A burning sensation in the hands can be an uncomfortable experience, often prompting concern. This common symptom can arise from a wide array of sources, ranging from minor irritations to more significant underlying conditions. Understanding the potential reasons behind this discomfort can help identify its origin. The feeling might range from a mild warmth to an intense, searing pain.
Common External Factors
The sensation of burning hands frequently originates from direct interaction with the environment or minor physical incidents. Skin irritation or damage is a common culprit, often manifesting as contact dermatitis. This occurs when the skin reacts to allergens like certain plants or irritants such as harsh soaps, detergents, or chemicals. The skin’s barrier is compromised, leading to inflammation and a characteristic burning feeling.
Sunburn can also cause a strong burning sensation, particularly after prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation without adequate protection. Extreme dryness, especially in cold or arid climates, can crack the skin, exposing nerve endings and resulting in an uncomfortable heat. These conditions directly affect the superficial layers of the skin, triggering pain receptors.
Environmental temperature extremes are another common cause. Exposure to intense heat, such as touching a hot surface or scalding water, causes a burning sensation as tissues are damaged. Conversely, extreme cold can also induce burning, as seen in frostnip, where superficial tissues cool rapidly. Rewarming after such cold exposure often brings a burning as blood flow returns and nerve endings reactivate.
Minor injuries can cause this discomfort. Simple abrasions or friction burns from repetitive activities can cause localized warmth and pain. Even prolonged pressure on the hands during certain tasks can lead to temporary irritation and a burning feeling. These external factors often link directly to the onset of symptoms.
Nerve-Related Issues
Problems within the nervous system often cause a burning sensation in the hands, distinct from surface skin irritation. Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often affecting the hands and feet. This damage can disrupt nerve signals, leading to symptoms like burning, tingling, or numbness. Common contributors include certain vitamin deficiencies, particularly B12, or the side effects of specific medications.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition where the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed. This compression can result from repetitive hand movements, swelling, or anatomical factors. The burning sensation often affects the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. Symptoms may worsen at night or with certain activities that strain the wrist.
Nerve compression higher up the arm or in the neck can also cause burning sensations in the hands. This condition, known as radiculopathy, occurs when a disc herniation or bone spur presses on a nerve. The sensory signals from the compressed nerve travel down the arm, leading to burning or electric shock-like sensations in the hand. Identifying the specific nerve involved helps pinpoint the source of the radiating pain.
Underlying Health Conditions
Beyond external factors and localized nerve issues, several systemic health conditions can cause burning hands. Diabetes is a common cause, with diabetic neuropathy developing over time due to high blood sugar levels damaging nerve fibers throughout the body. This nerve damage often begins in the longest nerves, affecting the feet and then the hands, causing persistent burning, numbness, or tingling. Managing blood glucose levels is important in preventing or slowing this nerve complication.
Thyroid disorders can also cause burning hands. Both an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can affect nerve function or circulation. Hypothyroidism can lead to fluid retention that compresses nerves, while hyperthyroidism may cause nerve excitability. These hormonal imbalances disrupt normal bodily processes, impacting nerve health.
Autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, can also cause burning hands. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause inflammation that directly damages nerves or affects blood vessels supplying them. This immune response can lead to peripheral neuropathy, causing burning hands.
Raynaud’s phenomenon involves episodes where blood vessels in the fingers and toes narrow in response to cold temperatures or stress. During an attack, the digits may turn white or blue due to lack of blood flow, followed by redness and a burning sensation as blood returns. This rewarming phase can be uncomfortable, as the restored circulation causes nerve activation.
Kidney or liver disease can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body which can affect nerves. When these organs cannot properly filter waste products, the accumulated substances can irritate or damage nerve tissue, causing burning hands. Similarly, certain infections, such as shingles or Lyme disease, can directly affect nerve pathways, leading to inflammation and pain as burning. These systemic issues require medical evaluation.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many instances of burning hands are minor and temporary, some signs indicate medical evaluation is needed. Consult a doctor if the burning sensation is persistent, steadily worsens, or does not improve with simple home care. This prolonged discomfort might signal an underlying issue.
Consult a doctor if the burning is accompanied by other neurological symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or a loss of sensation in the hands. These additional signs suggest potential nerve involvement that needs investigation. When the symptoms begin to interfere with daily activities like gripping objects or writing, seek medical guidance.
Immediate medical attention is recommended if the burning sensation appears suddenly after an injury, exposure to a toxic substance, or alongside signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus. If the hand symptoms are part of a broader set of systemic signs like fever, weight loss, or body aches, medical help is needed. These situations suggest a more serious condition is present.