Skin inflammation has many potential causes, including allergies, infections, and autoimmune diseases.
Most cases of skin inflammation are curable, although the treatment depends on what is causing the inflammation.
This article looks at six different causes of skin inflammation.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
Skin infections tend to be more common in those with compromised immune systems.
Bacterial skin infections are sparked by bacteria entering the skin, and includecellulitis,impetigo, and staphylococcal infections.
Viral infections are due to viruses; examples includeshinglesandwarts.
Fungal infections are because of fungus entering the skin, and includeathletes footandyeast infections.
Finally, parasitic skin infections are resulting from parasites like lice andscabies.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of skin infections may develop gradually over time or happen quickly.
A bacterial infection can feel like it came out of nowhere.
Warts because of a viral infection will appear as small, flesh-colored bumps on the skin.
Fungal skin infections are usually itchy and may cause a burning sensation.
Parasitic infections are also quite itchy, and can lead to skin discoloration and irritation from scratching.
Treatment
The treatment will depend on what is causing the infection and how severe it is.
Bacterial infections usually require antibiotics; severe cases may warrant a hospital stay with IV antibiotics.
If the infection has caused an abscess, your healthcare provider may need to drain it.
Viral infections can be treated with topical medications.
Fungal infections will usually clear up after applying an antifungal cream or ointment.
Parasitic infections may require specific topical or oral treatments.
Good hygiene and cleaning with soap and water daily can help to prevent many skin infections.
Inflammation of the skin may be the first sign that something is wrong.
This rash is sometimes the first sign that your body is sensitive to gluten and may have celiac disease.
Psoriasis causes thick, discolored or red, scaly patches of skin called plaques.
Psoriasis is known for causing severe itching.
It is a result of the immune system going into overdrive and speeding up skin cell growth.
Rather than shedding off, old skin cells accumulate on the skin, creating thick plaques.
Unfortunately, autoimmune diseases cannot be cured, but the skin symptoms can often be managed.
The itchy discolored or red blisters resulting from celiac disease can be prevented by removing gluten from your diet.
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe a medication to help with acute symptoms.
Mild cases of psoriasis can usually be treated with topical creams or ointments.
Treatment options include:
Your treatment will depend on how severe your symptoms are.
Skin conditions sparked by lupus are often treated with topical medications, but some cases may require oral medications.
A steroid cream or gel can help reduce inflammation and discoloration.
Immunomodulators can help to decrease the bodys immune response in the skin.
Allergies
Anallergic skin reactioncan occur because of something you ate, drank, or touched.
Two of the most common skin allergic reactions areeczemaandhives.
If the rash leads to an infection, you may notice small, fluid-filled pustules.
Hives look like discolored or red bumps or welts over the skin.
These are usually due to direct contact with an allergen or infection.
Rarely, hives can last for weeks to months; this is known as chronic hives.
Contact dermatitisresults from touching an allergen like a plant or latex.
The reaction usually involves discolored or red, itchy bumps over the affected area.
The best way to treat chronic skin allergies is to see an allergist.
Eczema is often treated with quality moisturizers and topical steroids if needed.
Apply a moisturizer to help with the itching and avoid scratching.
Photosensitivity
Photosensitivity, also known as sun allergy, is an immune system response to the sun.
Photosensitivity can be sparked by certain medications, skincare products, and some immune disorders.
Experiencing photosensitivity over time can put you at higher risk for UV damage from the sun and skin cancer.
Photosensitivity can cause a discolored or red, itchy rash, as well as blisters and oozing lesions.
The reaction can occur on any skin exposed to UV rays from the sun or a tanning bed.
See a healthcare provider right away if you develop any of these symptoms.
To help prevent photosensitivity, review all of your medications and beauty products.
If any cause photosensitivity, avoid time in the sun after using them.
Always practice sun safety.
Daily, wearsunscreenwith an SPF of 30 or higher on all sun-exposed skin.
Wear a hat, sunglasses, and light clothing.
Avoid tanning beds as well.
Heat Rash
Heat rashis common in children, and is triggered by clogged sweat glands.
When our bodies cant release heat through sweating, we overheat and a heat rash can form.
Intense exercise can also be a contributing factor.
Heat rash usually appears as a fine pink rash with tiny bumps.
You may also notice a pins and needles feeling over the skin.
Heat rash usually appears on the neck, chest, and upper back.
A mild heat rash can be treated at home.
Start to cool the skin by applying a cool washcloth.
If the rash is all over the body, a quick cool bath may help too.
If the rash is itchy, over-the-counterhydrocortisone creammay provide some relief.
When spending time outdoors, check that to take breaks inside with air conditioning or a fan.
Opt for breathable, cotton fabrics to allow for sweating.
The sun causes changes in your skin that produce dry skin, sunburn, andactinic keratosis.
A mild sunburn looks like discolored or red, inflamed skin.
A more severe burn can produce fluid-filled blisters and peeling.
Actinic keratosis looks like a rough, scaly patch of skin.
Most sunburns can be treated at home, much the same as photosensitivity or heat rash.
Getting out of the sun and applying a cool washcloth can provide relief.
If your skin is painful, taking over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen may help too.
Be sure to protect the area from further sun exposure and drink plenty of water.
The best treatment for sun damage is to prevent it.
Protect your skin with sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and long clothing.
When youre outside, take breaks in the shade or indoors.
Summary
Skin inflammation has many possible causes, including infections, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.
Symptoms include a rash, itching, discoloration, and swelling.
While many cases can be successfully treated at home, others require a diagnosis from a healthcare provider.
While not every cause of skin inflammation can be cured, most can be managed with the right treatment.
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