#then when the feeling starts coming back the pins and needles feeling is paresthesia

[eilidh-eternal]

Dancing in the deep end

Part of the Martyr in the Making series | Part 1 | Masterlist |

| 18 + MDNI | TattooArtist!Ghost x f!reader | CW dub con/non con themes, Simon being a possessive menace in general |

It takes a tremendous amount of effort to sit still today, fighting to keep a grip on the tense coil of compressed nerves within you. One wrong move—one wrong thought—and the tenuous bubble of calm that you and Kyle sit inside of is liable to burst.

It’s not the needles. Not the delicious pain of each pin prick that has you all keyed up.

It’s him.

And you’re doing your best not to think about it, focusing your attention instead on the collection of studs adorning Kyle’s ears and the glittering rhinestones that catch in the light each time his lips part to ask you another question. Inconsequential things about your work, plans with friends, or references you have saved on your pinterest board. 

“Who are you gonna book with for that?” He studies the picture on your phone while he changes tips, handing it back when finished and returning his attention to the detail work on your right forearm.

“I’m not sure. I thought about Johnny. He’s good with realism, but this is more… macabre. Not really his style. And I don’t think I want any color, not for this. If I did I’d already be on your book.” You’d book with Kyle every time if you could. Prefer his affable countenance and comfortable conversation over the others. But they all have their specialties, and one size certainly doesn't fit all when it comes to artists.

He hums thoughtfully and the corner of his mouth twists up into a wry grin. “Sounds like something Ghost would take on. Definitely up his alley; all that spooky shit.”

So much for not thinking of him…

“Stop that.” 

“Stop what?” he quips, breaking into a sharp-toothed smile.

“Grinning like there’s some kind of joke around here that I'm not in on.” When he pulls back to pick up more ink you shift in the chair, draw your legs up to cross underneath you and roll some of the tension from your shoulders.

“There’s no joke, hunny bun. Not about you.”

“Then what’s so funny?” 

He shakes his head as he returns to his work, still smiling to himself. “Ghost, that’s what. Bloke’s been broody these last few weeks. More than normal, anyway.”

Oh. 

“Had a bit of a tiff with Cap’ earlier. Dunno what about, but… I might have heard your name bein’ mentioned.”

“I thought you said this isn’t about me.”

“I said the joke isn’t about you. Never said what we’re pickin’ on him for isn’t about you.” He pauses his work just long enough to wink up at you, and you answer with a groan. “You don’t like him?” 

You’ve been doing your best to not think about him. Even if the feel of his hands, pushing and pulling to arrange you the way he wants, tracing roughened fingers over the letters on your thigh, lingers like a phantom touch against your skin every night. The memory of his eyes, depthless yet brimming with beguiling allure, is burned into your retinas, staring back at you everytime you close yours–every time you blink.

You’ve been doing your best not to think of him, and you've failed miserably.

“I don’t not like him, he just…” Kyle’s hand hovers over your arm, the numbing bite of his needle just out of reach, waiting for your answer. “He fucks with my head. Can’t figure him out.” 

Can’t get him out.

His smile shifts, full lips curled up at the edges and bright, intelligent eyes narrowed with a knowing glint. “Maybe that’s the point,” he surmises, and returns his attention to the half finished highlights.

In the days that follow, you start to think Kyle is right. That the reason Simon’s burrowed so deep under your skin is because that’s exactly where he wants to be, settling in with the same permanence as healing ink. An ever-present paresthesia that spreads like brushfire through the dried up remains of your resolve. Impossible to ignore.

Against your better judgment, you book your next session with him. This time, you’re determined not to let him get the better of you. 

It’s another large piece, stretching from the apex of your spine to just below your shoulder blades, and needs multiple sessions to get the finer details just right. In retrospect, you really haven’t set yourself up for success in this whole ‘don’t let him get to you’ matter with your choice of placement and the inherent lack of clothing involved, but you’re adamant about this time being different.

It’s John who checks you in and collects the same signature and waiver as they always do, making idle chat and asking how some of your pieces have been healing while you fill out the forms. Leggings cover the bulk of Simon’s last piece so you show him the work Kyle did instead, holding out your arm for him to inspect.

