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Skin Inflammation: Pictures, Types, Causes and Treatment

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Skin inflammation is the response of our skin to irritation or damage from outside elements or our own immune cells. This can often result in a skin rash. Dermatitis is a general term used for inflammation of the skin.

Inflamed skin can present with symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, burning, and heat. Common inflammatory skin rashes include contact dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, autoimmune skin conditions, and various infections.

In some cases, one can completely get rid of it, while in others, ongoing management is essential.

Symptoms of skin inflammation.

Below, you will find information about what skin inflammation is, its types and underlying causes, how to treat inflamed skin, and tips on avoiding it.

Table of Contents

What is skin inflammation?

Skin inflammation is the response of our skin to various triggers. In a way, it can protect our skin from certain elements, however, sometimes this inflammation can affect our skin negatively as well.

This inflammatory response is mainly triggered by the immune cells in our body. It can result in redness, discomfort, swelling, itchiness, or locally raised temperature (making the skin feel hot). 

The underlying process

It involves various immune cells that release certain substances called inflammatory mediators.

These can make the blood vessels in our skin become wide and leaky. This can help more immune cells to reach the site of inflammation. 

This is the reason the area of inflamed skin can look swollen and red. 

Inflamed skin versus normal skin.

Symptoms

When the skin is inflamed, it can present with several signs and symptoms:

  • Red skin discoloration
  • Itching
  • Discomfort
  • Pain
  • Scaliness/dryness
  • Swelling
  • Blistering
  • Oozing 
  • Raised areas 
  • Thickened skin

Causes

Causes of skin inflammation.

There are several external or internal factors that can trigger it.

1. Infections

Ringworm.

Skin infection by a microbe can lead to inflammation. These can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.

These can enter the skin through an area of defect like physical injury or damaged skin barrier. Some people with underlying health conditions like diabetics are more prone to some infections.

Some examples include:

2. Allergens

Contact dermatitis.

Allergens are a common cause of skin inflammation. They can be dust, mold, metal like nickel, latex, or poison ivy.

On coming in contact with an allergen, our skin responds with the release of histamine and collection of immune cells which can lead to inflammation and skin rash called allergic contact dermatitis.

Sometimes, one can get an allergic reaction to something they ate. Like some people are allergic to certain seafood. It can result in generalized inflammation in the skin.

Occasionally, one can see the development of hives which appear as raised itchy bumps. These develop due to the collection of fluid and inflammation in our skin.

In a few cases, an allergic reaction can be severe resulting in an anaphylactic reaction. It can result in skin rash, difficulty breathing, swelling, low pulse, fainting, nausea, and vomiting. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.  

3. Irritants

Contact with an irritant can result in inflammation and the development of a rash. The skin can become red, dry, scaly, and cracked.

The common irritants:

  • Detergents 
  • Harsh skin care products
  • Fragrance in skincare
  • Dyes
  • Hair styling products
  • Essential oils

4. Physical injury or trauma

An injury to the skin can result in an inflammatory response. 

5. Immune dysfunction

Psoriasis.

Sometimes our immune cells can act faulty and attack our own skin cells. This is what happens in autoimmune skin conditions. This can result in inflammation in the affected area. 

  • Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition in which our skin cells turnover at a very high rate resulting in raised red plaques on the skin.
  • Lupus is an autoimmune disorder in which our immune cells attack various organs of the body. The skin is also often involved. It can result in a rash in a butterfly pattern on the face (usually involves the cheeks and nose). 
  • Celiac disease is another autoimmune disorder in which one is sensitive to gluten (a protein found in certain grains). It can result in an itchy blistering rash called dermatitis herpetiformis (it has no connection to herpes virus).

6. Sun damage

Sunburn.

Sun exposure can worsen several skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, and lupus. 

In addition, sun rays can lead to inflammation. In some cases, one can get a sunburn. Mild sunburn can present as red-pink areas while in severe sunburn one can have blisters.

7. Hereditary factors

Eczema.

Certain skin conditions which lead to skin inflammation, have some role of genetics (like atopic dermatitis, a common type of eczema, which can lead to red, dry, and scaly patches on the skin).

