When should you see a doctor about painful skin?

Tenderness may come from an irritated surface, inflamed hair follicle, wound, insect bite, or pressure. A painful, warm, swollen area can occur with cellulitis, while a tender lump may be a boil or abscess. Repeated painful lumps in skin folds can occur with hidradenitis suppurativa. Burning or sensitive skin followed by a one-sided blistering rash can occur with shingles. The symptom alone cannot identify the cause.

Gently wash the area, pat it dry, and avoid squeezing lumps, breaking blisters, or applying harsh antiseptics. Wear loose clothing if friction is adding pain. Note when the pain began, where it started, whether it is spreading, and any new product, medicine, injury, bite, or procedure. A photograph can help show change over time. Do not share towels or razors if there is drainage.

Seek urgent medical help if pain is severe or rapidly increasing, redness is spreading quickly, the skin becomes dusky or blistered, pus or foul-smelling fluid appears, or you develop fever, confusion, faintness, or difficulty breathing. Arrange a timely dermatology or primary-care visit for persistent pain, recurrent lumps, a painful rash near an eye, or pain that follows a new medicine or treatment. A clinician may need to examine the skin and decide whether treatment such as antiviral treatment or abscess drainage is appropriate.

Ask what the likely causes are, whether the area shows infection or inflammation, what changes should trigger urgent care, and which products or medicines to stop. Ask how to protect the area, whether a swab or other test is needed, and when you should return if the pain does not improve.