“Gaz certainly knows what he’s doing with pigment. Boy’s got a knack for vibrancy.”

“His work is as colorful as he is. And Johnny’s language.” His eyes crease when he laughs, a full-bellied sound that echoes through the studio. 

“Ghost should be ready for you. Same room as last time.” He gestures towards the hall with a tilt of his head, an unruly strand of hair escaping the hold of product and pomade to sway with the motion. “Good to see you, hun.” 

“Good to see you too, John.” 

No escort this time. You’re becoming something of a permanent fixture here, your presence something they’re quickly growing accustomed to. Ingratiated among their ranks and trusted to see yourself to each of their stations without need of their guidance.

Three short taps of your knuckles against the door, fading paint and a mess of stickers that are peeling around the edges dampening the sound, and Simon’s gruff voice grants you entry. When you crack the door open his back is to you, arranging his inks and tips to his specification on a rolling tray, clad in his usual monochromatic black. He’s silent as you slip inside, dropping your bag on the counter and shedding your jacket alongside it.

“Go on and get settled,” he directs, gesturing vaguely to the padded table beside him that’s replaced the chair from last time. His focus remains on setting up his station but you don't miss the way he cocks his head, watching you from his periphery. Once you’re comfortable, sitting cross-legged at the foot of the table, he reaches for the tablet on the counter beside him. “Gaz sent over the design? No changes?” he asks as he scrolls through the notes.

“Yeah, I’m really happy with the suggestions and revisions you made. It’s exactly what I’d envisioned when I sent over the references.” You fiddle with the hem of your tee, twirling a loose thread around your finger. “Should I…”

He looks up then, and it begins—the internal battle between logic and instinct. 

The latter begs to let yourself drown in his gaze. Swallow lungfuls of churning amber and nestle into the warm, mindless haze that creeps at the fringes of your mind like mist over the earth, tinged an ephemeral gold by the first rays of dawn. The former recoils from the flaring of pupils like they’re the unhinged jaws of a predator, swallowing all of the light in the room in a uniquely serpentine manner. Some fragmented imitation of self preservation screams for you to run.

It doesn’t scream loud enough.

“Still with me, sweetheart?” Pale skin puckers around his eyes. Fissures in granite, the molten core of him pouring through the cracks and searing every detail of them into your memory.

“Yeah, sorry…” The hum that reverberates in his chest ripples in the space between you in waves of gravel that settle against your skin like velvet.

“Gotta go print the stencil,” he begins, standing from his chair, and he draws your gaze up with him to his full height. “Be good while I’m gone, yeah?” Ink stained fingers brush against your cheek, and you realize it’s not a request but a demand when he doesn’t wait for your answer, worn leather creaking with each retreating footstep until the door closes behind him and you’re left in dazed silence.

You blink once. Twice. Drag a hand over your face to wipe away the feeling of phantom fingers, and release the breath you didn’t realize you’ve been holding in a dejected sigh. 

This doesn’t feel different. It feels exactly how it did last time. 

Sit. Stay. Behave. These are his demands, and you’re powerless to defy them. 

Each word uttered from behind that inane mask has the effect of being yanked by a leash. Dragging you along with him until you learn to match his gait, the cadence of his steps careful and measured, but the collar around your neck only ever gets tighter, reeling you in to heel at his side.

It should make you angry. Should rattle your head with alarm bells and shrill, screeching sirens. But all there is, is silence. Thick, hazy, blissful silence that swaddles your mind in an ardent blanket of warmth. A proverbial pulling of wool over your eyes.

But perhaps that’s too kind, not cruel enough, for the man whose presence smothers rationale and suffocates logic. Who steals the air from your lungs to feed his own conflagration and feeds it back to you on words, whetted by a duplicitous tongue, that feel like licking honey from a honed blade. Warm and sweet–but at what cost?

You wonder briefly if the slow slipping of your sanity is the price to be paid, and balk at the probability that he has even yet come to collect. You wonder briefly, because that is all the time you have. All the time you're allowed before the door swings open and in walks the phantasm of a man with righteous intent. 

