Published on: 5/30/2025
What are the common causes of tingling in the face?
Tingling in the face can happen for various reasons, including issues with the trigeminal nerve, sensitive skin, and other health conditions such as exposure to a large amount of pyrethroid-containing insecticide. If the tingling is persistent, severe, worsening, or occurs with visible skin changes like a skin rash, consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the exact cause of the tingling and the best way to manage it.
Explanation
Tingling in the face, also known as facial paresthesia, can be caused by different factors. One common cause is a problem with the trigeminal nerve, which affects feeling in the face.
Another possible cause is sensitive skin, leading to discomfort or tingling that may occur with or without visible skin changes.
Other health conditions (such as exposure to a large amount of pyrethroid-containing insecticide) can also cause face tingling. Extremely rarely, a certain type of small stroke in the brainstem, known as a lacunar pontine ischemic stroke, can cause no symptoms except for tingling in one side of the face.
If the tingling is persistent, severe, worsening, or occurs with visible skin changes like a skin rash, consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the exact cause of the tingling and the best way to manage it.
(References)
- Smith JH, & Cutrer FM. (2011). Numbness matters: a clinical review of trigeminal neuropathy. Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache, 21628435.
- Brigo F, Tomelleri G, Bovi P, & Bovi T. (2012). Hemiparesthesias in lacunar pontine ischemic stroke. Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology, 21910003.
- Wilks MF. (2000). Pyrethroid-induced paresthesia--a central or local toxic .... Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology, 10778905.
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