What Causes A Crawling Sensation Under The Skin?

Posted on Wed, 8 Jul 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 7 Jul 2015 Answered on

Wed, 29 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : This morning I was awakened by the sensation of something crawling under my skin in a very specific area of the pubic region. The only other sign was two tiny red dots at the base of hairs. I've felt that same feeling occaionally two or three times this week. I have not felt it all day, otherwise.

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please attach clear images of the affected region if you don't mind ma'am

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. If you do not mind, please attach clear images of the affected region to our discussion for my evaluation.

I do have some information at hand with which I can work, but clear images of the region will provide me with a little more information to help you in a more accurate manner.

I look forward to hearing from you in order to help you further.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (16 hours later)

If I use my cell phone for a photo, where do I send it?

I haven't gotten an answer to my question, but so far, the symptom has not returned. I hope that you will tell me where to send a cell phone photo so, if symptoms do return, I'll know what to do. And I trust that, if it doesn't happen in two days, but takes longer, I can send you the image you requested and take it from there.

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
My sincere apologies for the delay, was really busy at the hospital today

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

There is n option somewhere in our discussion here for you to attach images, as I do not see the same thing you do due to being the one answering the question I cannot really explain where you can find it. But if you cannot, then you can also email the pictures to me at

YYYY@YYYY

But please also mention 'ATTN: Dr. Shoaib Khan' in the subject line.

Yes of course ma'am, I am always here to help. Please forgive me for me delayed response as I got caught up in the hospital; yes please do send me the image if your symptoms do re-appear. But so far with the information at hand, I suspect a condition called folliculitis which usually takes place with hair follicles or hair in regions like the armpits, the back, the groin (pubic region), inner thighs, etc; mainly due to the friction and the fact that the most amount of dirt and sweat accumulates in those regions.

So please do apply a warm compress and also expect this to reappear when you shave or remove hair from the region.

I am always here to help, so please do not hesitate to write to me again. :)

Best wishes ma'am.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (4 hours later)

Thanks for your reply. So far, still no symptoms. Your tentative diagnosis makes sense. Except for the feeling of something crawling around. I'll be in touch if it comes back.

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explanation provided ma'am, pls keep in touch

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

The sensation of something crawling around is purely due to the thin layer of fat, and tissue above the pubic region. The changes (mostly inflammation) of the hair follicles in the region can easily be felt due to that, and so it gives out a sensation of something developing or even something crawling.

Please keep in touch and do not ever hesitate to write to me about anything ma'am, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar