A burning sensation in the hands can manifest as feelings of heat, stinging, or prickling. This common symptom has a wide array of potential causes, ranging from minor skin irritations to more involved underlying health conditions. Understanding these possible origins can help in identifying when medical attention might be beneficial. This article provides general information about why your hands might be burning and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice.
Burning Sensations From Skin Irritation
Burning sensations in the hands often stem from direct skin exposure to irritating substances or environmental factors. Contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin reaction, is a frequent culprit. This condition can be categorized as either irritant contact dermatitis, caused by direct damage to skin cells from harsh agents like strong soaps, chemicals, or even frequent water exposure, or allergic contact dermatitis, which is an immune system response to an allergen such as certain metals, fragrances, or plant resins.
Environmental factors also play a role; for example, excessive sun exposure can lead to sunburn, causing a burning feeling on the skin. Eczema, also known as hand dermatitis, is another common skin condition where inflamed, dry, and itchy skin can result in a burning sensation. This condition often involves a compromised skin barrier and can be triggered or worsened by irritants, stress, or temperature changes. Additionally, bacterial or fungal infections on the skin can cause burning along with redness, swelling, or pus. Exposure to extreme temperatures, such as mild frostbite or chemical burns, can directly damage skin tissue and induce a burning feeling.
Nerve-Related Causes of Hand Burning
When the burning sensation originates from issues within the nervous system, it often points to nerve compression, damage, or inflammation. Peripheral neuropathy, a condition involving damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, commonly affects the hands and feet and can lead to burning, tingling, or numbness.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a specific type of nerve compression where the median nerve in the wrist becomes squeezed. This compression can cause burning, tingling, numbness, and pain in the thumb, index, middle, and sometimes ring fingers. Another nerve-related cause is cervical radiculopathy, which occurs when a nerve root in the neck is compressed or irritated. This can cause symptoms like burning, numbness, or weakness to radiate down the arm and into the hand, depending on which nerve is affected. Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, can also lead to a painful, burning rash that follows nerve pathways, potentially affecting the hands.
Underlying Health Conditions and Hand Burning
Burning sensations in the hands can also be a symptom of broader systemic health conditions that affect nerves or circulation. Diabetes is a prominent example, as uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can lead to diabetic neuropathy, a common cause of burning sensations in the hands and feet due to nerve damage.
Thyroid disorders, both an overactive (hyperthyroidism) and underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid, can sometimes present with burning or tingling in the extremities, often due to their impact on nerve health or metabolic processes. Certain vitamin deficiencies, particularly those involving B vitamins like B12 and B6, are also known to affect nerve health and can contribute to neuropathy, leading to burning sensations. Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can cause inflammation or nerve damage that manifests as burning in the hands. Additionally, some medications can have side effects that include burning or tingling sensations. A rare condition called erythromelalgia is characterized by episodes of intense burning pain, redness, and increased skin temperature, predominantly affecting the feet but also capable of involving the hands.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
It is advisable to seek medical attention if a burning sensation in your hands is persistent or worsens over time. If the burning is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as numbness, muscle weakness, a spreading rash, fever, significant swelling, or changes in skin color, or if there’s a sudden onset of severe burning without an obvious cause, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Consider seeking professional help if the symptoms interfere with daily activities, sleep, or work, or if they significantly impact your quality of life. When the cause of the burning sensation remains unclear after initial self-assessment, a medical professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. Early diagnosis and intervention can often help manage symptoms and prevent potential complications.