What Causes the Burning Sensation From Insulin Injections?
If you use insulin injections to manage your diabetes, you may sometimes experience a burning sensation when injecting. This painful and uncomfortable side effect often makes people wonder: why does my insulin shot burn?
The good news is that insulin burning is common and there are ways to prevent it or ease the discomfort. Understanding the causes and solutions can help you have a less painful experience with your insulin therapy.
Common Causes of Burning From Insulin Shots
There are a few key reasons why you may feel burning, stinging, or irritation when injecting insulin:
- Improper injection technique
- Reusing needles
- Using the wrong injection sites
- Allergic reactions
- Alcohol residue on skin
- Incorrect insulin storage
Let’s explore each of these common causes in more detail.
Improper Injection Technique
One of the most common reasons insulin injections can burn is improper technique. If you use the wrong injection method, you may experience more discomfort and irritation.
For example, failing to properly pinch the skin at the injection site can make the insulin go too deep. Injecting too fast, at the wrong angle, or with a needle that is too short can also increase burning.
Using the right injection technique is key. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice on how to properly inject insulin. Common tips include:
- Use a 4-5 mm pen needle or 6-8 mm syringe needle
- Pinch 1-2 inches of skin when injecting
- Insert the needle quickly at a 90 degree angle
- Inject slowly over 5-10 seconds
Reusing Needles
Reusing needles is never recommended, but can be especially problematic if you want to avoid burning and stinging.
Each use dulls the needle, making it more damaging to tissue. Blunt needle tips irritate skin and can cause bleeding or inflammation.
Always use a sterile, unused needle for each insulin injection. Most pen needles and syringes are designed for a single use only.
Using the Wrong Injection Sites
Where on your body you inject also impacts the potential for burning. Overusing one site can lead to lipohypertrophy, which means a build-up of fat and scar tissue under skin.
Injecting into lipohypertrophic tissue raises the risk of injection pain, inconsistent insulin absorption, and other issues. Rotate through all recommended injection sites on your abdomen, thighs, upper arms, hips and buttocks.
Taking note of which sites are most sensitive for you can also help avoid painful shots. Adjust where you inject accordingly.
Allergic Reactions
Though not common with modern insulin preparations, some people may experience localized allergic reactions and contact dermatitis at injection sites.
Signs can include redness, swelling, itching, stinging, and burning after the shot. These are typically mild sensitivities to insulin components.
Switching insulin types often relieves discomfort for those with allergic reactions. Contact your doctor if burning is accompanied by extensive skin inflammation.
Alcohol Residue on Skin
Another preventable cause of burning from shots is alcohol residue on injection sites. It’s important to fully cleanse skin before injecting insulin.
However, not allowing alcohol swabs to fully dry can introduce burning, especially if using a faster-acting insulin. Take care to let all isopropyl alcohol evaporate before plunging the needle in.
Incorrect Insulin Storage
How you store your insulin pens, vials and syringes between injections also matters. Light, excessive heat or cold can alter insulin chemistry.
Expired or damaged insulin may not provide full potency and can sting when injecting. Always discard insulin past printed expiration dates.
Additionally, never inject insulin that has changed color or become cloudy. These are signs of chemical instability that raise the risk of burning.
Tips to Prevent & Soothe Burning From Insulin Injections
While that painful, burning feeling seems unavoidable at times, there are ways to prevent and ease the discomfort of shots.
From your injection technique, to site rotation, to soothing remedies after the fact – little changes can make your insulin therapy less fiery.
Modify Your Injection Process
Evaluating how you inject is the first place to start. As described above, flaws in your process like reusing needles or poor site rotation often cause burning.
Go over the steps with your healthcare provider to ensure proper methods. Always inject with the guidelines for needle gauge, pinch technique, angle, and speed.
Keep Skin Cool Before & After
Managing skin temperature at the injection spot can provide relief too. Cooling the area lightly before and after shots helps.
Try holding an ice pack near the site for 1 minute before cleaning skin and injecting. Do not place ice directly on the skin.
After removing the needle, you can again apply light icepack pressure. This constricts blood vessels to minimize inflammation.
Apply Anti-Inflammatory Creams
There are many over-the-counter topical creams that combat swelling and irritation. These can dull and soothe burning discomfort following injections.
Hydrocortisone creams with 1% or less concentration are safe for injection sites. Or try others with soothing ingredients like aloe, lidocaine, menthol, or benzocaine.
Apply sparingly after insulin administering as needed. Discontinue use if skin reactions develop.
Take Oral Antihistamines
Allergic responses can play a role in some cases of burning insulin shots. Antihistamines like Zyrtec or Claritin help reduce localized histamine release.
These may calm mild redness, itching, and pain from shots. Use oral antihistamine tablets as directed on packaging.
See your doctor if burning and inflammation seems related to insulin itself. Switching types may be required.
Massage the Injection Site
Promoting blood flow after shots pulls heat away. Try gently massaging the area once the needle has been removed.
Use your fingertips to rub the skin for a minute or two to distribute the insulin. This also breaks up any trapped pockets.
Take care not to press intensely on freshly injected sites as this can drive insulin deeper or cause bruising under skin.
When to Call Your Doctor About Insulin Injection Burning
While short-lived mild stinging is normal, extensive or persistent burning at injection sites almost always warrants medical attention.
Contact your doctor if any of the following occur:
- Burning does not improve with technique changes
- Shots continue stinging after site rotation
- Redness and pain lasts more than an hour
- Lumps, tissue damage, or bruising at injection site
- Allergic reaction suspected
Report any concerning or severe side effects. Seek emergency care for anaphylaxis signs like swelling tongues or throats, wheezing, fainting, etc.
Skin infections are also possible if poor injection hygiene is practiced. Symptoms of infection include expanding redness, heat, oozing, and fever.
When Burning Shots Become Problematic
If your healthcare team has ruled out all controllable causes of burning insulin shots, injections may still remain painful.
At this point, exploring alternative insulin delivery methods makes sense. Rather than standard needles, you may benefit from:
- Insulin Pumps – Devices that infuse insulin under the skin via a tube and cannula site.
- Inhaled Insulin – Rapid-acting insulin powders for easier breathing based dosing.
- Jet Injectors – Needle-free systems that push insulin through skin via high pressure.
These options provide needle-free dosing or more automated steady delivery to minimize burning issues related to manual shots.
The Takeaway – Why Insulin Injections Burn & How to Prevent It
It's frustrating dealing with the burning sting of insulin injections. But in most cases, it can be resolved or prevented.
Be diligent about proper injection techniques and rotating sites. Soothe the injection area with simple cooling tricks. See your doctor if irritation persists or worsens.
While the sensation may always have some discomfort, tiny tweaks can help take the fiery edge off insulin shots.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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