What Causes Burning Sensation Under The Arm?

Posted on Mon, 8 Feb 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 8 Feb 2016 Answered on

Tue, 12 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My underarm of one arm feels like it's on fire, but there is no itch,no redness, no lump and it just burns under the skin. Do you have any idea what this could be? I thought it was the deodorant I used while on a trip, but this is only one arm. I was in an imediacare office and the dr wanted me to try Gabapentin so I am and it's not doing anything.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
neuropathy

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The gabapentin was to treat neuropathy. This refers to abnormal function of the nerves which can cause sensations such as burning, tingling, sticking, numbness etc

If it didn't work for you, there are other medications that can be tried eg lyrica, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, cymbalta, tegretol
These medications, like gabapentin, are either seizure medications or antidepressants but are commonly used for neuropathy as well.

Causes: (a) not known
(b)diabetes
(c) vitamin b12 or folate deficiency
(4)liver or kidney disease
(5)trauma to the nerves in the area
(6)exposure to toxins
(7)neurological disease such as stroke, ms
(8)infectiion

You may want to consider having blood tests for the liver, kidney, vitamin b12, folate and diabetes screen.

If a specific cause is found then is possible that it may be treated and your symptoms may improve.
One of the other medications mentioned for neuropathy may also help.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar