Knowledge About Skin Redness

Erythema is the medical term for skin redness. It is described as a remarkable red area or patches that are commonly diagnosed as a symptom of sunburn, infection and inflammation. During erythema, the blood vessels underneath the skin expand because of increased blood circulation on the affected area. The blood vessels on the face are larger and are positioned closer to the surface of the skin. This is the reason why facial redness, particularly on the nose and cheeks, becomes more noticeable compared to other parts of the body.

Skin redness may occur and develop progressively through time, but more often than not, it appears out of the blue.

 1. Dermatitis

Both types effect to itching, scaling and redness of the skin, making it a little harder to distinguish one from the other. Contact dermatitis is a conditional skin condition. If the skin is exposed or got in contact with a certain allergen, the body will respond through a negative skin reaction. This is the body’s auto-immune response. In treating contact dermatitis, one must find out the trigger and avoid it as much as possible.

On the other hand, atopic dermatitis is also known as eczema and is genetically transferred making it an inevitable disease. More often than not, people with eczema must undergo a complete body treatment that consists of a stress-free lifestyle and trigger-free environment.

 2. Rosacea

Rosacea is probably the most common reason for facial skin redness. A chronic skin disease that makes the skin sensitive and is most likely to turn reddish when exposed to the elements. This skin condition is sometimes mistaken for acne especially when it flares and breaks out. Treating rosacea is not the same as treating acne because it does not occur the same way as the latter. Common triggers are heat, alcohol, stress, spicy foods and cold weather. Antibiotics are also taken orally or topically to manage rosacea as well as prescription medicines like Isoretinol and Accutane.

3. Lupus Erythematosus

This is considered a rare occurrence, but if an individual happens to develop a vibrant red rash on the nose or cheeks without any visible reason at all, he or she may be suffering from lupus. This is a disease of the immune system that causes it to attack not just harmful substances in the body but healthy ones as well, hence causing continuous inflammation and other complications affecting the skin, joints and other body systems.

Systemic lupus may cause rashes to suddenly appear or right after sun exposure. Several tests are needed to correctly diagnose this auto-immune disease. Special treatments are available to manage the symptoms but if other organs are already affected, more complex procedures should be done.

4. Sun Damage

Redness is the main indicator of sunburn. Too much sun exposure in a lifetime may take its toll and give the skin an unnatural red color. This is brought about by damaged blood vessels under the skin that may look like red spots when observed up close. This skin condition is known as telangiectasias. Ultraviolet rays can make capillary walls thin and give the skin a bruised look. This can be treated by using laser technology.

These are just some of the reasons for skin redness and correct diagnosis is needed to identify exactly what you are going through. However, if one is experiencing severe itching, swelling, shortness of breath, hives, nausea, vomiting, high fever and extreme weakness along with noticeable redness of the skin, get the help of a doctor immediately.