Sunburn, exposure to an irritant, and medication use are just a few.
Most cases ofskin redness or discolorationare easy to diagnose and treat.
Sunburn
Even if its overcast, it’s possible for you to still get a sunburn.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
If you have severe blisters on a large area of your skin, see your healthcare provider.
You should also seek medical care if you feel dizzy or disoriented after a sunburn.
If you regularly handle chemicals or metals, you may develop an allergy over time.
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This condition is called allergic contact dermatitis.
Skin discoloration or redness can be part of your body’s immune response.
They typically occur within an hour after taking a drug.
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Some symptomssuch as a rashmay not appear until hours, days, or weeks later.
They can sometimes cause death.
Any time you have a rash after you’ve taken a medication, call your healthcare provider right away.
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Eczema
Eczemais also known as atopic dermatitis.
Eczema can occur at any age.
It’s common in babies and children, but they can outgrow it in time.
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Eczema looks different depending on a person’s skin tone.
If you think you may have eczema, see a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Allergy testing can show you what triggers to avoid.
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Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious.
It has nothing to do with how clean you are.
This condition can cause:
Often, a dandruff shampoo with selenium sulfide can help resolve this condition.
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(If treating a child, speak to their pediatrician first.)
This inflammatory skin condition can flare up when you’re feeling stressed or after spending time in the sun.
Potential symptoms include:
See a dermatologist when you first notice symptoms.
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Early treatment can keep symptoms from becoming severe.
This rapid growth makes red patches flare up now and then.
Symptoms of psoriasis may include:
It’s important to see a dermatologist if you think you have psoriasis.
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Treatment may need to be adjusted over time.
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Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune conditionscause the body to attack itself.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
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Folliculitis
Folliculitisis an infection in a hair follicle on your skin.
When the hair follicle is infected, the skin around it can redden or darken.
It may also swell slightly.
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Sometimes it looks like white-tipped pimples.
Folliculitishappens when bacteria or fungus get inside your hair follicle.
Using a hot tub that isn’t clean can cause the problem.
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So can shaving, plucking hairs, or applying coal tar to your skin.
You should see a dermatologist if folliculitis keeps coming back.
You may need antibiotics to wipe the infection.
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And getting early treatment can prevent scarring.
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Other Bacterial Infections
Cellulitisis a common, potentially life-threatening bacterial skin infection.
It causes a discolored or red, swollen, and tender rash.
It happens when a break in your skin allows bacteria to put in your body.
The infection can spread and even cause death if left untreated.
Scarlet feveris another bacterial infection that can cause skin redness.
It’s due to Group A Strep bacteria, best known for being associated with strep throat.
It may start in one spot and spread across your body.
People with scarlet fever might also have fever and headaches.
Viral Infections
Many viruses cause red skin rashes:
Some of these viruses are very contagious.
Some can be prevented with a vaccine.
If you think you may have a viral infection, talk to a healthcare professional.
It’s especially important if you also have a fever.
Be prepared to talk about when the redness started and how it’s changed over time.
Be sure to ask your healthcare provider if your skin condition is contagious.
If it is, you’ll need to know how to avoid spreading it to others.
Summary
Skin redness or discoloration is a symptom of many conditions.
To find out exactly what’s causing redness, see a healthcare professional.
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