What it is?
Burning skin is irritation of the receptors of the upper layer of the epidermis, which is usually paroxysmal in nature. This phenomenon occurs from external and internal reasons. Often it weakens during the day and intensifies at night, which impairs proper rest, irritation appears and may deteriorate well-being, decrease performance and cause depression.
Burning skin usually causes itching, rashes and irritation. With the help of modern therapeutic methods, it will be possible to relieve these symptoms, get rid of unpleasant consequences and promptly stop the pathological process, which is the cause of discomfort.
Types of burning sensation
There is a division of types of burning according to the nature of the phenomenon. It could be:
- Physiological, which is associated with certain external reasons. For example, this type of burning occurs from insect bites, when the skin is rubbed for a long period of time, as well as after thermal and sunburn.
- Pathological. This type is associated with a mental state when a burning sensation of the skin appears from an unstable psychological state or a change in physiological state, for example, in old age, during pregnancy. Another symptom that occurs is in the presence of psychological discomfort, stress, and depression.
This classification is conditional, since in practice burning sensations often occur with both types of causes. In any case, it is necessary to normalize the person’s condition, relieving him of unpleasant sensations.
What to apply to the skin, ointments, creams, sprays
Sunburn medications for external use:
- Panthenol. The drug can be used to treat burns of any origin. Thanks to the active ingredient dexpanthenol, it is possible to relieve swelling, stop the inflammatory process and accelerate the regeneration of affected tissues. Panthenol is recommended to be applied immediately to the affected areas when the first symptoms of sunburn appear.
- Libyan, aerosol. The product is intended for the treatment of burns of any stage. It has excellent antiseptic and analgesic properties and stops the inflammatory process.
- Elovera, ointment. The composition includes vitamins and aloe extract, which allows you to stop the inflammatory process and speed up the recovery of affected tissues.
- Vinyl, balm. The drug is recommended for the treatment of open wounds. Perfectly destroys pathogenic bacteria, preventing them from entering the blood. Restores damaged cells after sunburn.
- Zinc ointment. Relieves severe redness and swelling, stops the inflammatory process, and restores affected cells. Can be applied to a dry area of skin several times a day.
- Sea buckthorn oil. It has antiseptic properties and accelerates wound healing after burns of various types. Contains microelements to restore skin firmness and elasticity.
- Karotolin. Protects the skin from aggressive ultraviolet exposure, prevents premature cell death, and restores damaged tissue.
- Solcoseryl, gel. Accelerates the growth of new tissue after sunburn.
- Psilo-balm. Cools the skin, relieves pain, stops the inflammatory process, accelerates the process of cell regeneration.
- Actovegin, ointment. Improves local blood circulation, accelerates the process of tissue restoration.
- Floceta, gel. The composition includes extracts of medicinal plants that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and accelerate wound healing.
- Radevit. The drug allows you to restore the water balance of cells and stop the formation of bubbles.
- Fenistil. An antiallergic drug helps relieve pain, swelling and redness.
- Sudocrem. It has several active substances, which allows it to be used to treat burns of various stages and nature.
Signs
The appearance of a burning sensation on the skin is usually immediately noticeable. It manifests itself as follows:
- First, a slight discomfort appears, which, with little influence of any reasons, occurs in a certain area of the skin. There is a tingling or tingling sensation.
- As the skin disease progresses, the halo of skin lesions increases, but this process can be gradual or rapid. If treatment is not started when the first signs of the disease appear (with a slight burning sensation), the process will develop quickly, covering large areas of the skin.
Therefore, with the appearance of burning of the skin of the body, it is necessary to identify areas with a pathological process and contact a specialist who will diagnose this phenomenon. Then treatment and recovery will be simpler and faster.
How to treat sunburned skin
When the first symptoms of sunburn appear, you should do the following:
- First of all, you need to assess the condition of the victim, because sunburn is very often accompanied by heat stroke. The main symptoms are dizziness, nausea and loss of consciousness. In the latter case, you should consult a doctor.
- We apply cold compresses to the affected areas of the skin or treat them with medications for burns.
- We take painkillers, antiallergic and anti-inflammatory drugs.
External reasons
Burning of the skin of the face or other part of the body from external causes immediately manifests itself clearly. Usually it is possible to immediately identify the cause of this phenomenon:
- When insect bites, discomfort most often occurs immediately afterward.
- With a sun or thermal burn, the burning sensation occurs sharply, and pain is observed for the near future.
