Cutaneous dysesthesia
Cutaneous dysesthesia is one or more abnormal sensations that occur in the absence of primary cutaneous findings or stimuli and often includes sensations such as pruritus, tingling, burning, allodynia, hyperaesthesia, or anaesthesia (1,2):
- occurs in the absence of any extraordinary stimulus or other primary cutaneous disorders, excluding any delusions or tactile hallucinations (2)
- aetiology and pathogenesis of various generalized dysesthesias is largely unknown, though many dysesthesias have been associated with systemic pathologies including malignancy, infection, autoimmune disorders, and neuropathies
There is evidence that this symptom may occur after using GLP-1 agonists (3).
Reference:
- Labib A, Burke O, Nichols A, Maderal AD. Approach to diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of generalized and nonlocal dysesthesia: A review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023 Dec;89(6):1192-1200.
- Hauptman M et al. Idiopathic cutaneous dysesthesia and the importance of multidisciplinary management. JOID 2025; 1 (1).
- Ahern S. Allodynia and Dysesthesia Associated With Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. Cureus. 2025 Oct 8;17(10):e94126.
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