Burning skin

Burning skin is a symptom of an illness or a hypersensitivity reaction of the body to a certain triggering substance. It can be accompanied by visual skin irritation or occur without any further visible symptoms. Depending on the cause, the symptoms can only appear briefly or last longer.

What is skin burning?

In many cases, no rash or reddening is visible in the areas described as burning, which is why many people affected are assumed to only imagine the skin burning.

Under skin burning, sometimes also called "stinging" (English: "sting"), medical professionals understand a burning or stinging feeling on the skin.

This can occur on a wide variety of parts of the body and is usually perceived as very uncomfortable. In many cases, no rash or reddening is visible in the areas described as burning, which is why those affected have to put up with the accusation that they are only imagining the symptoms.

Under certain circumstances, however, skin reddening or small pimples can occur that accompany the skin burning sensation. Depending on the cause of the complaints, they can either appear spontaneously and subside on their own after a short time, or they can persist over a longer period of time.

causes

The causes of the skin burning can be varied. The so-called "stinging", which is not accompanied by optical reactions of the skin, still puzzles scientists, because the exact reasons for these complaints have not yet been determined.

However, it can be caused by lactic acid, which is also contained in many cosmetics. If the burning sensation is accompanied by a rash or reddening, it could be caused by an allergic reaction to a certain substance, for example.

Lyme disease or fibromyalgia can also cause the skin to burn, as can nerve inflammation. Food intolerance can also manifest itself as a burning or stinging sensation on the skin.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines against redness and eczema

Diseases with this symptom

• allergy
• Food intolerance
• Nerve inflammation

• heatstroke
• Rash
• Lyme disease

• sunburn
• Insect venom allergy
• Fibromyalgia

Diagnosis & course

Burning skin can possibly be diagnosed by the attending physician by simply looking at the affected area of ​​the body. This is the case if there is also redness or other signs of inflammation or similar reactions on the skin.

An allergy and blood test can determine the reason for this. If the burning sensation manifests itself without any accompanying visual symptoms, it can be diagnosed using the lactic acid mentioned above or the humectant propylene glycol.

Even if burning skin often has harmless causes, it is extremely uncomfortable for the person concerned. If this is a disease such as borreliosis or fibromyalgia, medical treatment must be initiated, otherwise the general condition may deteriorate significantly.

Complications

Burning skin is associated with an uncomfortable body feeling. You feel unwell and your general mood sinks. Body contact is tried to avoid. This can cause family or partnership problems. Conflict and irritability are possible. In addition to their own physical complaints, those affected are often confronted with accusations of imagination or exaggeration.

If the burning sensation is based on an intolerance of used cosmetics, these should be disposed of. But there may also be food intolerances. Without an allergy test, the search for the causative substance can lead to stress in everyday life. If the substance is known, it may be necessary to change the entire food intake.

With a nutritionist, alternatives are then worked out, which can nevertheless lead to a loss of a free attitude towards life. This is especially true when a lifelong diet is necessary. This is usually the case when the burning sensation is triggered by a restriction in the functioning of the digestive organs. If painkillers are taken to alleviate the sensation of burning sensation, the individual side effects of the medication must be taken into account.

In addition, the skin burning sensation will return when the pain relievers wear off. Long-term use of painkillers can put stress on the organism and limit its functionality. There is also the risk of drug addiction.

When should you go to the doctor?

Burning skin is perceived as annoying or painful, depending on its intensity and personal impression. Burning skin is a symptom - either due to an illness or a hypersensitivity reaction to a certain substance. Burning skin can be short or long. Irritation may or may not be visible on the skin. Whether a doctor's visit is necessary if the skin is burning depends on the cause or situation.

Burning skin as an allergic reaction to a certain substance, for example to ingredients in cosmetics, often results in a rash in addition to the burning sensation on the skin. In this case, it makes sense to see a dermatologist or allergist in order to determine the incompatible substance and to avoid it in the future. The same applies to food intolerance, for which a nutritionist is recommended in addition to an allergist.

Burning skin can also be due to nerve inflammation, fibromyalgia or borreliosis and is therefore a case for the neurologist. You should also think of a gastroenterologist for clarification, as damaged digestive organs can also lead to burning sensations. The general practitioner serves as a guide for the course towards the right specialist practice, gaining initial knowledge through his or her medical history and blood tests.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

Burning skin can be treated in a variety of ways. If it was caused by an allergy, the triggering substance should be avoided. This can be cosmetics as well as food.

Since the latter in particular can damage the digestive organs if they are permanently irritated by the absorption of the triggering substances, it is advisable to adhere to an individually tailored diet. If the skin is generally sensitive, only appropriate cosmetics should be used. Here, an agreement can be made with the dermatologist about which means are suitable. Borreliosis is treated with the administration of antibiotics until all symptoms, including burning skin, have subsided.

Once diagnosed with fibromyalgia, it cannot be cured; it can only be treated with pain relievers and relaxation exercises, which alleviate the many possible ailments. In the case of nerve inflammation, antibiotics and painkillers as well as physiotherapy exercises are used to alleviate the sometimes severe symptoms.

Outlook & forecast

In the case of burning skin, the further consequences and complications depend heavily on the severity of the burn. In most cases, the affected area will develop redness or a rash. The skin burning can also occur without any external symptoms.

If the skin burning occurs due to an allergy, it can be regarded as harmless and will go away by itself. Treatment by a doctor is not necessary even if there are intolerances. The symptom disappears when the body has completely broken down the triggering substance.

Burning skin makes most people feel uncomfortable and therefore avoid touching it. Problems and conflicts can arise with other people and especially with the partner. In extreme cases, lack of sleep, stress and burnout can continue to occur. Treatment is usually medication or a change in diet. In most cases it leads to success. If the triggering preparations are not used, the skin burning does not come back.

If the skin burns after using a cosmetic care product, this product must be discontinued immediately. The burning sensation then disappears by itself after a few hours or days and does not lead to any further symptoms. Itching or pimples can also develop on the affected area.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines against redness and eczema

prevention

Since the causes of skin burning can be diverse and have not yet been fully researched, prevention is difficult in most cases. The economical use of skin-friendly cosmetics is only one way of relieving the skin and possibly preventing it from burning.

If the unpleasant burning sensation occurs several times and / or persists over a longer period of time, a dermatologist should be consulted. After an examination, the doctor can make a diagnosis and exclude or treat more serious underlying diseases.

You can do that yourself

If acute sunburn is the cause of the burning pain on the skin, the affected areas should be cooled with ice cubes or a cold washcloth. Cooling foam sprays from the pharmacy are also very beneficial. In addition, the affected skin area must be protected from direct sunlight until the sunburn has subsided, and in future a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor must be used.

If the burning sensation is the result of a burn with an acid or a lye, those affected should clean the area immediately with clean water and then consult a doctor. In the case of contact allergies, the allergen must first be determined and the irritant must then be avoided. When the symptoms appear for the first time, new cosmetics, detergents or items of clothing can be considered as triggers. Food intolerances can also lead to redness and burning pain on the skin. In principle, the same behaviors apply here as for contact allergies. Antihistamines help against the strong burning sensation and the itching that is often associated with it. Ointments with appropriate active ingredients can be obtained over the counter in pharmacies.

In summer, burning skin pains are often due to insect bites or contact with nettles. In the case of insect bites, you must first look for a stinger and remove it if necessary. Ice cubes then relieve the pain. Antihistamines help with severe itching. Skin irritation caused by nettles is best treated with cold water. An itch-relieving ointment can then be applied.