What Are the Treatments for Burning Skin Sensation?

Burning skin sensations can be caused by a variety of factors, including anxiety and allergies, and can occur on nearly any area of the body, including the mouth, legs and chest. Symptoms of burning skin sensations can include itching, tingling, redness and raised bumps.

If the burning skin sensations are primarily felt in the chest area and are accompanied by raised bumps, it can be a sign of shingles, or herpes zoster, according to MedlinePlus. The burning sensation may start days before lesions form and last months after the lesions are gone. Treatment usually involves taking antiviral medications, such as acyclovir. In some cases, a corticosteroid can also be taken orally to relieve the burning sensations.

Burning skin sensations that occur primarily in the mouth may be caused by anxiety. Your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety medications, such as klonopin or ativan, for treatment. Talk therapy may also be recommended to alleviate anxiety and the burning skin sensations that accompany it.

If the burning sensation is determined to be caused by allergies, a doctor may prescribe antihistamines, such as loratidine, for treatment. Over-the-counter soothing lotions, such as aloe vera gel and camphor lotion, can also be used to alleviate symptoms.

Burning skin sensations in the legs and feet can be a result of hypothyroidism. The main treatment is thyroid hormone replacement therapy to treat the underactive thyroid, which then relieves the burning symptoms.

If the burning skin sensations persist for more than 1 or 2 days, it is advised that you contact your physician for a consultation. Burning skin sensations can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious underlying illness. According to Drs. Jacob Heller and David Zieve on Healthline.com, it is also important to avoid self-medicating and to not make any changes in current medications before talking to a doctor.