A burning sensation on the skin is a common condition that many people brawl with at certain points in their life. This condition can accompany itching, rash or pain depending on the causes. It can be due to infections or internal medical conditions among many other reasons.
Overview
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This sensation can affect a small area, a large area, or the entire body. It can affect both children and adults of both sexes. Again, it can present with a rash or without a rash. It is very important to recognize the fact that that this is not a disease on its own. Instead, it is warning that the skin has been damaged, or it has been exposed to a risk of injury.
This burning sensation can be due to many causes which will have symptoms that range from mild to severe. Some of these symptoms can vanish on their own while some may be persistent or severe and they may require you to see a doctor or dermatologist.
Reasons why your skin feels like it’s burning?
Possible reasons are so many and thus, one may require a proper diagnosis to unearth the causes when they are not obvious. Below are some of the various cause:
1.Anxiety
Are anxiety and a burning skin connected in any way? The answer is yes. Anxiety alters the level of adrenaline in the body, and according to calmclinic.com, “Adrenaline affects people in different ways. Some people experience more of a weakness or a tingling. Others experience a burning sensation all throughout their body.”
In addition, according to medical practitioners, when an individual becomes anxious, the skin would be very sensitive and if one has conditions such as herpes, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and more, they will flare up. These conditions are usually accompanied by itching and a burning sensation.
2. Medication
Also, the burning sensation on the skin could be due to acute reactions to certain medications. Epilepsy, birth control, anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications are among the medications that would lead this condition. Such medications alter the hormonal balance of the body and consequently, this issue would emerge.
You should visit your dermatologist or doctor immediately you notice this problem when you just started using certain medication.
3. Peripheral vascular disease
This disease is linked a burning skin especially when it happens without a rash. It makes the blood vessels to narrow and thus limiting the amount of blood flow in the skin, especially in the arms and legs. Swelling in these areas is the key symptom. As a result of narrowing and restriction of the blood flow, burning sensation would emerge.
4. Skin Infections and Infestations
Itching and burning are commonly due to skin infections and infestations. This would result in inflamed skin. Common infections include folliculitis, vaginal yeast infections, shingles, chicken pox jock itch, ringworm, athlete’s foot among and many other more.
Skin infestation such as scabies and head and pubic lice would also trigger itchiness and some burning feeling.
5. Skin disorders
There are several skin diseases that would result in an itching and burning feeling. Disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, and contact dermatitis lichen planus, seborrheic dermatitis, Neurodermatitis and many others can have this symptom.
There are many causes that can be blamed for such skin problems. Proper diagnosis is thus fundamental to the right and proper treatment. Cases resulting from such disorders can accompany itching and rashes. However, not in all cases.
6. Nerve disorder
Nerve conditions for instance sciatica can lead to this problem of the affected area. This condition is commonly known to trigger burning sensation on the back. Another nerve problem is paresthesia. This condition is characterized by a compressed nerve that would lead to a burning feeling.
The burning sensation also occurs alongside itching and numbing in the affected areas. It also commonly experienced on shoulders and arms.
7. Diabetes
Persons especially those who suffer from severe diabetes usually complain about burning skin. According to medical studies, severe diabetes damages the nerves in the body that would result in this feeling.
Other linked symptoms include excessive urination, weight loss or weight gain, blurred vision, skin infections among others.
8. Sunburn
Exposure to the UV sunlight can also trigger this burning sensation due to a sunburn. Sunburns can also be itchy. You are also at a higher risk of developing skin cancer if exposed to too much sunlight. Cancer too is deemed to trigger this problem.
You should protect yourself when going out in the sun or when your nature of work impels you to get exposed. Wear sunscreens to protect yourself.
9. Skin burns
These are direct injury or damage to the skin from fire, adverse chemicals, hot objects, etc. If they are severe like third-degree burns, they would require first aid. Treatments will depend on what caused the burn.
