Why Does My Facial Skin Hurt?
Skin pain can occur for several different reasons, with various symptoms helping to distinguish different conditions. For the face, here are some possibilities to consider, so you know what you’re dealing with.
Acne
Pimples can be painful. While you might be focusing on their less-than-pretty appearance, they don’t feel great to the touch either. Cystic acne from an overproduction of oil can cause swelling pores, which leads to inflammation, soreness, and discomfort.
Sunburn
Were you out in the sun a little too long recently? If your skin feels tender when you touch it, then you might have a sunburn. The ultraviolet light has damaged skin cells, which leads to inflammation. Anti-inflammatories and topical medications are possible options.
Ingrown Hair
When hairs grow in downward rather than upward after shaving or waxing, the skin area can swell and be painful. Thankfully, laser hair removal can help with ingrown hair by abolishing the hair shaft, so there’s no opportunity for hair to curl under the skin’s top layer. Ingrown hairs can range in severity from a small lump to a sizable infected area.
Eczema
When the red, itchy skin of eczema becomes too much, it turns painful. It’s important to see a physician to understand the cause behind it, especially if the skin starts to peel or blister, which causes extreme discomfort. It could be as simple as changing your soap or laundry detergent if that’s what’s triggering the condition.
Dehydration
Heightened skin sensitivity can be a sign that you’re dehydrated, explains the International Dermal Institute. If the moisture barrier is not at its best, then the skin isn’t able to fully protect itself from environmental stresses, which means dirt can get through and create irritation.
Dental Infection
While you might immediately think of the surface skin, a tooth infection beneath it might be spreading to explain the sensitivity. It could be that you have throbbing pain within the mouth or pain in the jawbone, with cheek swelling too. A tender cheek can be from a tooth infection, unfortunately, and require a dental appointment right away.
Ulcer
Skin ulcers are open sores that can develop for several reasons, from injury to bad circulation or a bacterial infection. They can be found on the mouth and lips, to give just two examples. Tenderness around the area is a common symptom, as is itchiness and skin discoloration.
Migraines
Along with being sensitive to light and sound, a migraine can also come with the symptom of skin sensitivity. A dermatologist can help with managing the condition and explaining why you might be suffering from it, whether it’s environmental, biological, or a combination of the two factors.
About Skin Pain
While typically harmless, skin pain can be a sign of a deeper condition. If you are worried about the situation, see your doctor to get answers and a treatment plan, if necessary. It’s better to err on the side of caution and visit the professional rather than risk the problem getting worse, resulting in scarring or worse.