Exaggerated Sensations or Tactile Sensitivity
Hyperesthesia is a condition characterized by increased sensitivity of one or all of the body’s senses (sight, touch, sound, and smell). Hyperesthesia is usually associated with health conditions like diabetes, infectious diseases, cancer, and nutritional deficiencies. But, neuropathic pain is the common cause of exaggerated sensations. Patients with diabetic neuropathy often suffer from nerve damage, affecting their senses.
A study conducted in 2019 shows that patients with diabetic neuropathy are more likely to experience touch or tactile sensitivity. However, patients can be undersensitive or oversensitive to textures, temperatures, and touch because of their sensory processing issues. For instance, a patient might feel extreme pain and intolerable sensation while holding a cup of warm coffee or a glass of cold water. Patients also have unusually cold or hot hands and feet for no apparent reason.
Mild cases of tactile sensitivity can be tolerable and harmless. However, if left untreated and unnoticed, it might lead to more complications. Patients with severe tactile sensitivity experience a lot of pain while doing simple activities like eating, sleeping, and taking a bath.