When the door clicks closed behind him, it sounds more, you think, like the striking of a gavel. A thunderclap in the court of the heavens. The sealing of your fate by something far beyond your control. 

“Up,” his voice rumbles in the echoing thunder.

What?

He’s standing over you, hands flattened and fingers splayed on the table on either side of you, staring down at you expectantly. “Gotta take this off to get started,” he explains when you continue staring blankly up at him, dragging a hand over to your hip and curling his fingers into the same hem you’d been toying with not ten minutes ago. 

You can’t decipher whether it’s by some divine puppeteering or an infernal possession that your arms slowly lift and you allow him to pull your shirt over your head. Allow him to guide you down onto the table, prone with a pillow tucked under your head, and your right arm folded underneath. To unclasp your bra, unhook each strap from its band, and slide it out from under you.

He smooths transfer paper over your back, cold solution causing you to flinch at first contact, and he quells the beginnings of a whine with gentle sushing and a warm hand at your nape. “Jus’ some cold. Save those pretty sounds for me, hm?”

Time moves slowly, cocooned in a heady smoke and honey scented haze, threads of it woven into his blanketing aura, and it weighs heavy on your limbs. Makes your body feel as sluggish as your mind. 

“That’s it, good girl.” Numb and high on praise, you barely register the added weight of his arm slung across your lower back. A faint humming permeates your cocoon, accompanied by a distant fluttering that traces slow lines over your back, and a small, contented sound resonates in your chest. “So pretty like this. Such a pretty, empty head.”

This feels different. Nothing like the last time. There are no nerves that hum like livewires in your head. No furtive glances or chills that creep across your skin when you’re caught staring. He welcomes it–encourages it–but like the rest of you, your eyes feel heavy, lids drooping under a lulling weight. 

When that golden mist appears once more at the blurry edges of your mind, there is nothing that stops it from surging forward and swallowing you down to the dregs of slumber.

Waking up feels like surfacing from molasses, thick and syrupy tendrils of sleep still clinging to you and trying to hold you under a little longer. But there’s a stinging sensation that prickles your skin and won't go away, wrenches your body and mind free of its sluggish haze.

Your back feels raw, skin overworked and leaking plasma, but it's the stinging of your arm that clears the fog from your head.

You blink sleep crusted eyes against the harsh overhead lighting of the studio, spots dancing in your vision as it slowly adjusts. It’s been a long time since you've fallen asleep while getting tattooed, and you wonder if maybe you slept on your arm–had it twisted under you at some odd angle that’s cut off its circulation and made it numb with staticy pin pricks.

No, this is different.

Bright color blooms before you, and for a moment you wonder if it's a result of phosphenes; if the pressure of confusion building in your head has somehow distorted your vision. 

It isn’t.

The bright colors are a result of the newest tattoo on your arm, more than several weeks old by now, and the burning, itching sensation that should have long since passed is a result of the thick layer of fresh ink that's been overlaid.

‘MINE’ stares back at you in the hauntingly familiar scrawl of Simon’s hand.

Next>>>

©️Eilidh-Eternal.2024 ~ The intellectual property of Eilidh-Eternal is not permitted for reposting, transcription, translation or use with AI technologies.

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[breelandwalker]

Hello Bree! I am a new witch and a huge fan of your podcast! I really enjoy your approach to magic. I have a question for you.

I have never considered myself a psychic/medium and have never had any encounter with ghosts or spirits besides very basic house spirits and house warding. I have recently moved to an old house in an old neighborhood, after four months of living here I have started feeling a crawly feeling on my skin, like running insects. It was a repetitive feeling on different parts of my body, most of the time my arms and legs. Like a very light and creepy caress. Prayers and cleansing took away most of it, but today I started feeling it at work (it's a very old building too). And I was wondering what was your opinion about it?

I don't think it's a malevolent entity but I worry that it's the same spirit and that it got attached somehow.