8. Heat

Exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat rash in which our sweat glands get blocked under the skin. This leads to the development of a fine red skin rash.

Heat can also worsen melasma, by triggering vasodilation and inflammation. Rosacea is another condition that can be worsened by extreme heat. 

9. Photosensitivity

Some people can develop an immune reaction from exposure to sunlight. This is called photosensitivity. The skin can become red, itchy, dry, or scaly. In some cases, blisters can form.

Certain medications can also lead to photosensitive reactions.

Types

While there are several triggers behind skin inflammation, it can be divided into two types depending on how long the inflammation lasts.

1. Acute

Acute skin inflammation occurs all of a sudden due to exposure to an allergen, irritant, or infection. Most of the time with removal of the trigger and appropriate treatment, it subsides in 6 weeks or less.

2. Chronic

Chronic skin inflammation is due to continuous responses from our immune cells. It can occur due to an autoimmune process or due to continuous exposure to trigger factors. It usually lasts longer than 6 weeks.

In some cases, appropriate treatment and management can get rid of it. However, in a few cases, there is no permanent cure so ongoing treatment is important.

Diagnosis

Sometimes, a doctor can look at the rash and make a diagnosis. However, they may need more information or testing if required.

  • History in which a patient provides information on how the condition developed and progressed. 
  • Any underlying medical or skin condition.
  • Exposure to certain allergens or irritants if known.
  • If an allergy is suspected, they might do a skin or blood test to find the allergen.
  • They might do skin scrapings if they suspect a fungal cause.
  • A skin biopsy may be needed in some cases. For this, a small skin sample is taken and sent to a pathologist to make a diagnosis. 
  • Certain other tests may also be performed to rule out other skin or medical conditions.

Treatment

Certain simple measures can give temporary relief or relieve mild skin inflammation. In some cases, prescription medications will be needed to get rid of it.

Home Remedies

1. Get rid of allergen or irritant

If your skin inflammation starts in response to contact with something, the first thing to do is get rid of that trigger. For example, some people have an allergy to nickel and when they use metal jewelry it leads to skin inflammation. 

So, getting rid of irritants and allergens is very important.

2. Antihistamines

If an allergen is behind your skin inflammation, antihistamines can help relieve the signs of inflammation.

3. Sun protection

Sun exposure can exacerbate several skin conditions or cause photosensitive reactions. In such a case, avoid further exposure to direct sun rays and use broad-spectrum sunscreen or sun protective clothing.

4. Cold compress

The application of a cold compress can give relief from discomfort and itching. Take a soft wet washcloth and put it in a freezer for a few minutes.

Then hold it in contact with the inflamed area for some time. If you’re in a hurry, you can use an ice pack as well.

5. Oatmeal bath

The colloidal oatmeal extract has anti-inflammatory and anti-itch properties. In addition, it is rich in beta-glucan which can hydrate the skin and help in its healing.

6. Cold bath

If you have a heat rash, cold baths can help relieve the symptoms.

7. Apply nourishing cream or ointment

Inflamed skin can become dry and scaly, especially in certain skin rashes or dermatitis. So, use a thick moisturizer or an ointment to keep the area hydrated and aid in healing.

Note: If you have a heat rash, do not apply thick ointments as it can further worsen it.

8. Anti-dandruff shampoo

Certain skin conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis may benefit from the use of over-the-counter dandruff shampoos.

They contain antifungal (which decreases fungus) and keratolytic (which decreases the buildup of dead skin cells). Some ingredients to look for are zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, salicylic acid, and coal tar.

9. Wear soft and loose clothes

Rough and tight clothes can further damage the skin by causing friction between the fabric and the skin. So, wear loose and soft clothing to avoid more damage to the skin.

10. Diet modification

While this may or may not work instantly depending on the root cause of skin inflammation, it is definitely worth considering. 

If you have rosacea, it is better to avoid spicy food and alcohol. Someone with celiac disease should avoid gluten.

