How is painful skin treated?

Tenderness can come from irritated or broken skin, an infected follicle, a boil, cellulitis, shingles, or recurring inflammation in skin folds such as hidradenitis suppurativa. Burning, sensitivity, swelling, blisters, warmth, or a one-sided band-like rash can help a clinician distinguish among these causes.

Care may include gentle cleansing, a dressing, prescribed treatment, or a procedure. An abscess may need drainage by a clinician. If shingles is suspected, antiviral treatment may be considered promptly.

Keep painful skin clean and dry, reduce rubbing, and choose loose clothing. A cool clean compress may soothe burning or tenderness; avoid ice directly on the skin. Do not squeeze boils or apply harsh antiseptics. Note when pain began, how it is changing, and whether a rash, wound, discharge, fever, or new medicine appeared.

Get prompt medical assessment for pain with spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or red streaks. Seek urgent help for rapidly worsening pain, facial or eye involvement, confusion, faintness, extensive blistering, or a new one-sided blistering rash. A painful wound or toe problem that limits walking also needs review.

Ask which cause best fits the pattern, whether you need antiviral treatment or drainage, and which pain-relief options are suitable for you. Ask how to dress the area and what change should trigger urgent reassessment.