Rule Number One when weird stuff starts happening in your home - Look For Mundane Causes First. The fact that an explanation isn't immediately apparent does not necessarily indicate the presence of anything paranormal. It's really best to check your home and your health for possible causes before reaching for the salt.

There could be issues with the wiring or plumbing or an unknown allergen you haven't encountered before. If you can, have somebody come in and check for these issues. Look for dust and mold spots hiding in corners or closets. Wash all your bedding and check your mattress, kitchen, and bathroom for pests.

Also, if you're having a crawly feeling on your skin, you may want to examine your sleep schedule and anxiety levels. This phenomenon is called paresthesia, which is when we feel sensations that don't have a physical cause. (The ones you describe are a commonly-cited example.) If you're not sleeping properly or your anxiety levels are high, it can contribute to these phantom sensations, as well as other symptoms like being unable to get comfortable when settling down to sleep, feeling like your limbs can't remain still when at rest (i.e. Restless Leg Syndrome), sudden spikes in resting heart rate for no apparent reason, and difficulty concentrating (i.e. brain fog).

So if you're under a lot of stress, which wouldn't be unusual with the process of moving house and current events, that might be something to look at. Also, examine your chair at work to make sure your legs aren't cramped or lacking circulation. (I find that I have pins and needles or crawly, itchy sensations if my chair digs into the backs of my knees or I'm sitting still for too long. If you can't get up and walk around, even just stretching your legs can help.)

Honestly, I don't think this is a malevolent entity, or even a spirit. In the absence of any other phenomena around yourself or in your home, I'd put my money on a physical cause.

Hope this helps!

#ghitalovegood #witchcraft #witchblr #ghosts #hauntings #Always look for the mundane causes first. Then look for ghosties. #Bree answers your inquiries

[currupted-starlight]

Paresthesia: Muse feels numb, as if their whole body fell asleep and has that pins and needles feeling for 24 hours.

There's the sound of pained whimpers coming from Luz's nest. She'd been forced awake by the sudden pins and needles pain all across her body, like when she sprouted feathers. It seems like today was already starting off on a bad note, and that her curse was going to flare up.....

She tries to push herself up, to grab an elixir just in case. Only to help loudly. Her whole body felt like it was made out of lead, like it was numb, yet each movement only makes the pins and needles stab harder.

"Sh-shit." She hissed, tears beginning to well up in her eyes and run down her cheeks. Giving up for now, she tucked her head back into her pillow, and hugged another to her chest. If anyone were to touch her, they'd find her skin icy as could be.

She didn't even have the energy to call for Eda. But someone would come.....eventually. She had school today, and they'd probably call when she didn't show up. All she could do now, was try and wait this out, see if it would get better.

#OPEN 🦉💜 #ic post 🦉 #anons 🦉💜 #//angst monday!

[dryscalpgone]

Why Do I Have a Tingling Scalp with Pins and Needles?

See Why Do I Have a Tingling Scalp with Pins and Needles? on The Best Place for Scalp Health Information or read the entire post below:

Feeling a sudden tingling sensation on the scalp can be really unnerving. It can cause your head to itch, or create a feeling of numbness. The prickling feeling can be linked to several possible medical conditions.

Figuring out what might be causing a crawling sensation is essential. Because different conditions could be the reason, they need to be treated differently. So, it's necessary to look closely at the symptoms that you're experiencing.

Some people may experience a stronger sensation than others. Looking at more symptoms can help to rule out certain conditions or illnesses. For example, are you experiencing tingling on the left side of your head? Or, tingling on the right side of your head? Does it cause your skin to itch?

Asking yourself these sorts of questions can help you in making a diagnosis. Thankfully, most disorders that go along with a tingling scalp can be quickly diagnosed and managed.

Why is My Scalp Tingling?

This guide will cover possible reasons for a scalp that feels tingly. If you have a pins and needles sensation all over your head, you're not alone. There are many different possibilities to consider.

We'll look at a few of the common symptoms associated with a tingling scalp. Once you know how to identify some of these problems, you can treat them faster and get rid of the annoying and uncomfortable sensation.

