Many people are always sensitive about their face and thus, would undoubtedly be apprehensive when peculiar sensations occur on it. Feelings, such as burning skin on the face, would be a great concern to them. This condition itself is not a disease. However, it could be a symptom of several health conditions relating to the skin.
Overview
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Burning skin on the face would develop following many conditions and would range from mild to moderate to severe. Healthline.com explains that “A burning sensation is a type of pain that’s distinct from dull, stabbing or aching pain. Burning pain is often related to nerve problems.”
Also, this burning sensation can affect a small area, a large area or the entire face. It may occur alongside a rash which can be itchy or non-itchy. The rash would be red or otherwise.
According to anxietycentre.com, “this burning skin on the face sensation can affect the same spot over and over again, randomly change from location to location, or randomly change in size.” The burning sensation can come and go or stay longer.
What causes a burning skin on face? What is the best treatment? Read on for detailed information about its causes, related symptoms, and the recommended face burning treatments.
Why does it occur – causes
Many factors or conditions can lead to burning sensation on the face. These could range from something evident to complex health conditions. Again, it can just occur in the same way a burning sensation would occur in other parts of the body.
Before we look into the causes, you should understand that some of the conditions resulting this problem may not have cures. However, treatments are fundamental to prevent and relieve the symptoms. Again, proper treatment would depend on the precise and right diagnosis. Here are the possible causes of the burning feeling on face:
Nervous system dysfunction
This condition can be due to those nerves supplying the skin. A condition known as trigeminal neuralgia could be the one to blame. Pain usually accompanies it. However, burning sensation in the face is another symptom. Its symptoms would range from mild to severe.
Sunburn irritation
The dry burning skin on the face can also be due to sunburn. This is among the primary this problem to those who have been exposed to sunshine for a long time. Burning sensation arising from sunlight is experienced after exposure to intense UV light. However, remember, the mild burning sensation would occur even due to exposure to direct sunlight. You should apply sunscreens when going out on the sun to avoid a sunburn.
Acne lesions
Acne is a widespread skin condition that occurs when dead skin cells and sebum and even other skin debris plug and clog the pores. Its primary cause is the hormonal imbalance among other factors that trigger excess sebum production. It is common on the face, back and chest but can also occur in other places. The lesions resulting from acne can also cause burning rash on face and other parts of the body.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions can also lead this problem. Such burning sensation usually accompanies allergy rash on face. The red itchy rash on the face would also accompany burning sensation. There are several substances or conditions that one can be allergic to, these would include cold, certain foods and medications, dust, pollen and more allergens.
Itchy skin rash treatment would consider what causes the skin to itch. There are many allergy-related face rash treatments available over the counter and even at home. Severe rash requires prescription treatments
Irritation
Skin Irritation will occur due to various substances that get into contact with it. They can be harmless substances or even the harmful substances depending on your skin type and sensitivity. These would include the skin care products, cosmetics, sweat, soaps, water and certain chemicals among others. Burning sensation from this source usually accompanies red itchy rash on face especially to people who have a sensitive skin type.
Skin Infections
Just like you can experience infection anywhere in the body, bacteria, fungi, and viruses can also infect the facial skin. The infections whether localized or systemic would lead to lesions that can be itchy and cause a burning sensation. Infections can be mild or severe depending on the underlying causes.
The treatment range from topical products, oral medicines to injections.
Can anxiety cause it?
Many medical studies have revealed how the mind affects the general body health. People suffering from severe anxiety can also experience burning sensation on the face as well as other parts. In short, this condition could be a symptom of anxiety disorder.
To be able to determine whether it is due to anxiety, there are other related symptoms you can check on. These would include skin rashes, diarrhea, chest pains and toothache among others. There are many ways to stop the burning sensations, we have discussed them below.
Other causes
As we had indicated earlier, there are many causes of burning skin sensation. Apart from the reasons, below are more that can cause this issue:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Rosacea
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Shingles
- Psoriasis
- Urticaria (hives)
- Cutaneous decompression sickness
- Diabetic neuropathy
When accompanied by itchiness
Itching and burning sensation usually occur alongside each other. The itchiness can be due to allergic reactions, irritation, and infections related lesions.
An itchy burning skin is a bit nerve-racking but why? This sensation usually urges one to scratch the affected area. Scratching would introduce or spread the infection and also damage the skin further.The characteristic symptoms would be itchy red bumps on the skin, bleeding, and pain among others.
To deal with it, there are several OTC and home remedies that can reduce the itchiness and reduce the burning sensation too.
Red burning rash on face
When it occurs with a rash, usually a red rash, it could be due to allergies, irrigation, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, infections, insect bites, among others. Before you deal with any symptom linked to the red skin on face, you should have a proper diagnosis done to know the underlying trigger.
When with a rash, it can affect a smaller area or the entire face. It can accompany some pain. However, this would depend on the primary cause. For the mild case, you can apply natural home products such as aloe vera, coconut oil or cold compress. For so severe, please visit your dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment instead of using home remedies.
When without or no rash
A face burn can occur with a rash. However, on the other side, a burning skin no rash is also possible. This could be due to anxiety, products applied to it, nervous dysfunction or a sunburn among others.
Do not assume that if there is no rash, the condition is mild. It could be severe as well. Seek treatment or try some of the remedies we will discuss.
Dry burning skin on face
You have a dry and burning skin on face and don’t know the cause? Many conditions can lead to this phenomenon. They could comprise of harsh skin care products and cosmetics you apply on the skin. Again it could be from sunburn, hot and dry climate, and other factors that could lead to skin dehydration.
Some infections can also cause it too. Among the immediate remedies include drinking sufficient amount of fluids daily and reconsidering the products you apply on your skin. You should also put on sunscreens when you are going out in the sun. For advance treatments, you can visit your GP.
Treatment options
Many treatments are available for this problem. These comprise of DIY home remedies, over the counter products and prescription treatments. However, more importantly, the treatments option should depend on a proper and right diagnosis to know the underlying cause.
As we already mentioned, this problem can last for a few minutes or become persistent until proper treatment is applied.
Cases due to allergy, skin care products and cosmetics, other irritants, insect bites or sunburn would tend to last for a short while, and just avoiding such factors would minimize symptoms. Application of topical OTC products such as antihistamines, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and zinc would relieve the symptoms.
Cases due to anxiety disorder would tend to vanish when the anxiety goes away. However, you may still want to get rid of the symptoms. You can apply a cold compress, aloe vera, coconut oil and other home natural products. When caused by anxiety, it can be chronic if no permanent solution implemented.
Topical and oral antibiotics will work well in cases of infections that are caused by bacteria while antifungal and antiviral for fungal and viral causes respectively.
When it is due to nerve problems should be treated in doctor’s office
More prevention and relieve tips
Before even thinking of the commercial treatments, below are more ways you can use to reduce its impact.
- Suspend the use of any skin products if you suspect them and seek help from your GP.
- Try to identify things you are allergic to and avoid them.
- Avoid irritants and find their alternatives if that would be the case
- Consider all the preventive measures of acne
- Report to your doctor when you develop the face burn immediately you started using certain medications.
- Some topical medications you apply to relieve the sensation may worsen the situation. Suspend their use when the condition does not improve but instead aggravates.
When to see a doctor
In case the problem does not resolve after using home remedies or OTC products, or it worsens, consider seeing your dermatologist or doctor. It could be due to something serious.
Our References
- http://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety-symptoms/burning-skin-on-face.shtml
- https://www.healthline.com/health/burning-sensation