From the Guidelines
Burning sensations can be caused by various conditions, and the most recent guidelines recommend a holistic approach to diagnosis and management, considering both gastrointestinal and psychological factors 1. When experiencing burning sensations, it is essential to identify the underlying cause to provide effective treatment.
- The symptoms can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by other symptoms like rash, fever, or open wounds.
- For immediate relief of mild burning, apply a cool compress to the affected area for 15-20 minutes.
- Over-the-counter options include aloe vera gel, which has anti-inflammatory properties, or 1% hydrocortisone cream applied thinly 2-3 times daily for up to 7 days.
- For pain management, acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours, not exceeding 4000mg daily) or ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours with food) can help, as suggested by recent studies 1.
- If the burning is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical attention promptly, as it may be a sign of an underlying condition that requires further investigation and treatment, such as functional dyspepsia or gastroesophageal reflux disease 1.
- Avoid hot water, harsh soaps, and tight clothing on affected areas as these can worsen symptoms.
- Recent guidelines also recommend considering psychological or behavioural therapies, which may be beneficial for treating symptoms in functional dyspepsia, as they use the fact that our brain and upper gut nerves are connected and can influence each other 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
When using this product • You may experience a burning sensation. The intensity of this reaction varies among individuals and may be severe. With regular use, this sensation generally disappears after several days. • Severe burning persists o blistering occurs.
◆ a transient burning sensation may occur upon application but generally disappears in several days ◆ you experience signs of skin injury, such as pain, swelling, or blistering where the product was applied
Burning is a possible side effect of both capsaicin (TOP) 2 and lidocaine (TOP) 3.
- The burning sensation may be severe and can persist in some cases.
- It is recommended to stop use and ask a doctor if severe burning persists or blistering occurs.
- The burning sensation usually disappears after several days of regular use.
From the Research
Burning
- Burning is related to burn injuries, which can be devastating and leave the victim suffering from lifelong sequelae 4
- Burn care begins at the time of injury and extends through discharge with interventions in scar care and advancements in mobility 4
- Early excision and wound closure with autografting is the "gold standard" of burn care 4
- Burn wounds often result in scarring that can cause contracture, pain, and disfiguration 4
- The members of the Physical Medicine and Rehab (PM&R) team are integral in improving the quality of life of burn patients during and following recovery 4
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- GERD is a chronic condition that may cause considerable discomfort because of recurrent symptoms and diminished quality of life 5
- Omeprazole is superior to high-dose ranitidine in the symptomatic treatment of reflux esophagitis grade I and II 5
- Omeprazole at half the standard dose is more effective than ranitidine in a standard dose in keeping patients in remission for a period of 12 months 5
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are highly useful for the relief of symptoms and healing of gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastric and duodenal ulcer disease, eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection, prevention and treatment of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-associated damage, management of hypersecretory states such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and care of patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding, or non-ulcer dyspepsia 6
- Combination therapy with PPIs and histamine(2) receptor antagonists may not provide any further benefit above that derived from PPIs alone in patients with GERD 7