Anxiety

Paresthesia is another name for the prickling and numb sensation in your skin. In the case of your scalp, it can be linked to nerve conditions or even anxiety conditions.

Symptoms of paresthesia in the head linked to anxiety include:

You can feel the sensation in other parts of your body

It feels like your brain is 'tingling.'

The tingling sensation can also make your scalp feel numb

Disorders like panic attacks are often linked to this problem. If you find that the tingling on your scalp tends to flare up after a nervous or fearful episode, you may be able to associate it with anxiety. It can also occur in moments of high stress.

Understanding if the paresthesia of your scalp is linked to an anxiety issue means you'll need to know the symptoms of that problem, too. Anxiety disorders come in a variety of different symptoms.

If you're feeling anxious, nervous, or even depressed, you may want to seek out mental health treatment for anxiety or get an official diagnosis.

Muscle Tension

Another common cause of scalp tingling is muscle tension in the neck. This can happen for a variety of different reasons. Perhaps you twisted your neck the wrong way. Maybe you slept in an awkward position for a long time. You may not even know why you have muscle tension in the neck, but if it's linked to a tingling scalp, you can put the two conditions together fairly easily.

Most of the time, muscle tension can be treated with over-the-counter medication or things like heat. A massage can help, too. Though, it just takes time for the stiffness to work its way out.

The good part about this particular problem is that it often goes away on its own. If you're experiencing muscle tension and a numb-feeling scalp at the same time, take comfort in knowing it probably won't last long.

Menopause

Menopause comes with a handful of notable symptoms. Some women experience a crawling scalp with things like hot flashes. If you're around the age that menopause starts to show up (48-55 years) and you suddenly feel a tingling sensation with other symptoms, this could be the cause.

One thing to note is that when it comes to menopause, you'll probably feel this crawling sensation in other areas of the body, too. It likely won't be limited to the scalp.

There is no real 'treatment' for menopause. It is a hormonal change that happens to women when they reach a certain age. Hormone and dietary supplements can be given to reduce some of the symptoms. Relaxation techniques are also popular for many women. If the tingling feeling in your body and scalp become problematic, you can look into these management options to feel better.

Nerve Trauma

Damage to the nerves anywhere on the body can cause paresthesia. It's usually less likely to experience this type of damage to the nerves on your head. But, it's possible. Any accident or situation that causes pressure to the nerves of the scalp can lead to a feeling of pins and needles.

Most of the time, nerve damage will heal. Unless the nerve is completely dead, the sensation of crawling skin won't last forever. If you've ever experienced the feeling of your foot 'falling asleep,' the sensation on your scalp will be similar.

Once the nerves can get back to their normal state, it should go away. This is one of the best case scenarios for a tingling scalp. There is not much you can do to speed up the process. But, no medications or types of therapy are required.

Migraines

Migraines can be a debilitating experience for those who have to suffer through them. On top of the pain, sensitivity to light, and even nausea they can create, you may also feel pins and needles on your scalp.

Feeling paresthesia on your scalp due to a migraine can make the underlying problem seem even worse.

Common symptoms of a migraine include:

Pain in the face or neck

Dizziness

Throbbing headache

Migraine sufferers are usually aware of their symptoms. If you're starting to experience pins and needles on top of it, treating the migraine is the best option. Sometimes, over-the-counter medication can help. If you have chronic migraines, though, a prescription treatment may be needed.

Sinus Infection

You may not think sinus issues could affect your scalp, but they are closely linked. An itchy, tingling scalp is often associated with a sinus infection. The infection itself can cause pressure all over your head. This pressure can make it feel as though your head is tingling or itching.

Many times, sinus infections go hand-in-hand with migraines. That could double up the problem of experiencing pins and needles on your scalp.

Sinus infections usually come with symptoms like pain in the face or ears, and even fatigue, fever, and tenderness. Some people even experience swelling, which may also contribute to the tingling feeling on your scalp.

An acute sinus infection can usually be taken care of with over-the-counter pain medication. Nasal rinses like saline can also help to get rid of the pain and discomfort. If you frequently get these infections, though, you may need an antibiotic.

