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Published on: 4/28/2025

What Might Cause a Feeling of Skin Burning Without Any Visible Irritation?

A burning feeling on your skin without any redness or rash can happen because nerves are sending extra signals, which may be due to sensitive skin or other conditions such as scalp dysesthesia.

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Explanation

When you feel a burning sensation but don’t see any changes on your skin, it might mean that the nerves are causing the sensation instead of an obvious skin problem. This kind of burning can sometimes be seen in sensitive skin, where the skin seems to react more strongly to light touches or changes in temperature. It can also be caused by a condition called scalp dysesthesia, where you feel burning or tingling on the skin, sometimes on your scalp, even though nothing looks unusual. Unlike allergic contact dermatitis, which usually causes red, itchy, or swollen skin, these conditions can make your skin feel like it is burning without any visible irritation. Treatments may include gentle skin care, avoiding harsh products, and sometimes medicines to help calm the nerves. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about your symptoms so they can help figure out what is causing the burning feeling and recommend the right treatment for you.

(References)

  • Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Overview: Allergic contact dermatitis.

  • McConnell RD, Duprat GE, Cohen JA, Pace NC. Scalp dysesthesia, more than skin deep. JAAD Case Rep. 2022 Jan 6;22:82-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2021.12.001. PMID: 35330984; PMCID: PMC8938621.

  • 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.

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