Definition
Skin burning is a burning and sometimes stinging sensation on the skin. It can affect very different regions of the skin and can be felt to varying degrees. Skin burning is a symptom that is often not accompanied by external changes to the skin, such as redness.
You rarely see anything on the outside of the affected person. Sometimes, however, accompanying changes in the skin, such as pimples, redness or other rashes, occur. Skin burning is a very individual sensation and is therefore very difficult to objectify.
This does not mean, however, that those affected do not actually feel it. Burning sensations can be caused by nerve damage, for example. The duration of skin burning and the severity of the discomfort varies greatly and is, among other things, largely dependent on the cause. It can last for a short period of time and then stop again. However, some people also experience long-term sensations.
Causes of burning skin
There are many different causes for burning skin. Incompatibilities with care products, creams or perfumes are possible triggers for burning skin. Furthermore, peelings and shaving can cause skin irritations that burn and hurt.
In the face, cosmetics are often the cause of burning skin. Injuries to the skin are also possible causes of skin burning. In addition to diseases and damage to the skin, nerve damage in particular can lead to skin burning.
Nerves are important for the sensitivity of our skin. Damage to sensitive nerves can lead to a loss of sensitivity, but also to painful, burning and stinging sensations. Possible causes for such nerve damage are, for example, diabetes mellitus, nerve entrapment or borreliosis.
Incarcerations of nerves in the area of the spinal column not only cause back pain, as many people believe, but also affect the sensitivity in the supply area of the affected nerve. This can cause a burning sensation in the skin. Shingles also causes burning and painful sensations that typically affect segments of the skin.
Apart from these so-called somatic causes, psychosomatic causes should also be considered. A psychosomatic condition can sometimes cause severe discomfort, which greatly impairs the quality of life. Many people experience skin burning after shaving.
There are several causes for this. Shaving irritates the skin, especially if it is not done gently. Smallest wounds and even larger cuts can occur, causing pain or burning.
But also a proper shave can cause a burning of the skin, which usually disappears after a few hours. Care products such as shaving foam, shower gel or creams applied after or during shaving can irritate sensitive skin. Especially if there are small wounds in the skin, skin irritation caused by care products is possible.
If the skin burning sensation always occurs after shaving and the use of certain products, it is advisable to leave them off once. For sensitive skin, particularly gentle products should be used. In addition, one can prepare the skin for shaving by taking a warm shower.
Do not shave against the grain. This will cause additional skin irritation and promote skin burning. Cooling the skin directly after shaving also helps against burning.
Furthermore, always use sharp blades for shaving. Do not use the blades more often than recommended by the manufacturer and make sure that they are clean to avoid skin irritation. Burning skin while showering can have various causes.
If the entire skin is burning or even itching, an allergy to products such as shampoos or the shower gel used may be behind it. One way to find out is to change or omit the shower gel. An allergy test is also possible.
Another possible cause is irritation of small skin lesions, for example from shaving. Such skin burning, however, would be limited to certain parts of the body that have been shaved before and would not affect the entire skin.Ultimately, hypersensitivity of nerves can also cause the skin to react to an actually non-painful process like showering with a burning sensation. However, it would then be typical that the burning sensation also occurs in other situations that theoretically should not cause pain.
Most people find peeling very pleasant. People with very sensitive skin or an intolerance to the ingredients of the peeling can complain that their skin burns. Pre-damaged skin, for example after shaving, can also burn after exfoliation. Medical fruit acid peelings, which are used for acne, among other things, often cause a burning sensation on the skin. This is due to the fact that the top layer of skin is removed by the peeling and the skin therefore reacts sensitively to the fruit acids.
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