Shop E Store Redness in the skin may not only be exposed to the sun. It may be related to skin conditions, including acne and rosacea.
After getting sunshine for fun and vitamin D production, you must have noticed that your skin is getting a little red. Even acne, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, can cause redness in the face. Exposure to the sun and acne is not the only reason behind redness in the skin. This change in skin tone may be a condition of health conditions such as rosacea or psoriasis that you need to be aware of. Knowing the cause is important, so you can start with treatment for a specific health condition. Don’t know what’s happening in your skin? Please read to find out.
What causes redness in the skin?
“Redness and erythema on the skin can be caused by a variety of health conditions, each with distinct properties,” says Dr. Shifa Yadav, PhD, dermatologist. Some of the causes are:
1. Acne
It is a chronic skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles are clogged with oil along with dead skin cells. “In acne, redness is mostly visible on the face,” experts say. This is especially seen on the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin.
2. Rose family
It is a flushing or other skin condition that causes long-term redness, especially the face. If you have rosacea, your cheeks, nose and forehead may turn red. “Colour changes can be accompanied by visible blood vessels and pustules, or small blisters filled with pus,” says Dr. Yadav.
3. eczema
This common condition, also known as atopic dermatitis, causes the skin to dry, itchy and bumpy. “You’ll also notice red, inflamed skin that often appears on the face, hands and behind the knees,” experts say of this type of dermatitis, a group of conditions known to cause skin irritation.
4. psoriasis
This is a common autoimmune condition that can cause skin inflammation. “In psoriasis, red spots covered in silver scales often appear on the elbows, knees and scalp,” says the expert. In this health condition, itchy and thick skin may also be present.
5. Please contact dermatitis
Sometimes the skin responds to allergens or irritants such as scents, soaps, and cleaners. As part of the reaction, redness can occur at the site of contact with an allergen or irritant. “Redness of the skin is often accompanied by itching and swelling,” experts say.
6. Sunburn
There is a reason to emphasize that everyone applies sunscreen with Sunscreen (SPF) 30. “Those who get tanned have red and painful skin in sun-exposed areas such as their face, shoulders, neck, arms and back,” says Dr Yadav.
7. Fever rash
Redness and small bumps pop up in cases of fever rash in areas where sweat is trapped. This means that you can notice redness in the skin in areas such as the chest, back, and neck. Sweating is the most common risk factor, and according to a study published in Statpearls in 2024, the development of fever rashes can result in a particularly hot or sticky state.
8. Nesting box
The nest box, also known as ur measles, raises red welts on the skin. They are often itchy and can sting a bit. “They can appear anywhere in the body due to an allergic reaction to what you consume or encounter. It may be due to medication or food,” experts say.
9. Lupus
If you have lupus, you will see a red butterfly shaped rash on your nose and cheeks. Skin is often affected in the most common type of lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus, according to a study published in the Journal of Rheumatology in 2023.
10. infection
Even bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause redness at the site of infection. “You can see red patches on your body, such as your legs, gro diameter, and underarms,” says the expert. Infections are often associated with swelling and pain.
11. Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a very common skin condition. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it causes a red rash that usually appears on the face. Red, flake-like patches can also be found on the scalp and sometimes the chest.
When will you see the doctor?
“If the skin is reddish for more than a few days, or worsens and has other symptoms, it’s important to seek help from a doctor,” experts say.
- Signs of infection, such as swelling, warmth, pain, and pus, are found in the red spot.
- Redness in the skin is associated with other symptoms such as fever, chills and fatigue.
- It occurs after exposure to new drugs or substances, suggesting the possibility of an allergic reaction.
- You are experiencing other health changes, such as joint pain, weight loss, or hair loss, which can suggest problems like lupus or autoimmune diseases.
How to get rid of redness in the skin?
Treatment depends on the cause of skin redness:
- Acne: Over-the-counter treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help to remove acne.
- Rosacea-like dermatitis: There are creams and lotions to manage symptoms of this condition. “Top treatments such as metronidazole, azerate, or oral antibiotics can reduce redness and inflammation,” experts say.
- eczema: Moisturizers and topical steroids can help reduce inflammation and dry skin. “Antihistamines can help with itching, which is common in people with eczema,” experts say.
- psoriasis: To deal with this health condition, certain products must be applied. “Top treatments such as steroids, phototherapy or drugs like immunosuppressants can be useful,” says Dr. Yadav.
- Please contact dermatitis: Understand before avoiding irritants that cause contact dermatitis. “We use corticosteroid creams, or antihistamines, to reduce the itching associated with it,” experts say.
- Sunburn: Take a cool bath and use aloe vera to remove any sunburn. “Hydrocortisone creams and oral painkillers can also help relieve tanned skin,” says the expert.
- Fever rash: Cooling and drying your skin is important if you don’t want to suffer from a fever rash. Also, use calamine lotion and wear loose clothes.
- Nesting box: Antihistamines, and corticosteroids, are usually administered to remove hives.
- Lupus: Antimalarial drugs, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants can help manage symptoms, including skin redness.
- infection: Antifungal creams, antivirals, or antibiotics may be administered to treat the infection depending on the cause.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: There are medicated shampoos, antifungal creams, and topical steroids to reduce inflammation and flakes.
Redness in the skin can be caused by multiple factors, including acne and psoriasis. It is important to reach out to a doctor who can help you find the cause and decide on the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Related FAQs
Why does my skin have a red patch, but is itchy?
Red patches of skin that are not itchy can be due to sunburn or skin irritation. The skin becomes red due to inflammation, but there is no itching.
How can I stop making my face red?
Redness in the face can be caused by a variety of factors, such as acne and fever. To prevent redness in the face, start by identifying and avoiding triggers. For example, if the cause is a fever, try to protect yourself from the heat by wearing a hat and covering your body with loose clothing.
