Abnormal Skin

Q.

Age 65+: what causes a burning skin sensation with no rash?

A.

In adults 65 and older, a burning skin sensation without a rash is most often nerve related, commonly from diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia after shingles, small fiber neuropathy, vitamin B12/B6 or niacin deficiency, medication side effects, spinal nerve compression, or kidney and liver problems; less often fibromyalgia, erythromelalgia, or other neurological disorders are involved. There are several factors to consider. Evaluation usually involves targeted blood tests, nerve studies or skin biopsy, and sometimes imaging; seek urgent care for sudden severe pain, weakness, balance or speech changes, new bladder or bowel issues, fever, or unexplained weight loss. See below for key details on diagnosis, treatments, and the right next steps.

Q.

How do you get ringworm?

A.

Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection spread by direct contact with an infected person or animal, touching contaminated objects or surfaces (like towels, hairbrushes, gym mats, floors), and less commonly from soil; it can also spread to new areas on your own body through scratching. Your risk rises in warm, humid conditions, with heavy sweating, tight or non-breathable clothing, close-contact sports or crowded living, skin breaks, poor hygiene, or a weakened immune system. There are several factors to consider—including key prevention tips and when OTC treatment is enough versus when to see a doctor (especially for scalp or nail infections)—see below to understand more.

Q.

Over 65: when is “burning skin” with nothing visible serious?

A.

There are several factors to consider for adults over 65 with a burning skin sensation and no visible rash: while dry skin or minor irritation are common, it can also indicate neuropathy from diabetes or vitamin deficiency, early shingles, medication side effects, or cholestatic liver disease. It is serious if the burning is sudden and severe or one-sided, or comes with weakness, numbness, coordination issues, bowel or bladder changes, fever, chest pain, or rapid skin color changes; see a clinician if it lasts more than two weeks, worsens, spreads, or disrupts sleep, and find the complete evaluation, tests, and self-care steps below.

Q.

What does ringworm look like?

A.

Ringworm typically appears as circular or ring-shaped red patches with raised, well-defined edges and a clearer center, often scaly, itchy, and expanding outward. The look varies by location—scalp (scaly hair loss with broken hairs), feet (peeling/cracking between toes), groin (itchy rings with central clearing), nails (thick, discolored, crumbly)—so there are several factors to consider. See the complete details below, including early vs. advanced signs, how it spreads, treatment options, and when to seek care, as these can affect your next steps.

Q.

How long do bed bug bits last?

A.

Most bed bug bites heal within 7–10 days, but in people with sensitive skin or stronger allergic reactions they can persist for 2 weeks or longer, and residual discoloration may last for weeks. There are several factors to consider—individual sensitivity, number/location of bites, scratching or secondary infection, and whether you use treatments—see the complete guidance below for how to speed healing, when to seek care, and ways to prevent future bites.

Q.

How to get rid of ringworm?

A.

Most skin cases clear with OTC antifungal creams (like terbinafine or clotrimazole) used twice daily for 2–4 weeks—continue 1–2 weeks after the rash looks gone—and strict hygiene (keep areas dry, wash clothes/towels hot, don’t share personal items, disinfect surfaces). Scalp or nail infections, widespread or persistent rashes, or spreading symptoms usually need a doctor and oral medication, and pets/household contacts may need checks. There are several factors to consider—including when to seek care and how to prevent recurrence—so see the complete guidance below.

Q.

How to treat bed bug bites

A.

Treat bites by washing with soap and water, using 1% hydrocortisone or oral antihistamines for itch, applying cold compresses or oatmeal baths, avoiding scratching, and covering broken skin; most heal without complications. Seek medical care for signs of infection, fever, severe allergic symptoms, or if bites worsen or don’t improve after 7–10 days, and prevent new bites by laundering on high heat, encasing the mattress, and considering professional extermination. There are several factors to consider—see below for medication options, prevention steps, and red flags that can change your next steps.

Q.

What do bed bug bites look like?

A.

Bed bug bites typically appear as small, red, very itchy bumps—often with a tiny central punctum and sometimes a red halo—showing up in clusters or straight lines (“breakfast, lunch, and dinner”) on exposed skin like the face, neck, arms, and legs. There are several factors to consider (reaction timing can be immediate or delayed, how to tell them from mosquito/flea bites, and when to seek medical care); see the complete details below to guide diagnosis, relief, and preventing further bites.