Skin inflammation occurs as part of the body’s defence mechanism to play a role in the healing process. So when the body detects a foreign body such as an irritant or pathogen, it launches a biological response to try and remove it.
Pathogens are organisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi that can cause infections and diseases. Whereas an irritant is a substance, such as cosmetics or washing up powder, which can cause an inflammatory reaction when in contact with the skin.
Keep reading to find out the symptoms and causes of skin inflammation, as well as how to treat it!
Symptoms of Skin Inflammation
The biological response of inflammation can present itself in many different ways, such as:
- Skin redness
- A rash, which can appear smooth or scaly, may itch, sting or burn and can be flat or raised
- Warmth in the affected area
- Pimples or blisters
- Skin thickening in the affected area
- The skin may crack causing bleeding
Causes of Skin Inflammation
So, now we know what skin inflammation may look like, let's talk about the causes.
Acute (short-term) inflammation is caused by harmful pathogens or tissue injury. Examples include:
- Acne
- Dermatitis: A condition that usually involves itchy, dry skin or a rash on swollen, reddened skin. An example of this is eczema.
- Psoriasis: a skin disorder that causes skin cells to multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. This makes the skin build up into bumpy red patches covered with white scales.
- An injury
- An infection
- Exposure to a substance such as dust or a bee sting.
However, skin can also be inflamed due to chronic (long-term) inflammation, which is caused by pathogens that the body can not break down. This can develop if a person has:
- Persistent acute inflammation
- Auto inflammatory diseases: problems with the immune system, which usually fights off viruses, bacteria, and infection. This problem causes immune cells to attack your body by mistake.
- Autoimmune disorders: an autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body.
How to Treat Inflamed Skin
Inflammation usually goes away on its own, however, doctors can prescribe treatment to manage the symptoms of inflammation.
Some foods also contain nutrients that may help inflammation, these include:
Conclusion
Although skin inflammation can be both a short and long-term condition, there are ways to soothe it!
What is your go-to way to treat inflamed skin?