Skin burning is a symptom of a disease or a hypersensitivity reaction of the body to a certain triggering substance. It may be accompanied by visual skin irritation or may occur without any other visible symptoms. Depending on the cause, the symptoms may be short-lived or may last longer.
What is skin burning?
In many cases, no rash or redness is visible in the areas described as burning, which is why many sufferers assume that they are only imagining the skin burning. Skin burning, sometimes also called “stinging”, is understood by physicians to mean a burning or stinging sensation on the skin. This can occur in a wide variety of places on the body and is usually experienced as very unpleasant. In many cases, no rash or redness is visible in the areas described as burning, which is why those affected sometimes have to put up with the accusation that they are only imagining the discomfort. Under certain circumstances, however, reddening of the skin or small pimples may accompany the burning sensation. Depending on the cause of the discomfort, they can either occur spontaneously and subside by themselves after a short time, or persist over a longer period of time.
Causes
The causes of skin burning can be varied. The so-called “stinging”, which is not accompanied by visual reactions of the skin, still puzzles scientists, because the exact reasons for this discomfort could not yet be determined. However, it can possibly be caused by lactic acid, which is also contained in many cosmetics. If the burning sensation is accompanied by a rash or redness, it may be caused by an allergic reaction to a certain substance. Lyme disease or fibromyalgia can also cause skin burning, as can nerve inflammation. A food intolerance can also manifest itself by a burning or stinging sensation on the skin.
Diseases with this symptom
- Allergy
- Food intolerance
- Nerve inflammation
- Heat stroke
- Exanthema
- Lyme disease
- Sunburn
- Insect venom allergy
- Fibromyalgia
Diagnosis and course
Skin burning may be diagnosed by the attending physician simply by 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 is not accompanied by any visual symptoms, it can be diagnosed with the help of the lactic acid or the humectant propylene glycol already mentioned. Even if skin burning often has rather harmless causes, it is extremely unpleasant for the person affected. If a disease such as Lyme disease or fibromyalgia is hidden behind it, medical treatment must be initiated, as otherwise there may be a significant deterioration in the general condition.
Complications
Skin burning is associated with an uncomfortable body sensation. A feeling of discomfort sets in and the general mood drops. Physical contact is attempted to be avoided. This can cause family or partnership problems. Conflicts and irritability are possible. Often, in addition to their own physical discomfort, those affected are confronted with accusations of imagination or exaggeration. If the skin burning is based on an intolerance of used cosmetics, these should be disposed of. However, food intolerances may also be present. Without an allergy test, the search for the causative substance can lead to a stressful experience in everyday life. If the substance is known, it may be necessary to change the entire food intake. Alternatives are then worked out with a nutritionist, which can nevertheless lead to a loss of a free feeling of life. This is especially true if a lifelong diet becomes necessary. This is usually the case if the burning sensation is caused by a restriction in the functioning of the digestive organs. If painkillers are taken to alleviate the perception of burning skin, the individual side effects of the medication must be taken into account.In addition, the burning of the skin occurs again when the effect of painkillers wears off. Permanent use of painkillers can cause strain and functional impairment of the organism. In addition, there is a risk of drug addiction.
When should you go to the doctor?
Skin burning is considered annoying or painful depending on its intensity and personal impression. Skin burning is a symptom – either due to a medical condition or a hypersensitivity reaction to a certain substance. Skin burning can last a short or long time. Irritation may or may not be visible on the skin. Whether a visit to the doctor is necessary for skin burning depends on the cause or situation. In the case of skin burning as an allergic reaction to a certain substance, for example to ingredients of cosmetics, a rash often develops in addition to the burning sensation on the skin. In this case, it makes sense to consult a dermatologist or allergist in order to identify the intolerable 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 neuritis, fibromyalgia or Lyme disease and is therefore a case for the neurologist. Furthermore, a gastroenterologist should be considered for clarification, since damaged digestive organs can also lead to burning skin. As a pilot for the course on the right specialist practice serves the family doctor, who gains initial knowledge through his history and blood tests.
Treatment and therapy
Skin burning can be treated in a variety of ways. If it was caused by an allergy, the triggering substance must be avoided. This can be cosmetics as well as food. Since the latter in particular can also result in damage to the digestive organs, for example, if these are permanently irritated by the ingestion of the triggering substances, adherence to an individually tailored diet is advisable. If the skin is generally sensitive, only appropriate cosmetics should be used. In this case, consultation with the dermatologist can be made as to which agents are suitable. Lyme disease is treated with the administration of antibiotics until all symptoms, which may include burning skin, have subsided. If fibromyalgia has been diagnosed, it cannot be cured, but only treated with the help of painkillers and relaxation exercises, which leads to an alleviation of the numerous possible complaints. In the case of neuritis, antibiotics and painkillers are used, as well as physiotherapy exercises, to alleviate the sometimes severe symptoms.
Outlook and prognosis
In skin burns, the further consequences and complications depend greatly on the severity of the burn. In most cases, redness or a rash develops on the affected area. However, the skin burning can also occur without external manifestations. If the burning is due to an allergy, it can be considered harmless and will disappear on its own. Even in the case of intolerance, treatment by a doctor is not necessary. The symptom disappears when the body has completely broken down the triggering substance. Burning skin makes most people feel uncomfortable and therefore avoid touching. This can cause problems and conflicts with other people and especially with the partner. In extreme cases, sleep deprivation, stress and burnout may further occur. Treatment is usually through medication or dietary changes. It leads to success in most cases. If the triggering preparations are abandoned, the skin burning does not recur. If the skin burning occurs after using a cosmetic care product, this product must be discontinued immediately. The skin burning will then disappear by itself after a few hours or days and will not cause any further discomfort. Itching or pimples may also develop in the affected area.
Prevention
Since the causes of skin burning can be varied and have not yet been fully researched, prevention is difficult in most cases. The sparing use of skin-friendly cosmetics is only one way to relieve the skin and possibly prevent skin burning. If the unpleasant burning sensation occurs repeatedly and/or persists over a longer period of time, a dermatologist should be consulted.After an examination, this person can make a diagnosis and exclude more serious underlying diseases or treat them accordingly.
What you can do 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 soothing. In addition, the affected skin area must be protected from direct sunlight until the sunburn has subsided and a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor must be used in the future. If the skin burn is the result of a chemical burn with an acid or alkali, the affected person should clean the area immediately with clear water and then consult a doctor. In the case of contact allergies, the allergen must first be determined and the irritant subsequently avoided. If the symptoms occur for the first time, new cosmetics, detergents or items of clothing in particular are possible triggers. Food intolerances can also lead to redness and burning pain on the skin. In this case, the same basic rules apply as for contact allergies. Antihistamines help against the strong burning and the itching often associated with it. Ointments with corresponding active ingredients are available over-the-counter in pharmacies. In summer, burning skin pain is often due to insect bites or contact with stinging nettles. In the case of insect bites, first look for a sting and remove it if necessary. Ice cubes then relieve the pain. If the itching is severe, antihistamines will help. Skin irritations caused by stinging nettles are best treated with cold water. An itch-relieving ointment can then be applied.