Burning Sensation

Home » Symptoms » Burning Sensation

Introduction

A burning sensation refers to the feeling of heat, warmth, or actual burning in a body part without an obvious external source of heat. A burning sensation can range from mild to severe pain and may be either intermittent or constant. Although the feeling is usually localised, e.g., a burning sensation in the skin or certain areas, such as a burning sensation in hands and feet. Recognising the symptoms and understanding the underlying reasons for burning sensations is essential; they may at times advance to broader areas, pointing to an underlying medical condition. Let’s discuss burning sensations in this blog.

Symptoms of Burning Sensation

A burning sensation in skin or other parts isn’t always a single symptom. Besides a burning, you might notice:

Numbness or “pins and needles,” particularly in the hands and feet
Sharp, shooting, or stabbing pain
The area is sensitive to touch (even a gentle brush can hurt)
There may be redness, puffiness, or a little swelling sometimes, but not necessarily
Occasionally, an annoying itch accompanies the burn

What Causes a Burning Sensation?

The reason for burning sensation in feet or skin can be different for everyone, and it isn’t always easy to pinpoint. Here are some of the most common causes:

Nerve Issues: Diabetes, vitamin deficiencies (like B12), or injuries. When nerves get irritated, they can send “burning” signals to your brain.
Circulation Problems: Poor blood flow, perhaps from sitting in one position too long or a medical problem, can cause a burning feeling—especially in your feet at night.
Skin Problems: Conditions like eczema or allergic reactions can inflame the skin and make it feel hot and uncomfortable.
Infections: Fungal infections, especially between the toes, are a surprisingly common cause of burning sensation in feet.
Irritation: Coming into contact with harsh chemicals or new skincare products can set off a burning reaction.
Underlying Health Issues: Sometimes, the burning is a clue about something bigger, like thyroid disease or menopause.

Basically, anything that irritates your nerves or skin can give you that burning feeling. If you’ve ever wondered about the causes of burning sensation in feet, don’t forget about tight shoes or standing for long hours, too!

Insurance Backed

Precision Ayurveda
Medical Care

Diagnosis

If home remedies fail to cure your burning sensation in skin or feet, a doctor can help you determine the cause. Here’s what that process usually looks like:

Your doctor will ask when it started, what makes it better or worse, and where exactly you feel the burning.
They’ll look for redness, rashes, swelling, wounds, or changes in sensation.
A blood test might spot vitamin issues or diabetes. Nerve function tests or a skin biopsy could be necessary if the cause isn’t clear.
Sometimes, advanced scans help check for nerve or blood flow problems.

While the reason for burning sensation in feet might be simple, a good diagnosis makes sure you get the right treatment.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Burning Sensation

In Ayurveda, burning sensation is often linked to an imbalance in Pitta dosha, which represents heat and inflammation. Treatment is personalised and typically includes dietary modifications to reduce heat, herbal remedies, and therapeutic procedures to detoxify and restore balance.

Pitta-Pacifying Diet and Lifestyle

Favour sweet, bitter, and astringent foods (e.g., melon, cucumber, and leafy greens) and plenty of room-temperature water; strictly limit spicy, sour, fried, and alcoholic items.
Practice Sheetali or Sitkari pranayama for 5 minutes, 2-3 times daily, to vent excess heat.
Keep body temperature down: cool showers, cotton clothing, and midday rest away from direct sun.

Karapada Daha (burning sensation in hands and feet)

Sandalwood-based oils: Daily local massage with Chandanadi Taila or sandalwood paste quickly absorbs heat.
Padabhyanga: Nightly foot/hand massage with chilled coconut oil or ghee soothes nerves and improves microcirculation.
Herbal decoctions: Sarsaparilla and Amla teas taken twice daily purify blood and calm burning.
Chronic cases of Vatarakta-related burning can benefit from Virechana therapy.

Burning Eyes (Netra Daha)

Eyewash: Rinse eyes morning & evening with milk or rose petal-infused water; reduces redness and heat.
Ghee or castor-oil tarpana: Instil 1 drop of lukewarm cow ghee or preservative-free castor oil at bedtime for intense burning.
Rosewater/coriander-seed rinse: Use sterile rosewater or cooled coriander/fennel tea as an instant coolant during flare-ups.
Nasya: 2-3 drops of medicated sesame oil in each nostril daily supports ocular lubrication and Pitta balance.
Netra Vasti: Clinical ghee-pool therapy around the eyes nourishes Alochaka Pitta and relieves chronic dryness/burning.

Burning Skin & General Body Heat

Topical coolants: Sandalwood-turmeric paste or aloe-vera gel applied to hot patches eases inflammation.
Cooling baths: Add vetiver, neem leaves, or rose petals to lukewarm bathwater; soak 15 minutes daily.
Raktamokshana/Virechana (in-clinic): Blood-letting or purgation for severe, systemic burning under doctor’s supervision.
Specific conditions, like Karapada Daha (burning sensation in hands and feet), are commonly associated with metabolic disorders such as diabetes.

