What makes your skin burn and feel as though it’s on fire? Research shows your mast cells are dumping histamine and chemical irritants into your skin at two to three times the normal rate. And you aren’t imagining the burning pain because one type of opioid receptor is increased 60-fold. These receptors are proof that your skin hurts and it’s demanding pain relief. While dermatological treatments often fail to put out the fire, most patients reduce skin irritation by wearing soft clothes and removing all scratchy tags. You may not look fashion-forward but that’s not important. (fb)

You know you have fibro when ... • You forgot to put coffee in the filter, so you brew a lovely pot of hot water. • The microwave beeps and you look in the freezer. • You’re at the pharmacy and they ask for your date of birth. You give it flawlessly, but then falter when they ask for your last name. The person behind you says, “You don’t know your own name?” • Have resorted to naming everyone “Hey You.” Fibro messes with your thought processes and interferes with your ability to choose the right words. And even if you know what you want to say, it doesn't always come out that way! (fb)