When Your Skin Feels Too Sensitive: Understanding Hyperesthesia Through a Mind-Body Lens
Have you ever felt like your skin is on high alert, where even light touch, clothing, or temperature changes feel unusually intense? This heightened sensitivity is called hyperesthesia, a form of sensory amplification that affects millions of people. At Well Mind Body, we frequently see clients experiencing sensory overwhelm as a result of stress, chronic illness, inflammation, or nervous system dysregulation.
Hyperesthesia is not “in your head.” It’s a real neurobiological response that reflects how closely the mind and body are connected, and how deeply the nervous system responds to overwhelm, illness, and inflammation.
What Is Hyperesthesia?
Hyperesthesia refers to an increased sensitivity to touch or sensory input, often leaving clients feeling overwhelmed by sensations that would normally be tolerable. Many describe their skin as “buzzing or burning,” or note that “everything feels too sharp.” Even a gentle touch can feel like too much, and everyday sensations, like clothing brushing against the skin, may become intensely irritating. These symptoms often overlap with neuropathic pain, central sensitization, and sensory processing sensitivity, all of which reflect a nervous system under stress (Yap et al., 2021). Hyperesthesia occurs when the peripheral nerves or central nervous system become sensitized, causing the brain to interpret normal sensations as intense or threatening.
Why Does Hyperesthesia Happen?
Many systems in the body influence sensory processing. When any of these systems become imbalanced, the nervous system’s “volume knob” gets turned up.
Chronic Stress & Trauma
Stress and trauma activate pathways that heighten sensory signals, leading to increased pain and touch sensitivity (McEwen & Stellar, 2022).
Infections & Immune Activation
Lyme disease, viral infections, post-viral syndromes, autoimmune disorders, and mast cell activation can all trigger neuropathic symptoms like burning, tingling, and touch sensitivity (Bransfield, 2018).
Mold Exposure & Biotoxin Illness
Exposure to water-damaged buildings and biotoxins can irritate the nervous system, creating hypersensitivity and paresthesias (Shoemaker et al., 2021).
Nutrient Deficiencies
Low B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3s can impair nerve function and increase sensitivity (O’Connor & Neugebauer, 2020).
Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation
Conditions like dysautonomia, POTS, and chronic burnout can alter how the nervous system processes sensory information, creating heightened sensitivity.
How Hyperesthesia Feels in the Body
Hyperesthesia can involve a range of sensations, including burning, tingling or buzzing, skin tenderness, pain from even light touch, temperature sensitivity, and discomfort from clothing, and it may also extend to sound or light sensitivity when central sensitization is involved. These symptoms often intensify during periods of stress, illness, perimenopause, poor sleep, or overall nervous system dysregulation.
A Mind-Body Approach to Relief
At Well Mind Body, we take an integrative approach to nervous system symptoms, blending mind-body therapies, functional wellness, and trauma-informed care.
Nervous System Regulation Practices
Somatic grounding
Vagus nerve stimulation
Slow breathing
Gentle movement
Anti-Inflammatory & Nutrient Support
Magnesium, omega-3s, and B vitamins can help calm neuroinflammation and support nerve function.
Restoring Safety in the Body
Healing begins when the body experiences a felt sense of safety. Integrative psychotherapy helps regulate sensory pathways and reduce hypersensitivity over time.
You’re Not Alone in This
If you’re experiencing hyperesthesia or sensory overwhelm, please know you are not alone and there are supportive clinicians at Well Mind Body here to help you navigate this with compassion and expertise. We understand the mind-body connection and can help you identify the root causes while restoring nervous system balance.
Learn more or book a session at www.wellmindbody.co.