10. More Causes
Apart from the above-explained causes, there are still more causes. They include:
- Kidney disorders
- Cancer of colon, breast, brain, lung, stomach, cervix and prostate
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Liver disorders
- HIV/AIDS
- Thyroid problems
- Stroke
- Brain Tumor
- Cutaneous Decompression Sickness
- Leukemia
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Sudden withdrawal from alcohol or certain medication
Itchy burning skin
Does your skin feel like it is burning and it is also accompanied itching sensation? Well, this condition can be accompanied by itching. However, this would depend on the underlying causes. All cases are not accompanied by itching.
There are many causes that would result in itching. They could be mild or severe. These would include allergies, irritants, acne, infections, skin infestations among others. Since there are numerous causes, proper diagnosis is always vital for proper treatments.
Note: The severity of a burning sensation is not measured based on whether it accompanies itching or not. Even burning sensation without itching can be very severe too.
Burning under skin
The location of this sensation would absolutely depend on the underlying trigger or the cause. The burning can be felt under or on the skin surface. Burning under the skin is usually due to internal medical conditions, and these include kidney disease, liver problems, and cancer of various internal organs, diabetes, nerve problems, HIV/AIDS and more.
On the other hand, when it occurs on skin surface usually results due to something that gets into contact with it. These include sunburn, allergies, irritants, insect bites among others.
In rare cases, what causes burning under the skin can also trigger this sensation on its surface, the reverse is also true.
Burning skin no rash
Does your skin feel like it is burning but there is nothing there? Well, one can develop burning skin with a rash. However, burning skin no rash is also possible. Though most of the cases do result in a rash, some few causes would lead to cases without any rash. These include compressed blood vessels, nerve problems, sunburn, skin burn from indoor heating systems, internal organs disorders among other factors.
Again, some conditions that cause burning feeling with a rash can also lead to cases with no rash. So, as a warning, the severity must not be decided based on whether it accompanies a rash or an itchiness.
Comprehensive diagnostic tests should be carried out to unearth the underlying causes. Severe cases should require you see a doctor and not home remedies or over the counter products.
Treatments, remedies, and preventions
Appropriate and effective burning skin treatment should be sought for after the underlying cause has been known. Localized and short-lived itching and burning skin caused by obvious reasons such as insect bites, mild irritants can be relieved at home or through the application of over the counter products.
However, persistent cases would require professional medical interventions. These could originate from severe conditions. Below are common treatments applied for mild or severe itching and burning skin.
Home remedies
Mild cases can be managed at home using some natural anti-itch products. There are perfect products that can be found at home and are very effective at relieving mild itching, inflammation or burning sensation.
You can apply aloe vera, coconut oil, honey, oatmeal, egg white and lavender oil. Other home products such as apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda could be used in cases of mild infections. However, they could be harsh on the skin, and thus, you should be very careful about what you apply to it.
Other remedies such as cold compress, bathing in cold water can provide immediate relief as well.
Over the Counter Products
There are ointments, creams, gels and lotions fashioned to calm itching, inflammation and burning skin that can be acquired over the counter. They are made of ingredients such as antihistamines, steroids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and even the natural products such as aloe vera and coconut oil among others.
Not all OTC products would be effective. Some of them would worsen the burning sensation or cause skin outbreaks.
Medications by professionals
A prescription would be required for severe cases. Again, the treatment option would depend on the underlying cause. This would be made possible after accurate diagnosis has been employed.
Prescribed medicines are usually administered orally, and through injections though, they can also be applied topically.
Oral antibiotics can be applied in cases of infections. Corticosteroids can also be recommended. Ativan or Klonopin are usually applied for anxiety disorders. Because there are many possible causes of this condition, there are still more medications that your dermatologist would prescribe.
To prevent this problem, you should protect yourself against sunburn, avoid allergens and irritants, maintain proper hygiene standards, have a balanced diet and more importantly, go for a regular medical checkup.
Summary
Itching and burning skin could be mild or severe. For mild cases, certain simple and readily available home products can be applied. Over the counter creams, gels and lotions can also be applied.
However, persistent or burning skin that doesn’t respond to home or OTC treatments would require a professional medical intervention. This could be due to serious medical conditions that can only be diagnosed will in a doctor’s office.
References
- http://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety-symptoms/burning_skin_sensation.shtml