Burning Sensation: Causes, When To See A Doctor, And Treatment

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Medical News TodaySubscribePossible causes of a ‘burning sensation’ and how to treat it

Medically reviewed by Darragh O'Carroll, MD — Written by Zawn Villines — Updated on October 8, 2025

While urinating
On the skin
On the hands and feet
In the muscles
In the mouth or throat
Around the gentials
Pictures
When to contact a doctor
Treatment
Outlook
FAQ
Summary

A burning sensation can affect almost any part of the body, but is common on the skin. A person may experience pins and needles, heat, or a sharp, prickly pain as part of a burning sensation.

The location of the burning sensation can give a good indication of its cause. For example, a feeling of burning in the muscles may be the result of an injury, while a burning sensation affecting the skin is likely the result of having come into contact with an allergen or an irritant.

Treatment depends on the cause.

Below are some common locations of burning sensations and their possible causes.

Burning sensation while urinating and treatment

A burning match against a black background to represent a burning sensation -2. — Photo by Cathy Scola

Feeling pain or a burning sensation while urinating is often a symptom of a urinary tract infection (UTI). These infections can affect the bladder, kidneys, or urethra. They can affect anyone, but are especially common in females.

Other symptoms can include a fever and a strong, continual urge to urinate.

UTIs are treatable with antibiotics. Without treatment, they can spread to other areas of the body and harm the kidneys. Therefore, anyone who suspects they have a UTI should contact a doctor as soon as possible.

The following can also cause a burning sensation during urination:

some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia
prostatitis, which refers to inflammation of the prostate
a physical injury to the urethra or surrounding tissue, often the result of shaving, sexual intercourse, or friction from clothing

»Learn more:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319700

Burning sensation on the skin and treatment

Throughout the day, the skin comes into contact with a range of possible irritants. The following sources of irritation can lead to a burning sensation:

sunburn
herpes simplex, genital herpes, and herpes zoster (shingles)
plants that sting or cause a rash, such as nettles, poison ivy, or poison sumac
insect bites and stings, such as from wasps, bees, and spiders
allergic reactions to lotions, perfumes, detergents, or other substances
very dry skin, particularly during the winter months
conditions such as eczema
anxiety or stress, particularly if a person is worried about skin conditions
nerve damage resulting from degenerative conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS)

An intense burning sensation on the skin could be due to cellulitis. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deepest layers of the skin. Antibiotics can treat cellulitis.

Cellulitis can spread quickly, however, so it is important that a person receives treatment right away. They should contact a doctor if a burning sensation is accompanied by:

a fever
swelling, warmth, or flushing of the skin
swollen and painful glands

Burning sensation on the hands and feet, and treatment

A burning sensation in the hands and feet may be due to one of the skin issues mentioned above.

However, a burning sensation in the fingers or toes could also be a symptom of nerve damage. The medical community refers to this as peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy can affect about 50% of those with diabetes. A person with diabetes should speak with a doctor if they experience any of the following in the hands or feet:

pain
burning
tingling
numbness
weakness

Some other medical problems that may cause peripheral neuropathy include:

MS
injuries and accidents
vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin B12
kidney and liver disease
cancer

Raynaud phenomenon can also cause a burning sensation in the hands and feet. This condition causes the small arteries in these extremities to spasm and close when they have exposure to the cold.

Consequently, the fingers and toes receive less blood. They can turn pale, and a person may feel a burning or stinging sensation and numbness. This condition can also affect the nose, lips, and ears.

Symptoms tend to disappear when a person warms themselves up, thereby increasing their blood flow.

Burning sensation in muscles, and treatment

A person may feel a burning sensation in certain muscles when lifting weights or doing other strenuous exercises. This is typically due to the buildup of metabolites during intense exercise.

A person may also feel this when they try a new exercise or start exercising more often. The soreness and burning sensation may be delayed. These symptoms are usually mild.

However, an intense burning sensation may indicate a muscle injury, such as a sprain or strain. If this feeling does not get better over time or spreads to several other muscles, a person may have a chronic condition, such as fibromyalgia.

Some other causes of a burning sensation in the muscles include myofascial pain syndrome and a herniated disk in the spine.

Burning sensation in the mouth and throat, and treatment

A burning sensation in the throat is often the result of an infection, such as strep throat. A person with strep throat may experience worsened pain when talking, and the area may feel raw and scratchy.

A person with strep throat may also develop a fever, chills, and other cold- or flu-like symptoms. It is common in children but relatively uncommon in adults.

Those with strep throat may also develop:

swollen, inflamed tonsils
white patches or streaks on the tonsils
small, red spots on the roof of the mouth
swollen lymph nodes located at the front of the neck

Acid reflux can also cause a burning sensation in the throat. The sensation may be intermittent, but it tends to follow an acidic meal. People with acid reflux may also experience a feeling of burning in the chest, nausea, and problems with swallowing.