- From exposure to aggressive components, for example, household chemicals, a burning sensation appears intensely in the first minutes.
For external reasons, a person is able to eliminate the problem himself, restoring the condition of the skin. For example, for insect bites, special gels and ointments are used. It is enough to treat the affected area to very soon notice an improvement in the appearance of the skin.
Finding out the causes of redness on the face
A flushed face is not a reason to panic and is not a disaster! Carefully study the reasons for its appearance and then you will certainly know how to quickly and safely remove redness on your face. So, there are many reasons for this unpleasant phenomenon that causes you anxiety and discomfort.
Dust of any origin
In fact, a person comes into contact with dust microparticles almost every second throughout his life. It can be street, home, industrial. Dust is omnipresent: it is present in the air and on the floor, on the walls and on clothes. It is almost useless to fight it, but still necessary. If only because it is the source of many diseases and illnesses.
Dust can also cause a flushed face for no apparent reason or a more serious illness of the upper respiratory tract. The reason is the complex composition of dust, containing inorganic microparticles, feces and insect remains, microbes and bacterial spores.
Allergy
Among the common pathological processes of the human body, allergies occupy a leading position. The disease can be triggered by anything: from food to animal hair, plant pollen and cosmetics, household chemicals and medicines. The result is irritation of the mucous membranes, runny nose or sneezing, redness of the skin, which in this case can be quickly relieved with medications or home remedies.
Dilated vessels
As a rule, dilated vessels are a negative result of solar radiation, hereditary predisposition, liver problems, and individual characteristics of the vessels. If among the above reasons you have found your option, then the appearance of redness on the face is understandable.
Do not bring the situation to a critical level and do not provoke the appearance of redness, so that later you do not rush frantically in search of a solution to the problem, how to quickly remove redness from the face. Limit your exposure to the sun, do not get carried away with visiting steam rooms and solariums, and give up alcohol.
Cosmetic procedures
You may have noticed that the appearance of red spots is associated with the use of cosmetics. A negative reaction may be to low-quality or expired cosmetics, or you have an individual intolerance to the components included in cosmetic preparations.
You will not need to worry about removing redness in the future by eliminating from your arsenal those products after which negative skin reactions were noticed.
Sunburn
If you've been out in the sun for too long, redness on your face is inevitable. The skin of your face can burn instantly, and therefore you need to treat it very carefully. What can save sunburned skin? Use moisturizing creams, antiseptics and antihistamines. Ointments with steroid hormones can help heal the skin. From available means - chilled sour cream works well to remove redness from tanning.
Menstrual cycle
Even minor changes and irregularities in the menstrual cycle can be another reason for the appearance of redness on the face. If you notice that the redness of the face coincides with the period of menstruation, be sure to visit a gynecologist.
Lack of sleep and unbalanced diet
The largest organ in the human body, the skin also acts as a kind of indicator of how the body reacts to the state of internal organs and external factors. The intake of excessive amounts of nutrients, as well as their lack, can cause redness on the face. An inadequate night's rest also does not have the best effect on the condition of your facial skin.
For scabies, fungus
Scabies can be identified by the following signs:
- the presence of scabies;
- rash in the interdigital spaces, groin, stomach.
Due to frequent scratching, wearing contaminated clothing, and the rapid reproduction of mites, unpleasant symptoms can spread to other parts of the body.
Unpleasant sensations on the skin are also possible due to the presence of fungus. Infection occurs through contact with a sick person or through shared items. Those who go to a public bathhouse, swimming pool, or sports clubs have a greater risk of becoming infected. Children over 5 years of age are more susceptible to the disease.
Why do people get sunburned?
Skin burns after sunbathing for the following reasons:
- Sunbathing at noon, when the greatest solar activity is observed.
- Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
- Failure to use or incorrectly apply sunscreen cosmetics.
- Taking medications that increase skin sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation.
- Not using moisturizers after sunbathing.
- Long stay in a solarium capsule.
- Failure to comply with the principles of drinking regime in the summer heat.
- White skin with freckles burns first.
Internal pathologies
Itching and burning of the skin can be a sign of internal ailments, such as:
- Vascular damage. With this pathology, periodic swelling of the extremities, a cold state, and there may be a burning sensation in the affected area are observed. When this phenomenon occurs, it is necessary to determine the cause of this condition in order to select the optimal method for improving the condition.
