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I am 40 years old. I get periodic burning/stinging in my head and upper torso. When this happens, I feel a little flush and my skin reddens. It usually last for several minutes and the severity varies. It feels as if the burning is coming from under my skin. It causes a feeling of having chills, but yet itches until it subsides. Any help would be appreciated.

Submitted: 375 days and 15 hours ago.

Category: Health

Value: $15

Status: CLOSED

Posted by Dr. Mark 375 days and 15 hours ago.

Info Request

Can you describe exactly where this burning is - is it both sides or one side only?

Is it the back of the head only?

Is the neck or shoulders involved?

What are you doing when this is occurring?

375 days and 15 hours ago.

Reply

Age: 40; Male, Alabama

Already Tried:
Don't know what to try. I currently take Tricor(triglycerides), 82mg aspirin, Nexium, potassium (I sweat a lot), Slo-Niacin, and a men's multi-vitamin. This problem has been going on for 2-3 months.

375 days and 15 hours ago.

Reply

The burning is on both sides and all over my body to some degree. It is much more severe from the elbows up. It is through my chest, shoulders, neck, and my entire head. I even feel it in my eyes and nose.
It occurs and various times. While driving, sitting, working, etc.. I can feel it coming on and it progressively gets worse until it peaks. This will last several minutes and it dies away.

Accepted Answer

I wonder if this sensation of burning/warm feeling (which seems to be non specific for a nerve distribution) may be related to the niacin that you are taking.

This medication is well known to cause a "flushing" sensation, which can include warmth, tingling, itching, redness of the skin, exactly what you describe.

http://www.niaspan.com/Niaspan_Patients/Niacin_Flushing.asp

Perhaps you should speak with your doctor about what is going on, and seeing if you have an alternative medication you can try.

Accepts:
Expert:	Dr. Mark
Pos. Feedback:	99.8 %
Answered:	11/11/2008

Doctor (MD)

U.S. Physician/Surgeon in Neurosurgery

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Info Request

Can you describe exactly where this burning is - is it both sides or one side only?Is it the back of the head only?Is the neck or shoulders involved?What are you doing when this is occurring?

Reply

Age: 40; Male, Alabama Already Tried: Don't know what to try. I currently take Tricor(triglycerides), 82mg aspirin, Nexium, potassium (I sweat a lot), Slo-Niacin, and a men's multi-vitamin. This problem has been going on for 2-3 months.

Reply

Accepted Answer

Related Health Questions

Can you describe exactly where this burning is - is it both sides or one side only?

Is it the back of the head only?

Is the neck or shoulders involved?

What are you doing when this is occurring?

Age: 40; Male, Alabama

Already Tried:
Don't know what to try. I currently take Tricor(triglycerides), 82mg aspirin, Nexium, potassium (I sweat a lot), Slo-Niacin, and a men's multi-vitamin. This problem has been going on for 2-3 months.