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Skin redness: Causes and when to see a doctor

In this article, we discuss several possible reasons for skin redness and when a person should see a doctor.

Sunburn

Sunburn is a common cause of red skin and typically results from spending too much time in the sun without adequate protection. The ultraviolet rays from the sun damage the skin, which turns red as the body directs more blood to the affected area to repair the damage.

Other symptoms can include:

  • tenderness
  • blisters
  • itching
  • skin peeling

Learn more about sunburn here.

Other burns

There are many other ways, aside from sunburn, that a person’s skin can become burned. Examples include:

  • Thermal burns. These can occur when the skin comes into contact with something hot, such as flames, steam, and hot liquids
  • Chemical burns. Exposing the skin to strong or irritating chemicals, such as bleaches, acids, and detergents can cause a chemical burn.
  • Electrical burns. These can occur if a strong electrical current, such as from an exposed wire, reaches the skin.
  • Friction burns. When the skin repeatedly rubs against a rough surface or material, it can cause a friction burn.
  • Radiation burns. Radiation exposure can damage the skin, causing burns. For example, burns can be a side effect of radiation therapy for cancer.

Any of these types of burns can cause the skin to turn red.

Doctors class burns according to their severity:

  • First-degree burns are the mildest and usually consist of skin redness.
  • Second-degree and third-degree burns are more serious and damage multiple layers of skin.
  • Fourth-degree burns are the most severe and can affect the bones and muscles below the skin.

Learn more about first-degree burns here.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis, or eczema, refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions. These conditions typically cause red, itchy patches of skin where inflammation has happened.

Some common types of dermatitis are:

  • Contact dermatitis. This form of dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with an irritant or allergen that causes an itchy rash.
  • Atopic dermatitis. Also known as atopic eczema, this is a long-term form of dermatitis that often affects children.
  • Seborrheic dermatitis. This is another long-term form of dermatitis that mainly develops on the scalp, but can occur on other parts of the body where there are a lot of oil-producing glands, such as the face and chest. It is also known as dandruff, and in babies, it is called cradle cap.

Dermatitis can cause a range of other symptoms, including:

  • fluid-filled blisters
  • hives, which form an itchy, swollen, red rash
  • dry, scaly, or bumpy skin
  • flaky skin
  • other skin color changes

Learn more about the different types of dermatitis here.

Heat rash

Heat rash is when the skin becomes irritated from hot or humid conditions. The outbreak consists of red, itchy patches of skin with clusters of small, raised pimples. These patches can be uncomfortable and may cause a stinging or prickly sensation.

Heat rashes often develop in areas where the skin folds and so skin-on-skin contact occurs, such as in the groin area or elbow creases.

Learn more about heat rash here.

Folliculitis is a common condition where hair follicles in the skin become inflamed. The inflammation is often the result of a bacterial or fungal infection.

Folliculitis causes small clusters of red bumps to appear around the affected follicles, which may be itchy. The area can become tender, and pus-filled blisters may develop.

Learn more about folliculitis here.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common condition that causes long-term redness of the skin, typically on the face. The condition usually begins with flushing, which is when the skin temporarily appears red.

These episodes of flushing may last for longer periods of time as rosacea progresses and can become permanent. Others symptoms can include spots and burning or stinging sensations in the affected areas.

Learn more about rosacea here.

Cellulitis is a skin infection that can become severe if a person does not receive rapid treatment.

Cellulitis occurs when bacteria infect deep layers of the skin and causes the area to become red, swollen, tender, and often warm to touch.

Cellulitis can also cause fever-like symptoms, sometimes before the skin becomes affected. These symptoms can include:

  • fever
  • chills
  • fatigue
  • cold sweats
  • nausea
  • drowsiness
  • difficulty concentrating

If left untreated, cellulitis can lead to severe complications, such as a blood infection.

Learn more about cellulitis here.

Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a contagious bacterial infection that typically affects infants and children. The infection causes a pinky-red rash that can feel rough. The rash usually starts on the chest but can spread to other areas of the body.

Other symptoms of scarlet fever include:

  • red, sore throat
  • high temperature
  • discolored, bumpy tongue
  • swelling of the neck
  • headache
  • muscle aches
  • nausea and vomiting
  • abdominal pain

Learn more about scarlet fever here.

When to see a doctor

It is not always necessary to see a doctor for skin redness. For example, a person can treat mild cases of sunburn at home by applying moisturizers and drinking plenty of fluids.

However, some causes of red skin do require medical attention. Contact a doctor if the rash:

  • does not go away after several days
  • covers large areas of the body
  • occurs alongside a fever
  • appears suddenly and spreads quickly
  • begins to blister
  • becomes painful
  • show signs of infection, such as feeling warm or producing pus or other fluids

Takeaway

There are many possible causes of skin redness, ranging from burns to allergic reactions and infections.

People should see a doctor for red skin that lasts more than a few days or keeps reoccurring. Also, they should seek medical advice for rashes that are extremely painful or occur alongside more severe symptoms.

Some skin conditions are long-term with symptoms returning in cycles. Treatment for these conditions may be lifelong and can involve both medications and lifestyle changes.

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