort for a person with allodynia. Topical pain medications, such as creams and ointments containing lidocaine, may be helpful in some cases. It may also decrease pain in some people with allodynia. Pregabalin is a medication used to treat nerve pain associated with conditions, such as spinal cord injuries, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and shingles. Treatment is aimed at decreasing pain, using medications and lifestyle changes.
Recommended treatment will be based on the cause of the condition.Ĭurrently, there is no cure for allodynia. Share on Pinterest Topical creams may help to treat the symptoms of allodynia. People believe CRPS occurs due to problems with the nervous systems. Complex regional pain syndrome: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a long-term pain condition that tends to affect one limb, typically after the person injures the area.A recent study in rodents showed that low levels of NGF led to both hyperalgesia and allodynia. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is essential to the nervous system, and some experts have suggested that diabetes can lower NGF levels. Diabetes: Over time, diabetes can cause damage to nerves, increasing the likelihood that a person will develop allodynia.There also seems to be a connection between allodynia and fibromyalgia. The cause of fibromyalgia is not known, but there does appear to be a genetic link in some instances. Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a medical condition that causes widespread pain in the body.Shingles can cause damage to the nerve fibers, which leads to persistent nerve pain and is associated with allodynia. Postherpetic neuralgia: Postherpetic neuralgia is a complication of shingles, which is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox.According to the American Migraine Foundation, up to 80 percent of people experience symptoms of allodynia during a migraine. Migraines can also cause additional symptoms, such as nausea and sensitivity to sound and light. Migraines: Migraines can cause debilitating head pain, but a headache is often not the only symptom.Having one of the following medical conditions may also increase a person’s risk of developing allodynia. The exact cause of allodynia is not known.Īllodynia may occur due to increased responsiveness or malfunction of nociceptors, which are a particular type of nerve. Share on Pinterest Something as simple as hair being brushed may cause intense pain to someone with allodynia.