Skin pain is caused by either pressure or injury to skin nerves, as noted by Healthgrades. Other health complications such as postherpetic neuralgia also cause skin pain. It is also caused by nerve injury in the skin that emanates from exposure to toxic, cold or hot substances.
Skin pain is commonly a symptom of neuropathic pain, which manifests itself as paresthesia or a prickling, pins-and-needles feeling on the skin. Many factors are responsible for paresthesia, but key among them is peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder caused by the impairment of nerves responsible for conveying signals between the brain, spinal cord and the body, says Healthgrades. Peripheral neuropathy is a common symptom of diabetes. Another possible cause of skin pain is postherpetic neuralgia, which is pain occurring in sections of the skin affected by shingles. Burns to the skin and exposure to toxic materials also cause skin pain.
While skin pain is generally treatable using simple procedures, there are instances where it can be a precursor of a serious ailment. Such conditions include third-degree burns, deep skin lacerations and cellulitis. An individual experiencing such symptoms needs to have his condition evaluated to determine if his condition is serious or not, claims Healthgrades.