Burning sensations in the mouth and gums are often the result of irritation due to:

gum disease
vigorous tooth brushing
acidic foods

Canker sores can also cause this feeling. These are small, red, or white sores that often appear on the lips or tongue. They can be quite painful, but they typically go away on their own after a few days.

Cold sores due to herpes can also cause a burning sensation in the mouth.

Burning sensation in the genitals, and treatment

A burning sensation on or around the genitals can result from skin irritation, such as that caused by getting soap in the vagina.

Tiny wounds that result from shaving or sexual intercourse can also lead to a temporary feeling of burning.

Infections are often responsible for a burning sensation in the genitals. For example, yeast infections commonly lead to a feeling of burning, itchiness, and unusual discharge.

Genital burning can also result from a wide range of STIs.

Pictures of possible causes

When to contact a doctor for a burning sensation

A person should contact a doctor if the feeling of burning persists.

Contact a doctor if any of the following symptoms occur:

a rapidly spreading rash
a fever
an intense burning sensation during urination
a burning sensation following a physical injury
other worrisome symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea or vomiting

Also, contact a doctor if a burning sensation:

keeps coming back
is associated with a chronic illness, such as liver failure or diabetes
gets worse in response to medication

Treatment for burning sensation

Treatment will depend on the cause. For example, antibiotics can eliminate many STIs and other infections.

When no cure exists, treatment will involve managing the symptoms. Fibromyalgia, for instance, remains poorly understood and challenging to treat. In such cases, a doctor will develop a plan to alleviate pain and other symptoms.

People should work with a doctor to find a treatment that works, and they should report any negative reactions to medication.

If symptoms do not improve, it may be worth asking about other treatment options.

Outlook

A burning sensation is often a temporary annoyance that disappears on its own over time. Rashes typically clear up in a few days, and canker sores rarely require medical treatment.

However, a person should speak with a doctor if their symptoms get worse or last longer than expected.

Anyone who suspects that they have an infection, such as cellulitis or a UTI, should contact a doctor as soon as possible. Without treatment, these infections can spread and become more severe.

Frequently asked questions

Is burning skin a symptom of anxiety?

Those who experience anxiety can develop a rash, which may cause itching or burning sensations. Anxiety releases certain chemicals in the body that can result in a physical reaction, leading to hives.According to Mind, a charity based in the United Kingdom, anxiety can also cause hot flushes and pins and needles.Additionally, a 2020 analysis notes that there is a strong association between anxiety and skin conditions, or dermatosis. For example, A person may experience pain, burning, itching, and flushing.

According to Mind, a charity based in the United Kingdom, anxiety can also cause hot flushes and pins and needles.

Additionally, a 2020 analysis notes that there is a strong association between anxiety and skin conditions, or dermatosis. For example, A person may experience pain, burning, itching, and flushing.

What autoimmune disease can make the skin feel like it is burning?

Some autoimmune conditions can cause a burning sensation on the skin. For example, a person may experience an itching or burning rash due to psoriasis and some types of lupus.MS is also an autoimmune condition that can cause neuropathy, resulting in burning sensations.

Some autoimmune conditions can cause a burning sensation on the skin. For example, a person may experience an itching or burning rash due to psoriasis and some types of lupus.

MS is also an autoimmune condition that can cause neuropathy, resulting in burning sensations.

Summary

There are many different causes of a burning sensation. The location can provide a strong indication of the underlying cause. For example, a burning sensation while urinating can indicate UTI or STI. A burning sensation on the skin can occur due to sunburn or an allergic reaction.

A person should contact a doctor if the burning sensation is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever and a rapidly spreading rash.

Read the article in Spanish.

Dermatology
Urinary Tract Infection
Neurology / Neuroscience
Sexual Health / STDs

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

About cellulitis. (2024). https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/about/cellulitis.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/Cellulitis.html
Anxiety and panic attacks. (2021). https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/symptoms/
About strep throat. (2024). https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/about/strep-throat.html
Canker sores (mouth ulcers): Overview. (2022). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546250/
Definition & facts of bladder infection in adults. (2024). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-infection-uti-in-adults/definition-facts
Fibromyalgia. (2024). https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/fibromyalgia
Sun C, et al. (2023). Association between skin disease and anxiety: a logistic analysis and prediction. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9929807/
Symptoms & causes of GER & GERD. (2020). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/symptoms-causes
Thrush in men and women. (2023). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thrush-in-men-and-women/
What is diabetic neuropathy. (2018).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies/what-is-diabetic-neuropathy

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Medically reviewed by Darragh O'Carroll, MD — Written by Zawn Villines — Updated on October 8, 2025

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