HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Intermittent Burning Skin On Face, Scalp And Hands?

Posted on Sat, 27 Feb 2016

Question: I have sore prickly skin which is mainly on the face scalp and face generally but also the odd prickly on hands, legs, back arms etc etc kind of everywhere intermittently. Feels like creepy crawly sort of itching in my scalp. My skin on my face feels slightly like its sore and burning in areas too.
I saw the Doctor yesterday who has booked me in for blood tests for Thyroid, sugars, B12 etc (I think?) and she gave me a 180mg once a day antihistamine medicine and some cream which I haven't used yet for some old pre existing rashes which she said she thought was Psoriasis. The old rashes don't itch anyway, its everywhere else with no real signs of anything.
Its driving me nuts to be honest and I famously get very anxious about my health which is not helping at all.
Could you help at all or set my mind at rest ?

Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
can be due to different causes, can be temporary

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The abnormal sensations may be due to neuropathy which refers to abnormal function of the nerves.
In some persons it is only temporary.

The blood tests for your blood sugar, thyroid and b12 are to rule out these as possible causes. Low b12 and folate can sometimes cause neuropathy.
Liver and kidney function tests can also be done at the same time.

Other causes are: (1) infection eg shingles
(2)diabetes
(3) trauma to nerves supplying the area eg arthritis
(4)liver or kidney disease
(5)exposure to toxins
(6)side effect of medication
(7)rarely neurological disease such as ms and stroke
(8)idiopathic- cause is not found

There are medications that can help with this type of sensation that your doctor can prescribe for you.

eg amitriptyline, tegretol, cymbalta, lyrica,gabapentin.
These are medications that are normally used for depression or seizures but they are used in persons WHO DO NOT have either depression or seizures to treat nerve discomfort.

As mentioned , in some persons it can be temporary.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (6 minutes later)

Thanks so much for answering. At least it doesn't sound fatal then. I have young kids and the first thing I think of is them as soon as I get the slightest thing. Do you think anxiety and worry can do this too?

When you say "in some persons it can be temporary" are you saying that in most it is permanent? would you mind expanding on that slightly?

Kind Regards

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
in some it is permanent

Detailed Answer:
HI

Yes, anxiety and worry can affect symptoms and also the intensity of symptoms as well

In terms of length of time, yes, there are some persons who have permanent abnormal sensations

Please feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (35 minutes later)

Thanks

If it is a temporary thing, how long does it normally last? I have been suffering for nearly 3 weeks

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
this can vary, in temporary cases can lasts for weeks to months

Detailed Answer:
HI

The length of time varies and unfortunately cannot be predicted, in some persons it may last weeks and in others, months.

it would be best to get the tests done to see if there is a particular reversible /treatable cause eg low b12 or folate, abnormal thyroid function, diabetes etc

If anything else unclear, can let me know

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (17 minutes later)

I have just had a bath and put the cream prescribed on and can now see that it looks like my face either has a rash starting on my forhead and cheeks or is red from being rubbed. I think its a rash. All other old rashes now seem to look more patchy and more red since taking the medicines prescribed. The Antihistamine is Fexofenadine Hydrochloride and the cream is Betnovate. This does not seem to be what you would prescribe? Do you think the doctor has got this wrong as I am feeling no better at all?

Kind Regards

XXXX

Is there no one there now?

Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
used for inflamed skin or allergic response

Detailed Answer:
HI

These meds would help if the skin is inflamed or there is an allergic response to tome agent.

If the rash is a painful rash then it is possible that it is shingles which is the most common cause of painful rash.
This would normally have small blisters that open up at some point.
Shingles is a cause of neuropathy

Since there is no improvement with the rash or discomfort, it would be best to be reviewed so that your doctor can take a second look at the rash and also do the blood tests suggested

The medications that were mentioned are those used to treat nerve related discomfort

Hope this clears this up for you but if you have additional questions, feel free to ask

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar