What Causes Sudden Burning Sensation In Face?

Posted on Sat, 20 Jun 2015

Question: The face is just burning. Like a sunburm. I did'nt get that across very well in my last email. So sorry. But, it is almost 3:30 am here.

Answered by Dr. Goswami Debopom (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not to worry. Let me help you out.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to Healthcare magic. Thank you for posting your query.
I can understand your concern.

Sudden burning sensation in face can be due to
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Shingles ( herpes zoster infection)
- Peripheral nerve disorder
-Eczema
To name a few causes.

Had you listed a past history of diabetes or herpes or excessive itching or peeling off of skin, it would have been easier.

For diabetic neuropathy, control of blood sugar is most important.

For shingles , I would start tablet valcyclovir

I would start tablet ibuprofen and tablet rantac to relieve the pain. I would also start lidocaine cream and cream containing capsaicin for immediate pain relief.

I would also suggest you to visit a dermatologist. HE/she can examine you and correlate clinically.

Hope this helps.
Post any other question.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Goswami Debopom (12 hours later)

No diabetes and no Eczema. Does that help any?

Answered by Dr. Goswami Debopom (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
shingles or peripheral neuropathy...

Detailed Answer:
Neuropathy or shingles are the two possibilities that I will consider in that case. A visit to a clinician will be worthwhile. You may be treated with amitriptyline and topical lidocaine gel. Unfortunately these are prescription only medicine.

Until you see the doctor, you can try over counter pain killer such as ibuprofen as well as cream containing capsaicin.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Goswami Debopom (3 days later)

Also, about 3 months ago i stopped taking carbomazopine and started trileptal. I started the carbomazapine right after surgery for a Carotid Body Tumor that was connected to both parts of the split in the neck. It was also connected to 4 nerves. The carbomazapine was NOT for that. It was to try and stabilize bi-polar. And, it worked. I changed to trileptal only because cabomazapine interacted with so many other medications.
Could this have anything to do w it?

Answered by Dr. Goswami Debopom (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Probably not.

Detailed Answer:
Trileptal or Oxcarbazepine is a superior congener of Carbamazipine.
This burning sensation is probably not due to the switch over from Carbamazepine to Trileptal.

Not to worry.

Post any other question.
Regards.

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. Vinay Bhardwaj