That Awful Fingernail Thing

August 12, 2010 10:38 AM

You know that awful shivery feeling you get when your fingernails brush against certain paper or metal surfaces? That's happening to me frequently now, even when I'm not touching anything. What could it be, what should I do?

For the past few weeks I've started getting that feeling in anticipation of touching any paper or metal surfaces, even familiar ones. Or even when I'm not touching anything at all, my skin suddenly starts crawling at the thought of it and I become loathe to touch anything. The fingernails themselves don't feel more sensitive to pain or touch, but it's like I have a whole new awareness attached to the edges of them. Even the sensation of biting them (like I habitually do) freaks me out a bit now. I can't tell if it's psychosomatic or what.

So what do I do? Doctor? CBT? Start wearing gloves?

posted by hermitosis to Health & Fitness (19 answers total)

Response by poster: Should mention: I'm not on any medications, except for Loratadine. In the last month or so I started a new job in an office environment. My diet hasn't changed much that I can tell.
posted by hermitosis at 10:42 AM on August 12, 2010

I have no answer to this, but I am glad to know I am not the only person who has this reaction.
posted by moitz at 10:43 AM on August 12, 2010

Do you mostly notice it when you're not super-occupied or busy? I used to get this, only instead of tacticle issues it was auditory (squeaking polystyrene). I'd suggest focusing on relaxation and stress-reduction first, as well as making sure that you're keeping your mind busy enough. If that doesn't work, maybe look into CBT.
posted by infinitywaltz at 10:45 AM on August 12, 2010

I'm this way with polarfleece fiber. I've had no ill effects but wear wool instead and try to always touch possibly polarfleece-y things with the, uh, non-nail parts of the tips of my fingers.
posted by mdonley at 10:48 AM on August 12, 2010

What is this office environment like? Common triggers of stress reactions at the office are micromanaging bosses, perfectionist coworkers, trainers who are in touch too frequently, rules you're not used to, etc.

Any of that? I've had a little personal experience with this area so I thought I'd ask.
posted by circular at 11:03 AM on August 12, 2010

Ugh. I used to feel the exact same way when I worked in an office. Touching paper gave me the willies. I assumed that it was because I'm unused to being inside in a closed environment with dry, recycled, freezing air conditioning. Constant reapplication of hand-cream and drinking lots of water helped.
posted by freshwater_pr0n at 11:09 AM on August 12, 2010 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: The quarters are closer than I'm used to, but aside from the natural period of adjustment to someone else's space and rules, I'm not uncomfortable. I've been getting more A/C and caffeine than I ever got working from home, don't know if that makes a difference.
posted by hermitosis at 11:10 AM on August 12, 2010

I had a similar tiny-little-neurological-weirdness issue a few months ago - taking a daily multivitamin, staying well-hydrated and getting enough sleep for a week cleared it RIGHT UP. Definitely can't hurt, might help.
posted by julthumbscrew at 11:11 AM on August 12, 2010

"Tingly" feelings are listed among the effects of an overdose of Loratadine.

As are seizures. If you have a history of seizure, I'd think about talking to my doctor about this.
posted by jamjam at 11:17 AM on August 12, 2010

How's your sleep? Lack of proper sleep can make you more irritable and sensitive to stimuli. When I don't sleep well I get something like you describe.
posted by damn dirty ape at 11:30 AM on August 12, 2010

I've had this happen if my hands get really dry. Bring some lotion to the office with you and use it often- see if that helps. Fingerless gloves might also help until it passes.
posted by Eicats at 12:29 PM on August 12, 2010

Reading this gave me the same sensation and sent real shivers up my spine. Now my fingernails feel very uncomfortable.
posted by multiphrenic at 12:33 PM on August 12, 2010 [1 favorite]

I get this just thinking of the noises that make me crazy (feet on sheets! knives being sharpened!). I think it is pretty normal. Unless it is making you unable to leave your house, I'd not worry about it.
posted by dame at 12:39 PM on August 12, 2010

Oh I see it is starting to interfere. You could probably CBT yourself out of it; I wouldn't pay anyone for it. The problem seems to be the anticipation, right? Because thinking of it *does* give you those feelings even if you aren't touching anything, just as it does for anyone. So the idea is breaking the anticipation.
posted by dame at 12:43 PM on August 12, 2010

I find that my tics all manifest when I'm not controlling my seizures well.
posted by mce at 1:01 PM on August 12, 2010 [1 favorite]

if you haven't in the last 6 months, have your blood work done by your PCP. sometimes if your levels are out of wack, you can have weird reactions.
posted by UltraD at 1:10 PM on August 12, 2010

agree with multiphrenic. Suddenly I started becoming hyper-aware of sensations in my fingernails and cringing at that feeling you described. What I usually do to try to rid myself of that feeling (or THOUGHT of that feeling) is to rub/scratch my nails on something pleasant but still with friction - like fabric or on each other. I keep doing it until the memory of the gross feeling is replaced.
posted by pinksoftsoap at 1:35 PM on August 12, 2010

I really think it's the caffeine. You may be overstimulated and on edge, which sets off those feelings more readily. I will say that I'm always that way, though. For me it's tent-type materials (uuuuuggggghhhh).

My coworker asked me to open a box for her the other day. When I asked why, she got major shivers and pawed at her face just explaining to me that it she knew there was styrofoam in there and couldn't even think about pulling it out of the box because of the squeaky noise.
posted by peep at 2:40 PM on August 12, 2010 [2 favorites]

Before I'd finished reading your question my thought was that it was due to anxiety. Then I read that you'd started a new job. I think it's just one of the weird things bodies do when they adjust to change and stress. If so it'll pass shortly. If it doesn't pass in a week or so, go to your GP.
posted by Elmore at 4:02 PM on August 12, 2010