Red Skin

Red skin is frequently not a normal skin condition. It is usually a medical symptom for many health problems, as well as allergic reactions to things that the skin is exposed to. The most common condition of red skin is sunburn. Sunburn is the result of too much exposure to ultraviolet rays, particularly the sun.

Sunburn happens when the protective pigment of the body called melanin is overly exposed to the sun, and its ability to protect the skin is exceeded. Unlike “thermal burns”, sunburn isn’t obvious right away. When the skin begins to be red and painful, the damage has occurred. Red burning skin can be very painful between six and forty-eight hours after the skin has been exposed to the sun. Severe sunburns may result to blisters, and fever is common. The skin typically peels after three to eight days from the time of sun exposure.

Aside from sunburn, other medical conditions may cause red skin. Some of these conditions are rather big health concerns and needs to be professionally treated with medications. Here are some of different causes of red skin:

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is the general name given for any form of skin inflammation. There several underlying possible causes of dermatitis including certain infections, chemicals, or toxins, as well as allergic reactions. The main cause of “atopic dermatitis” is not known; however, but genetic tendencies can be worsened by factors like infections, allergies, emotions, humidity and temperature, and irritating chemicals. About ten percent in the cases of children are caused by certain food, specifically peanuts, fish, eggs, wheat, soy, and milk.

Atopic dermatitis has a tendency to aggravate in reaction to extreme humidity and temperature. Other causes include psychological stress and sweating. A significant secondary cause is irritation; it seems to alter the skin’s epidermal structure, permitting an increase in the activity of immunoglobulin E. As a result, chronic skin irritation with red itchy skin is experiences, and sometimes blisters.

Cellulitis

This is an inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue or skin. Possible causes of Cellulitis include bacterial infection and Streptococcus bacteria. Orbital Cellulitis can result from fungal, parasitic, or bacterial infection that can develop through direct inoculation by means of the bloodstream, or multiply from nearby structures. Periorbital tissues can be inoculated resulting from unknown body trauma, surgery, and even insect and animal bites. Symptoms can include swollen skin, red skin, painful skin, tender skin, chills, fever, blisters, skin rash, scabs, swollen lymph nodes, and Erysipelas rash.

Anaphylaxis

This is an immediate hypersensitivity response of the skin caused by exposure of a particular antigen to a sensitized person. This condition may be caused by several factors including septic shock, cardiogenic shock, neurogenic shock, adrenal insufficiency, and asthma.

Cat Scratch Disease

This is an infectious illness transmitted by the bite, lick, or scratch of a cat that results mainly in lymph node swelling and pain. The condition may be severe or mild. There numerous symptoms of cat scratch disease including skin eruption, rash, red skin, hot skin, mild fever, swelling near the cat scratch, headache, fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, anorexia, convulsions, abdominal pain, backache, enlarged spleen, and others.

It is always vital to seek professional medical advice in treating the disease. Some treatments for cat scratch disease include fluids, rest, antibiotics, pain relief medications, and symptomatic treatment.

Red skin symptoms are not to be taken lightly, especially if other health symptoms go with the reddening. It is always important to seek the advice of medical professionals for exact diagnosis and treatment. Self-treatment for ordinary allergic reactions or skin rashes is reasonable if the main cause of the symptom is known or is a usual skin reaction to products, food, or environment conditions that you are aware of. Always seek the help of medical professionals in symptoms persist.