Notalgia paresthetica is not a disease but is a common condition that produces sudden change in sensation of the skin region located below the shoulder blade or mid back region. This condition is often under-recognized and is sometimes felt with pain or altered sensation. The skin surface on this area can change its normal color due to repeated scratching or sometimes causing colored mark on the skin. It can be also described as sensory neuropathic syndrome affecting the mid back region.
Change in the normal sensation of skin area below the shoulder blade is noted when tested with heat or pinprick. Exact cause of notalgia paresthetica is not known. Mild form of skin pigmentation can be treated with local anesthetic creams and sensory correction can also be done. In severe cases of cervical spasms surgery is done.
Symptoms :
Signs and symptoms are not noted for notalgia paresthetica. Itchy feeling with pain is felt on the mid back skin region. For some people, it can cause burning pain and tenderness due to the development of hyperpigmented patches in the skin. Small circular patches like eczema and secondary skin infections may develop in some cases. The patient may not be able to feel the sensation of heat or cold or even sweat on this area due to localized tanning of skin. The condition of NP can become chronic (persistent) in most of the cases. There would be period of remissions (without any symptoms) followed by flaring. It would be a nuisance and discomfort for the affected person.