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Published on: 4/28/2025

What Could Cause the Skin to Feel Like It's Burning Without Any Visible Signs?

A burning skin feeling without visible marks could come from nerve problems like neuropathic pain or a condition called sensitive skin syndrome.

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Explanation

Sometimes your skin might feel like it’s burning even when there is nothing wrong visually. This can happen because of problems with the nerves in your skin. When nerves are hurt or not working right, they may send signals that feel like burning, even though your skin looks normal. For example, people with long COVID sometimes have nerve issues that make them feel burning pain on their skin. This type of pain is called neuropathic pain. Another reason could be a condition known as sensitive skin syndrome. In this case, the nerves in the skin overreact to light touches or environmental factors like temperature changes, making you feel burning or painful sensations. Sometimes, other factors like stress or minor nerve injuries might also make your skin feel hot or burning without any visible marks. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider if these symptoms continue, so they can help find the right cause and treatment, whether it means nerve medications, topical creams, or other care ideas.

(References)

  • Grieco T, Gomes V, Rossi A, Cantisani C, Greco ME, Rossi G, Sernicola A, Pellacani G. The Pathological Culprit of Neuropathic Skin Pain in Long COVID-19 Patients: A Case Series. J Clin Med. 2022 Jul 31;11(15):4474. doi: 10.3390/jcm11154474. PMID: 35956094; PMCID: PMC9369885.

  • Wollenberg A, Giménez-Arnau A. Sensitive skin: A relevant syndrome, be aware. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2022 Apr;36 Suppl 5:3-5. doi: 10.1111/jdv.17903. PMID: 35315153.

  • Wooldridge WE. Dermatologic symptoms without signs. Seeking the cause of itching, pain, and burning. Postgrad Med. 1989 Mar;85(4):369-70, 375. doi: 10.1080/00325481.1989.11700642. PMID: 2648364.

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