What Is a Burning Sensation?

Burning sensation is a sensation of warmth, pain, or heat on the surface of the body or internally. It might develop suddenly or over time and be chronic or alternatively coming and going. Individuals feel it as nerve pain burning sensation, tingling, burning, or numbness, depending upon location and etiology.

Common Places and Etiologies of Burning Sensation


Burning Sensation in Skin

Burning sensation in skin is predominantly associated with allergy or nerve disease. Cause may be:

  • Allergic dermatitis
  • Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Insect bites
  • Chemical burns
Burning is preceded by redness, itch, or rash. Burning follows in some after the rash has resolved, more in post-herpetic neuralgia.

Burning Feeling in Feet and Legs

Burning sensation in feet is most commonly caused by diabetic neuropathy, with high blood sugar leading to peripheral nerve damage. Other causes include:

  • Alcoholism
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Athlete's foot
For others, the pain is to the extent of burning sensation in legs and walking or standing for long distances is made more difficult.

Burning Sensation in Hands

Likewise, burning sensation in hands is normally due to nerve damage, repetitive strain injury (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome), or autoimmune illnesses like lupus.

Stomach Burning Sensation

Burning sensation in stomach is typically due to disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The usual causes of burning sensation are:

  • Acid reflux or GERD
  • Gastritis
  • Peptic ulcers
  • H. pylori infection
Burning tends to be followed by bloating, nausea, or sour mouth.

Burning Sensation in Chest

While burning sensation in chest is most commonly acid reflux or heartburn, you should eliminate more serious conditions like:

  • Angina (inadequate blood supply to the heart)
  • Heart attack
  • Costochondritis (inflammation of cartilage of the rib cage)
As chest burning sensation may be mimicking a cardiac pattern, you need to present in the emergency room in case there is burning that is followed by dizziness, breathlessness, or radiation of pain.

Burning Sensation During Urination

Burning sensation after urination is a frequent symptom and usually implies urinary tract infection (UTI). It will also imply:

  • Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs)
  • Kidney stones
  • Interstitial cystitis
In men, prostatitis will also cause this discomfort.


Burning Throat Sensation

Burning throat is usually caused by acid reflux, post-nasal drip, or infection. Other etiologies include:

  • Smoking
  • Allergies
  • Voice overuse
If burning sensation in throat does not improve with a few days or is getting worse, it needs to be worked up.

Tongue Burning Sensation

Burning mouth syndrome, if one must have a name for it, is an etiology-less disease. It occurs in postmenopausal females as well and may be due to:

  • Nutritional deficiencies (presumably iron or B12)
  • Dry mouth
  • Nerve damage
  • Endocrine imbalance
Metallic taste or tingling can be associated with burning sensation in tongue.

Burning Sensation in Eyes

Burning sensation in eyes can be due to:

  • Dry eyes
  • Allergies
  • Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
  • Chemical irritant inhalation like smoke, dust, or chlorine
For redness, discharge, or blur in eyes, see an eye specialist.

Other Symptoms May be Associated with Burning Sensation

Burning sensation accompanied by other symptoms depending on the causative factor. Note:

  • Numbness or tingling (nervous)
  • Itching or rash (dermal)
  • Weak muscles
  • Weight loss or fatigue
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Frequent urination
  • Chronic pain
Identification of associated symptoms of burning sensation allows doctors to diagnose.

Treatment of Burning Sensation

Treatment is completely on the basis of cause. Some common treatment for burning sensation are given below:

Medications

  • Infection (e.g., eye infection, bladder infection, etc.) antibiotics
  • Acid reflux antacids or PPIs
  • Nerve pain anticonvulsants or antidepressants
  • Topical ointment (e.g., lidocaine or capsaicin) for skin pain

Lifestyle Changes

  • Avoid hot spices or acid reflux causes
  • Control blood sugar in diabetes
  • Relax with loose footwear to avoid pressure on feet
  • Utilize ergonomically designed instruments to avoid repetitive strain on hands

Home Remedies

  • Cold pack on burned skin or eyes
  • Itching oatmeal or baking soda bath
  • Saline eye drops for burning eyes
  • Balanced diet and sufficient drinking water

Medical Interventions

For symptoms due to structural causes (e.g., kidney stone, ulcer, or herniated disc), procedure therapy or surgery might be warranted. See your physician for the proper burning sensation treatment according to your individual history and symptoms.

When to See Your Doctor for Burning Sensation

Although most burning sensations are transient or benign, know when to see a doctor for burning sensation:

  • The burning sensation recurs or increases
  • Abrupt onset with no identifiable cause
  • Radiating pain (particularly chest, arm, or back)
  • Burning with fever, blisters, or rash
  • It interferes with your sleep or activities of daily living
  • You find it to be indicative of nerve pain or chronic underlying illness
Regardless of whether the etiology is unknown or not, medical evaluation is always best. Treatment, in fact, usually before anything else happens, averts complications.

Conclusion

Burning is harmless or a sign of something evil. Wherever it happens on your skin, stomach, eyes, or feet, don't suspect your body's warning. Most reasons are treatable or removable by proper diagnosis and drugs.
If burning occurs repeatedly or inexplicably, don't wait to consult a doctor. Knowledge of symptoms is the key to recovery and confidence.

Please book an appointment with the Best General Physician in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.