- Liver diseases. Since the liver is considered the main cleansing organ, the condition of the skin and a person’s well-being depend on it. And such signs as sharply darkened color of urine, lightening of feces, severe burning of the skin may be evidence of pathology in the functioning of the organ. The reason for the burning sensation in liver diseases is the release of bile salts into the blood, which, influencing skin receptors, lead to their irritation and pathological reaction.
- Skin ailments (eczema, psoriasis, allergies). They are also likely to cause redness and burning of the skin. With such pathologies, additional external manifestations are observed, which become immediately noticeable and require emergency care.
- Internal parasites. Helminths often lead to uncomfortable skin sensations, so regular preventative cleansing will help prevent this condition.
- Decreased activity of the thyroid gland. With this pathology, there is a burning sensation of the skin, it will be hot and wet. The functioning of some systems decreases, which leads to severe fatigue and a tendency to depression.
These are the main causes of burning skin. This symptom can also occur in such serious conditions as stage 1 cancer of internal organs, diabetes mellitus, gout, malfunction of the gallbladder, liver and kidneys. And diagnosing the cause allows you to get rid of the root cause of such an unpleasant condition, quickly eliminate the symptoms, and improve the condition.
Clinical manifestations
To verify the diagnosis, the doctor conducts a clinical examination, including an analysis of subjective information received from the patient (complaints, anamnesis) and objective signs identified during the examination. Each disease has a set of typical symptoms that suggest the likely source of the problem.
No external signs
If there are no changes in the skin (redness, rash, peeling), then one has to think not about skin or allergic pathology, but to exclude systemic causes of burning and itching. In such cases, psychogenic reactions usually occur in which there is no organic substrate for subjective discomfort.
Changes occur at the cortical level and are caused by strong and ongoing stressors, psychological conflicts and even mental disorders. This burning sensation may be combined with other symptoms:
- Pain of various localizations.
- Emotional lability.
- Anxiety and irritability.
- Sleep disorders, libido.
Somatized symptoms include functional disorders of various organs. Psychogenic reactions are accompanied by rapid heartbeat and urination, dizziness, a feeling of lack of air, sweating, etc.
In case of brightly colored complaints that are not confirmed upon examination, one should always look for psychogenic causes of what is happening.
Face is red and itchy
Facial redness and burning sensation caused by swimming in warm water is a typical sign of erythremia or polycythemia vera (Vaquez disease). Patients are also bothered by burning pain in the fingertips with hyperemia and bluish spots. Other symptoms are also characteristic:
- Intermittent claudication (a sign of concomitant endarteritis).
- Dizziness, headaches.
- Feeling of heat (“hot flashes”), shortness of breath.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Noise in the ears, flickering of “spots” before the eyes.
Due to excessive blood supply, the spleen enlarges; a tendency to vascular thrombosis is associated with an increase in the number of formed elements. With bone marrow hyperplasia, bone pain occurs, and trophic changes in the gastric mucosa provoke the formation of ulcers.
Rash all over the abdomen
Psoriasis, herpes zoster, scabies, and urticaria may appear as a rash on the skin of the abdomen with itching and burning. Their origin and clinical presentation are different, but subjective discomfort may be similar. In each case, skin changes have a number of characteristic features:
- Flat, red papules and plaques with a silvery surface (psoriasis).
- Bubbles with transparent contents (herpetic infection).
- Paired nodules with linear “movements” and scratching (scabies).
- Pale pink blisters with bright dermographism (urticaria).
A rash on the abdomen, accompanied by itching and burning, also occurs with dermatitis herpetiformis, toxiderma, and papular syphilides. In childhood, chickenpox and molluscum contagiosum can be suspected.
It burns and feels like your back is on fire
The burning sensation is often neurological in nature. In addition to polyneuropathies (diabetic, toxic), often affecting the lower extremities, such a symptom may be part of a radicular syndrome that occurs with vertebrogenic pathology - osteochondrosis, intervertebral disc herniation. Damage to the thoracic and lumbar spine may be accompanied by numbness, burning in the back and other symptoms:
- Pain (stabbing, aching, shooting).
- Decreased sensitivity.
- Limiting the range of movements.
Vertebrogenic pain can radiate to the arms, chest or abdomen, simulating the pathology of the internal organs. They intensify with sudden movements (bending, turning, laughing, coughing). When examined in the area innervated by the compressed root, signs of local autonomic dysfunction (swelling, redness of the skin, dryness or excessive sweating) and muscle atrophy may be detected.