Consider including foods that can decrease inflammation in the body. These include:

  • Antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, strawberries, oranges, and green tea.
  • Nuts like almonds, and walnuts.
  • Seeds like flaxseeds.
  • Fish like salmon and tuna.

Prescription medications

1. Steroids

Steroids can decrease skin inflammation. However, it’s always better to see a doctor before using them. They can help certain skin conditions, while in some cases they can worsen the underlying skin condition. 

2. Antibiotic 

Antibiotics may be prescribed if your doctor suspects a bacterial infection.

3. Antifungal

If a fungus is causing skin inflammation, your doctor may prescribe antifungal in topical or oral form.

4. Immunosuppressants

For long-term control of certain skin conditions like psoriasis, immunosuppressants may be prescribed.

This affects how our immune cells act and this in turn reduces skin inflammation. These include pimecrolimus and tacrolimus.

5. Phototherapy

This involves exposure of the affected area to natural or artificial sources of light. It might be useful for certain skin conditions like psoriasis.

6. Anti-inflammatory topicals

Certain skin conditions like rosacea and perioral dermatitis can lead to inflammation of facial skin. These are treated by topical drugs with anti-inflammatory properties like azelaic acid.

When to see a doctor

  • If you have a fever.
  • Inflammation involves large areas of the body.
  • Areas with pus or oozing.
  • Extreme pain.
  • If the skin inflammation does not improve or gets worse.
  • If you have other additional symptoms like fainting, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and low pulse.

Prevention

1. Avoid contact with known allergens and irritants

If you already know your triggers it’s best to avoid them.

  • If you have a nickel allergy, avoid the use of metal jewelry.
  • If you are allergic to fragrance, use fragrance-free skin care products.

2. Avoid foods that exacerbate your skin inflammation

Spicy food and alcohol can often lead to rosacea flare in many people. Certain other foods which can exacerbate it are tomatoes, eggplants, and avocados. However, these triggers vary from person to person.

If it’s a common occurrence that a food worsens your specific skin condition, it’s best to avoid it. Food diaries can be a great way to keep a record of such foods.

3. Manage stress

Stress can do more damage than we think. It can not only affect our skin but our overall health as well. No wonder, chronic inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis worsen during stressful times like exams.

To decrease stress, try relaxation techniques like meditation, going on walks, exercising, and listening to music. Take 6-8 hours of good night’s sleep.

4. Gentle skincare 

Use gentle skincare to decrease the chances of inflammation. Include a low-pH cleanser, moisturizer, and broad-spectrum sunscreen in your routine.

You can also use ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties like niacinamide, azelaic acid, centella asiatica, and panthenol in your routine.

5. Healthy diet

A diet rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids can reduce inflammation in the body. Antioxidants can also protect from everyday oxidative stress.

6. Sun protection

Sun rays can worsen several skin conditions and can also lead to skin inflammation. So, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, seek shade where possible, and use sun-protective clothing.

7. Chronic skin conditions

If you have a chronic inflammatory skin condition like psoriasis, lupus, eczema, rosacea, etc., make sure to follow the guidelines of your treating physician.

FAQs

What does skin inflammation look like? It can have varied appearances depending on the underlying cause. Very often it will present with redness, swelling, local heat, discomfort, dryness, and scaliness.

Does skin inflammation go away? In some cases, when contact with an allergen or irritant is removed, the skin inflammation can go away. However, in some, the inflammation is chronic like in psoriasis, so one needs continuous management to treat a flare episode and decrease recurrence. 

Which are inflammatory skin conditions? Many conditions can cause skin inflammation. These include:

  • Psoriasis
  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Infections
  • Different types of eczema
  • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Rosacea
  • Lupus 
  • Perioral dermatitis

Summary

Skin inflammation can lead to red swollen areas along with discomfort. It can occur due to a variety of reasons. While in some cases it can be mild and goes away in a few days, in some it can be more serious or chronic.

Identifying the underlying cause is important to decrease skin inflammation. In some people, ongoing treatment may be necessary to manage inflammation.

References

Disclaimer: This blog post is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice.

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