Are there any medical conditions that cause a burning sensation in the face?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Yes, a burning sensation in the face can be caused by several medical conditions, including trigeminal neuralgia, shingles, nerve damage, rosacea, migraines, sinus infections, and anxiety. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment and relief.

Because facial burning can stem from many different conditions—some minor, others requiring prompt medical attention—it's important not to guess. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be causing your symptoms and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Some medical conditions that may cause facial burning include:

Trigeminal neuralgia: A nerve disorder causing sharp, burning facial pain. Shingles (herpes zoster): A viral infection that can cause a burning rash on one side of the face. Peripheral neuropathy: Nerve damage from diabetes or other causes can lead to burning sensations. Migraines: Some migraines include facial burning or tingling symptoms. Rosacea: A skin condition that can cause redness and burning on the face. Contact dermatitis: Allergic or irritant reactions to skin products or environmental factors can cause burning. Multiple sclerosis: A neurological disease that can cause abnormal facial sensations including burning.

If you experience persistent or severe burning sensations in your face, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to better understand your symptoms before consulting with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

(References)

Luo DQ, Zhao YK, Xu QF, He XQ, & Wu LC. (2014). Recurrent facial erythema with burning sensation and .... Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.), 24433512.
Shumway NK, Cole E, & Fernandez KH. (2016). Neurocutaneous disease: Neurocutaneous dysesthesias. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 26775772.
Zakrzewska JM. (2013). Differential diagnosis of facial pain and guidelines for .... British journal of anaesthesia, 23794651.

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