A burning sensation in the back is a common sign of vertebrogenic pathology, caused by compression of the nerve roots of the spinal cord.
Symptom elimination
When internal lesions appear, the cause must be quickly identified. This will quickly neutralize unpleasant symptoms. Because it can be serious and untreated can lead to complications or a longer course of therapy.
Elimination of burning of the skin of the face or other parts of the body can be done as follows:
- First, the cause is determined. With the help of a complete diagnosis, it will be possible to determine what caused the symptom. Based on this, the doctor prescribes treatment.
- Drug therapy may be prescribed, carried out only under the supervision of a specialist to eliminate negative manifestations of sensitivity of the body.
- Physiotherapy procedures are used that stimulate the immune system, which help to quickly eliminate the burning sensation.
- Vitamin therapy involves taking immunostimulating, mineral and vitamin agents that speed up recovery. Any medications must be prescribed by a doctor.
Relief of condition
Medicines can help eliminate the burning sensation. Among them is Advantan. This product is available in the form of an emulsion, cream, ointment. For each part of the body, you can choose the appropriate option. Hydrocortisone ointment is also effective. But only specialists can prescribe such drugs after a thorough examination. Self-medication is strictly unacceptable.
At home, traditional methods are used. Bathing procedures with baking soda can help eliminate the burning sensation. You need to lie in the water for no more than 15-20 minutes. Soda is also used when diluting compresses. Add 1 tsp to water (1 glass). powder. Gauze folded in several layers is dipped into the solution, and then lotions are applied to the painful areas. Burning of the skin of the legs and other parts of the body can also be eliminated with ammonia: 1 tbsp. l. solution is added to 3 tbsp. l. water.
Effective treatment
If burning and dryness are observed on the skin of the hands, then this is probably caused by external factors. In this case, all housework should be done with rubber gloves. You also need to choose the right soap and restore your diet. Moisturizing creams and a soft towel help.
Folk remedies include a potato mask, a compress of honey, sour cream, olive oil, and lemon juice. A symptom on the face may indicate a deficiency of vitamins A, B, E. Then a mask based on plum, egg yolk, olive oil, and oatmeal is required.
Dry skin on the body is associated with internal problems of the body. It is advisable to include fish and legumes in the diet. It is useful to perform cosmetic procedures - baths with chamomile, milk, masks with honey, avocado, and peeling.
Burning and dry feet occur from uncomfortable shoes. Therefore, it is important that it is of high quality and comfortable. If this is not the reason, then masks based on potatoes, green apples, and castor oil help.
When is a doctor needed?
Often adults themselves can determine the cause of burning and itching of the skin, for example, when replacing washing powder. Discomfort may occur from inappropriate cosmetics and medications. But sometimes the burning does not go away for a long time, so itching can be a symptom of a serious illness.
You need to see a doctor if:
- disruption of the rhythm of daily life, sleep disturbance for more than 2 weeks;
- the appearance of dangerous symptoms - weight loss, constant fatigue, fever;
- influence on the entire body.
A specialist will identify the cause of burning skin and prescribe effective treatment measures. Then the recovery will be faster.
Prevention
It is important to maintain personal hygiene. Do not allow overheating; it is advisable to be in a cool room. Therefore, you need to use hot baths less often. Don't use soap too often. It is better not to wear clothes made of wool and synthetics, which are the main irritants.
It is necessary to limit the intake of alcoholic beverages and caffeine. You need to pay attention to your diet, which should contain vitamins E and D. According to dermatologists, there can be many reasons for burning and itching. Therefore, it is still better to contact a professional first.
These measures make it possible to make the treatment effective, so the burning of the skin of the hands, feet and other parts of the body will be eliminated faster. With the help of prevention and treatment, which are based on diagnosis, the preservation of health and protection from negative changes are guaranteed.
Medical treatments for burns
At the last stage of sunburn, when blisters and open wounds appear, you need to consult a doctor who will develop an effective treatment regimen.
To treat sunburn, you can try the following medications:
- Panthenol. Helps relieve swelling and stop the inflammatory process at the very beginning.
- Paracetamol. Helps normalize body temperature and blood pressure.
- Cetrin. Relieves redness and pain.
- Floceta gel. Accelerates the healing process of wounds, destroys pathogenic bacteria, and ensures regeneration of affected tissues.