Identifying Causes of Burning Sensations
Medically reviewed by Renee Nilan, MDMedically reviewed by Renee Nilan, MDYou may sometimes feel a burning sensation without a physical burn. It can be caused by various conditions, such as nerve damage, infections, and dermatitis (skin inflammation). A burning sensation can be painful, extremely uncomfortable, and distracting, potentially interfering with your ability to concentrate or sleep.Paresthesia is an abnormal sensation that occurs without stimulation—such as when you’re at rest or when there is no immediate pain-inducing trigger. Dysesthesia is an unpleasant or painful paresthesia.
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Describing Burning Pain as a SymptomBurning pain is a type of dysesthesia that can be a symptom of many disorders. Sometimes, a burning sensation can come on rapidly, but it’s usually gradually progressive. The severity can range from mild discomfort to profoundly painful, and it could be constant, or it may come and go.Your burning pain might be described in one of the following ways:A feeling that the affected area of your body is very hotAn unexplained feeling that you want to use an ice packA sharp, deep painA superficial, itchy warmthSwelling and pressure on part of your bodyYou can feel a combination of these symptoms, and you might experience some relief when you take pain medication or apply a cold pack or topical pain medication to the affected area.Pain Generators and CausesIrritation of the nerves that control sensation can cause a burning sensation without a physical burn. Many different medical conditions can produce a burning sensation.Some common causes of a burning sensation are:Infection: An infection can cause a hot or burning sensation in one area of the body and a fever, which can make you feel warm throughout your body.Peripheral neuropathy: Nerve damage can be caused by diabetes, chronic alcohol toxicity, inflammatory disorders, thyroid disease, and many different medications (such as chemotherapeutic medication). This type of damage may lead to sensory loss and paresthesia. Pinched nerve: A pinched nerve can cause various symptoms, including weakness, numbness, loss of sensation, or pain and burning. This occurs because the region of the nerve that mediates the sensation of burning can be triggered even when there is no burning.Skin rash: A skin rash or skin irritation from an allergy, abrasion, or skin disorder can cause itching and burning due to inflammation and irritation of the superficial nerves that control sensation.Stroke or multiple sclerosis (MS): Disorders that affect the sensory regions of the brain, such as stroke or MS, can cause pain and discomfort, even when no painful trigger occurs.Swelling: Any injury, trauma, inflammation, or infection can trigger pain sensations, including burning.Wound or healing wound: As a wound heals, different nerves can become irritated, which may lead to various sensations, including pain, burning, and itching.Additionally, a burning sensation could be caused by genetic disorders that affect nerve function.
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How to Treat Localized Burning SensationsIf you are experiencing a burning sensation in one area of the body, your healthcare provider may prescribe or recommend a treatment for you to take by mouth or a topical treatment for the specific area of discomfort.Sometimes, a cold pack can provide relief. If you use ice, protect your skin with a towel. Do not place ice directly on your skin.Your healthcare provider might prescribe or recommend topical pain medication for you to place on the area of burning. They will give you instructions about how often and how to use it.Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication you can take by mouth as needed or on a regular, consistent schedule.Medications sometimes prescribed to treat burning pain include:Antidepressants, such as amitriptylineAntiepilepsy drugs, such as Dilantin (phenytoin) and Neurontin (gabapentin)Antihistamines, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)Medications prescribed for neuropathic pain, such as Lyrica (pregabalin)
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InterventionsSometimes, a medical intervention may be recommended to relieve chronic burning sensations. This could include injection of pain medication or anti-inflammatory, nerve block, or surgical transection (cutting) of the nerve that mediates burning pain in that area.In addition to these interventions, you would also need treatment for the cause of your burning pain. For example, if you have diabetes, you will also need management of your blood sugar to prevent worsening neuropathy.If you have MS, you will need disease-modifying medication to help manage your underlying condition and to prevent worsening nerve pain. If you have a pinched nerve, you may need physical therapy or another intervention to help relieve pressure on the nerve.
Complications and Associated Risk FactorsLiving with chronic pain, such as burning sensation, can lead to depression, anxiety, inability to function throughout the day, and difficulty sleeping.Additionally, overusing pain medication can lead to side effects and addiction.
TestingIf you are experiencing burning sensations, it’s important that you make an appointment to see a healthcare provider. At your appointment, your healthcare provider will ask you about your medical history, the timing and triggers of your symptoms, and if you have any associated symptoms.They will also perform a physical examination, including inspecting your skin, testing your sensations, and testing your neurological functions. This can help identify the cause of your burning sensation and whether it is related to an injury, infection, skin, or neurological condition.You may need additional testing, which could include:Blood tests can identify undiagnosed diabetes, inflammatory disorders, or infection.Brain imaging can identify causes such as MS or stroke.Nerve testing with nerve conduction studies (NCV) and electromyography (EMG) can identify nerve disease or a pinched nerve.Spinal cord imaging can identify a pinched nerve.Once the cause of your burning sensation is identified, you will likely get treatment to manage the discomfort and the underlying cause.
Whole-Body Burning SensationsWhole-body burning sensations are very different from burning sensations in one area of the body. Hot flashes, anxiety, or panic attacks can all cause a burning sensation in the neck, chest, or throughout the whole body.These conditions are associated with vascular (vein) changes caused by dysregulation of body temperature (when the body has trouble regulating its core temperature) and not caused by nerve sensitivity.For the management of hot flashes, your healthcare provider may recommend hormone replacement therapy or lifestyle management. If you are having whole-body burning sensations due to anxiety or panic disorder, your healthcare provider may recommend psychotherapy and possibly medication.
When to Consult a Healthcare ProviderA burning sensation is usually a slowly progressive symptom. If you have been experiencing this type of discomfort, make an appointment to see a healthcare provider.In rare instances, a burning sensation can develop very quickly and could be severe. Get urgent medical attention if you have other symptoms along with your burning sensation, such as shortness of breath, shaking, fevers, or excessive whole-body sweating.Summary A burning sensation is a type of paresthesia (unpleasant sensation), and there are many different causes—such as neuropathy, skin allergy, or multiple sclerosis. Getting a diagnosis for the cause of your burning sensation is crucial because persistent burning sensation usually requires a combination of different medical interventions.Sometimes, cold packs can relieve a burning sensation. The pain and discomfort of persistent burning sensations can be treated with management of the underlying cause and medication or interventional therapy to relieve the pain. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, get medical help so that you can feel better.
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Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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