What causes a prickling pain on the face during winter?
Nov 28, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, a prickling pain on the face during winter may be caused by dry and dehydrated skin, temperature changes, facial allergic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, or rosacea. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, use gentle facial cleansers to avoid over-cleansing, and take proper保暖 measures outdoors to reduce irritation from hot and cold temperatures.
Generally, a needle-pricking pain on the face during winter may be caused by dry and dehydrated skin, temperature changes, facial allergic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, or rosacea. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Dry and Dehydrated Skin
In winter, low air humidity causes rapid moisture loss from the skin. The stratum corneum becomes dry and fragile, compromising the skin's barrier function and making it susceptible to external stimuli that trigger needle-like pain. After cleansing, promptly apply moisturizer, choose skincare products containing glycerin or ceramides, and use a humidifier indoors to increase air moisture.
2. Temperature Changes
During winter, frequent transitions between cold outdoor environments and warm indoor spaces cause facial blood vessels to rapidly constrict and dilate, stimulating nerve endings and resulting in needle-pricking sensations. Wear a mask when going outdoors to avoid direct exposure of the face, and move slowly between environments to allow the skin time to adapt to temperature differences.
3. Facial Allergic Dermatitis
Contact with allergens such as cosmetics or scarf fibers can trigger facial inflammation, leading to redness, itching, and needle-like pain. Follow medical advice to use oral cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone butyrate cream, and discontinue use of suspected allergenic products.
4. Seborrheic Dermatitis
In winter, disrupted sebaceous gland secretion promotes Malassezia yeast overgrowth, causing inflammation characterized by light red patches, flaking, and pricking pain. Under medical guidance, treatments may include ketoconazole cream, vitamin B6 tablets, or tacrolimus ointment. Keep the face clean and free of excess oil.
5. Rosacea
Genetic and environmental factors lead to abnormal facial blood vessel dilation; cold winter conditions can worsen symptoms, causing redness, papules, and needle-like pain. Medications such as doxycycline tablets, azelaic acid gel, or brimonidine eye drops may be used under medical supervision. In severe cases, intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy may be considered.
In daily life, choose gentle facial cleansers to avoid over-cleansing; protect the face from cold weather when outdoors to reduce thermal stress; simplify skincare routines and avoid frequently changing products; maintain a light diet, minimize spicy food intake, and keep a regular sleep schedule.
