What Might Cause a Stinging Sensation on the Skin When There's Nothing Visible?

Your skin has many tiny nerves that send signals to your brain. When these nerves become too sensitive, they might send the wrong signals even when there is no visible change on your skin. This is sometimes called sensitive skin syndrome. In this condition, everyday factors like temperature changes, slight pressure, or even gentle touch can feel stinging or burning even if the skin looks normal. Another possibility is neuropathic skin pain. This means that nerves may be irritated or damaged, which could occur in conditions that affect the nervous system, e.g. in diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and sometimes after infections. For example, some patients with long COVID-19 have reported unusual nerve-related skin pain. Some skin conditions like erythromelalgia and rosacea can also cause sensations of stinging or burning. However, when there is nothing visible on the skin, it suggests that the cause may be due to how the nerves are reacting rather than a skin infection or rash. If these symptoms continue, it is best to consult a healthcare provider for more help and information.