Overview

The immune system plays a vital role in maintaining the health of all the tissues of the body. The immune system reacts to invaders, such as microorganisms, foreign substances, or cancer cells, and triggers inflammation to attack these invaders. Usually the immune system reaction protects the body and aids healing. However, sometimes an immune system reaction is misdirected at healthy tissues and causes intense inflammation and damage.

This inflammation can last a long time and can cause significant and severe tissue damage. Acute inflammation usually lasts six weeks or less and can be caused by many skin problems, such as acne, sunburn, and allergic reactions. Signs of acute inflammation may appear within hours or days, depending on the cause. 

What is skin inflammation?

On the one hand, Dr. Eric Simpson, Professor of Dermatology at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), said: “Inflammation is the normal response of the immune system to infection or injury.

Skin inflammation is also known as dermatitis. Signs that imply skin inflammation are primarily rash, red patches or even a breakout like blisters or abscess. A rash caused by inflammation is usually stinging, burning or itching when touched.

What causes skin inflammation?

Genetic factors and skin bacteria can also cause skin inflammation, as is the case with eczema. Allergic reactions to foods such as seafood or medicines can also cause skin inflammation. Reactions to cosmetics or perfume ingredients can cause skin rashes; and skin inflammation caused by contact with poison ivy is well known. There are many types of bacterial infection attacks that can lead to acute and chronic skin inflammation. 

When there is an infection in the body, or an allergic reaction or even a latent disease or illness, skin inflammation is considered to be one of the reactions of the immune system. When the immune system malfunctions, it can cause a reaction like in the case of psoriasis.

Skin inflammation  can be caused by repeated exposure to a substance, including certain metals, foods, fabrics, fragrances, or chemical additives in personal care or household products. 

What are the different types of inflammation?

There are two types of inflammation in the skin: acute and chronic. The difference between them is a matter of timing, says Elbuluk. Acute inflammation usually lasts six weeks or less and can result from many skin issues, like acne, sunburns and allergic reactions. Chronic inflammation goes beyond six weeks and may be indefinite. It often goes hand in hand with eczema, rosacea and psoriasis—skin diseases that don’t usually disappear in a few days or weeks.

How is skin inflammation diagnosed?

Many cases of skin inflammation caused by infection can be diagnosed by examining the rash. Clinical examination can reveal a clue to an underlying diagnosis of irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. If allergic contact dermatitis is suspected, a series of tests called patch tests can determine the underlying cause of allergic contact dermatitis. If allergies are suspected, they may recommend allergy tests, which may be done in the form of a skin test or blood test.

How can you treat inflamed skin?

Regardless of the severity, you’ve still got treatment options. They primarily depend on what’s causing your inflammation of the skin, the severity of the condition, how long it’s lasted, and how much of the body is affected by it. Anything from topical creams to light therapy to oral medications may help ease your skin inflammation. Those chronic and genetic conditions require more intensive, possibly immunosuppressive treatments—and, obviously, a trip to your doctor.

When to consult your doctor?

If you have skin inflammation, and it spreads into a rash all over the body or forms blisters, consult your doctor. Secondly, if the inflammation is painful and there is swelling, pus or even bleeding, consult a dermatologist. If there is fever as well, see a doctor immediately.

Takeaway

Psoriasis, which can also cause redness and itching, is another type of skin inflammation. Chronic illness is an illness associated with the immune system that usually begins in adulthood but can affect any age group. They come in many forms, from occasional itching and reddening of the skin, to chronic conditions such as dermatitis (eczema), rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis.

Inflammation of the skin can have a variety of causes, from infections to allergic reactions. You can try to avoid external trauma to the skin as well as some of the conditions that can cause it, but there are some chronic and genetic conditions that predispose you to a state of inflammation no matter what.

DISCLAIMER     

Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.