Hair Loss and Scalp Picking

Sometimes, a tingling scalp can be the result of a skin or scalp condition. Skin problems like eczema, head lice, or psoriasis can lead to hair loss. They may trigger you to start itching and scratching at your scalp regularly. Picking at the scalp can also contribute to hair loss.

Scratching and picking at your scalp is never a good idea. It can be dangerous and put you at risk for infection. Scratching at the scalp could cause your skin to bleed. If that happens, bacteria and debris could get inside the sore. If your scalp becomes infected, it will need to be treated with the right kind of medication.

Aside from causing pain and discomfort, hair loss and scalp picking could lead to a tingling sensation. Sometimes, the conditions that cause hair loss can lead to a feeling of pressure on the scalp. Some people describe this as a numbing sensation, which can make the head feel like it's tingling.

Product Allergy

One of the most common causes for a tingly scalp is a product allergy. One or more ingredients in the shampoo you use or another hair care product may be the culprit. Skin allergies can be painful and cause inflammation as well. Other reactions include scalp dryness, itching, and redness. If you think you may be allergic to a certain ingredient in your hair products, stop using them immediately.

A quick way to remedy this particular problem is to switch your shampoo to something natural like Christina Moss Naturals. It's not impossible to have an allergic reaction from natural products. But, it is far less likely. When you're able to know which ingredients are in the formula, you'll have a better idea of how your skin reacts.

Improper Hair Care

Using the right hair products is important. But, it's also important to make sure you're taking care of your hair and scalp, to begin with. Improper hair care can lead to a lot of different conditions. It can cause your scalp to become dry and itchy. It can also cause a buildup of debris, dirt, and oil.

While most of the time, this will only cause your scalp to itch (and even flake), it can lead to a tingling sensation, too. If you're experiencing this problem and can't relate to any of the suggestions on this list, take a look at your hair care routine.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is one of the more serious issues that could cause a feeling of pins and needles on your head. It is a rare disease, but a tingling scalp is a common symptom. This illness is an autoimmune problem. It attacks your nervous system, which helps to explain the tingling sensation.

Unfortunately, that sensation is only one minor symptom of this serious disease. It can lead to loss of balance and muscle weakness. Sometimes, it can prevent a person from being able to walk. Multiple Sclerosis is treated with things like physical therapy and medications. But, it is a progressive disease. There is no official cure as of today.

Obviously, it's important not to jump to conclusions about MS. As you can see, there are many other conditions that can cause a tingling scalp. This is a rare disorder, and it's much more likely that the sensation you're feeling is caused by one of the other options listed in this article.

But, if you do feel as though you may have other symptoms of MS, getting a diagnosis early is imperative.

How to Treat a Tingling Scalp

Depending on what's causing the sensation of pins and needles, to begin with, a tingling scalp is often treatable. In fact, many of these problems will go away on their own. Some may take an over-the-counter treatment. But, once the underlying condition is gone or managed, the paresthesia should be, too.

In some cases, though, the underlying condition could be something severe and serious. Immediate medical attention may be needed to treat it correctly. The concept doesn't change: Treat the condition before treating your scalp. Once the condition is taken care of, the symptoms should fade away.

Should I Be Concerned About Scalp Pins and Needles?

Most of the time, a tingling scalp is nothing to be overly concerned about. It's important, though, to figure out what is causing the problem. Take a look at any more symptoms you might be experiencing. Because there are so many possibilities that could cause your scalp to crawl, the other symptoms are what can tell you what might be going on.

If you can't figure out what other symptoms you might be going through, seek out medical attention as soon as possible. Sometimes, skin conditions can be hard to self-diagnose. This is especially true for conditions of the scalp that can be hard to see under hair, etc.

Self-treating the problem is fairly common for most of the options listed here. It is a good idea to develop a healthy hair care routine. Additionally, avoid things that might trigger the tingling sensation.

We hope this gude has given you a better idea of what might be causing your scalp to crawl. The more you know about these possibilities, the easier it will be to get rid of the strange and annoying feeling reasonably quickly.