Lifestyle changes

Walk barefoot on dewy grass at dawn to draw heat from soles.
Sip coriander-fennel tea or coconut water hourly in hot weather to stay hydrated and alkaline.
Avoid tight footwear, synthetic socks, and prolonged standing; choose breathable cotton fabrics.
Regular full-body Abhyanga with cooling coconut or medicated oil, followed by a lukewarm shower, maintains skin moisture and dissipates heat
Diet changes and managing stress are important for long-term relief, particularly if you get burning sensation in hands and feet regularly.

Overall, Ayurveda approaches burning sensation by addressing both symptoms and root causes, aiming to rebalance the body’s internal environment, improve systemic health, and reduce discomfort naturally. Other symptoms, such as oral burning (Daha), may be managed with methods like Gandush Vidhi (mouth rinsing) and cooling treatments.

Home Remedies for Burning Sensation

There are a few simple things you can try at home for burning sensation in hands and feet or anywhere else:

Cold Compress: Place a cool, wet towel on the area. It can numb the burning temporarily and tame any mild swelling.
Soothing Foot Soaks: Dip your feet in cool (not ice-cold) water for relief. Epsom salts or oatmeal can add an extra calming effect.
Moisturise: Dry or cracked skin burns more, so keep it soft and hydrated with gentle creams.
Elevate and Relax: Prop up your feet, especially if burning strikes at night.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and keep nerves healthy.
Wear the Right Shoes: Proper, comfy footwear can prevent and reduce burning sensation in feet.

Always remember, if your symptoms bother you or seem to be getting worse, don’t just rely on home remedies—see a doctor for guidance.

When to Seek the Doctors

Sometimes a burning sensation is just a temporary annoyance. Other times, it can signal something serious. Seek medical help if:

The burning lingers for days, keeps getting worse, or interferes with daily life
There’s new muscle weakness, numbness, or trouble moving
You see open sores, discolouration, or signs of infection
The burning is paired with symptoms like fever, significant fatigue, or unexplained weight loss

Catching issues early can save you a lot of trouble (and pain!) down the road.

Conclusion

A burning sensation—especially in your skin, hands, or feet—can range from a minor irritation to a sign that something else is brewing in your body. Understanding the probable causes of burning sensation in feet or elsewhere is crucial to finding relief. Simple home remedies, natural healing through Ayurveda, and solid medical advice all play a part in getting you back to feeling your best. If in doubt, check in with a health professional to get peace of mind and a helpful treatment plan.

FAQs

What causes a burning sensation in the skin without a rash?

A burning sensation in skin without a rash is often due to nerve irritation or neuropathy rather than an external skin problem. Factors like diabetes, vitamin deficiency, or stress can be possible causes.

Why do I feel a burning sensation in my hands and feet at night?

A burning sensation in hands and feet at night commonly stems from nerve compression, poor circulation, or conditions such as diabetic neuropathy. Nighttime symptoms may worsen due to decreased distractions and lying down, which impacts blood flow.

Is burning sensation a symptom of psoriasis?

Yes, some people with psoriasis experience a burning sensation in skin because inflammation and scaling irritate the nerve endings. However, burning alone is not always an indicator of psoriasis and other causes should also be considered.

Which Ayurvedic treatments help with burning sensation in the body?

Ayurveda treatments for burning sensation, such as lepa, seka, virechana, dhara etc, aim to cool the body, improve digestion, and balance the internal environment. Proper guidance from an experienced practitioner is recommended for lasting results.

Effective home remedies for burning sensation in feet and palms include cold compresses, soaking the affected area in cool water, and maintaining hydration. Wearing comfortable footwear and moisturising regularly can also help prevent discomfort.

REFERENCES

Tanzi, E. L., & Scher, R. K. (1999). Managing common nail disorders in active patients and athletes. The Physician and Sportsmedicine, 27(9), 35–47.

Gordon, K., et al. (2011). Trachyonychia: a comprehensive review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 77(6), 640–645.

Pelzer, C., & Iorizzo, M. (2024). Alopecia Areata of the Nails: Diagnosis and Management. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13, 3292.

Parveen, T., & Sharma, R. (2023). An Ayurvedic Approach to Paronychia w.s.r. to Kunakha: A Single Case Study. AYUSHDHARA.

Milani, M., & Adamo, L. (2022). Successful Treatment of Nail Lichen Planus with a Lacquer Containing Urea, Keratinase, and a Retinoid Molecule: Report of 10 Cases. Case Reports in Dermatology, 14, 43–48.

Topal, I., et al. (2016). Nail abnormalities in patients with vitiligo. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 91, 442–445.

Did the information meet your needs?

As we work hard to improve our services, your feedback is important to us. Please take a moment to help us serve you better.

Stay Connected to Health and Wellness

Subscribe to our hospital newsletter for the latest health tips, updates on services, patient stories, and community events. Sign up today and stay informed!

Homepage B RCB

Please fill out the form below to Request a call back

Patient details

First Name

Last Name

Mobile Number

Select Diseases

Select Preferred Center

Please select preferred center

Briefly Describe Your Health Condition

I have read the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy. I hereby provide my consent for the use of my personal data for the communication of relevant information regarding myself, my medical treatment, or the patient I am representing.

Search