Going to a mirror and spotting signs of skin redness is not rare. However, it is not something to worry about. We understand the sight of skin turning red can be irritating and uncomfortable and hold you back from going out or meeting people. Usually, this may be a result of sunburn, eczema or allergic reactions that can be cured easily.
When it is persistent for a long time, it might need to be addressed because it could be due to some serious concern that would require a dermatologist’s intervention. In this article, we will explore some underlying causes of those red patches on the skin and how to reduce them in parts of the body.
Symptoms of Skin Redness
Depending on the cause, one can spot the early and late symptoms and understand how to reduce redness of the skin. If caused by a sunburn, the skin feels tender. Blisters may crop up, which may cause itching.
A symptom that is common in such skin concerns is skin peeling. If your skin comes in contact with heat, chemicals, radiation, repeated friction or a strong electrical current, it will most likely affect your skin at first in the form of redness because the skin is trying to fight the injury. At this time, you must consider what activities you were doing before it occurred, if you are using any new medicine/skincare product or whether your family has a history of skin diseases.
Sunburn
Sunburns are the most common forms of skin redness. Spending long hours in the sun, especially during summer or on a beach without appropriate sun protection can cause the skin to turn red. The skin turns red as a way to make up for the damage caused to the skin by the UV rays of the sun. Starting as a burning sensation, it may cause blisters and skin peeling depending on the amount of sun exposure.
Dermatitis or Eczema
These are a category of skin disorders marked by the inflammation of the skin. Red, itchy, and dry patches on the skin are most likely the symptoms of dermatitis or eczema that appear hours to days following interaction with an allergy. It also causes blisters that drip, ooze or turn crusty.
Folliculitis
Inflammation of the skin's hair follicles is a common symptom of folliculitis. Typically, a bacterial or fungal infection is what causes the inflammation. Small, itchy clusters of red lumps that surround the damaged follicles are signs of folliculitis. Pus-filled blisters may develop, and the area may start to feel uncomfortable. This skin condition is more common in females, as shaving or waxing can cause ingrown hair. When infected by bacteria, they can cause skin redness.
Other Causes of Skin Redness
There are some lesser-known causes of the skin turning red that are important to understand. They are as follows:
● Drug Allergy: If you spot red patches on your body after consuming a new medicine, it could be due to a drug allergy. This should not be taken lightly, as what appears as red skin can also lead to life-threatening symptoms and affect the internal organs.
● Insect bites or stings: Staying outdoors, especially amidst the vegetation, can expose our skin to many insects. Insect bites or stings may or may not be poisonous; however, skin redness treatment must be prompt once you spot redness or experience a warm sensation around the area.
● Ringworm: It is also a common cause of skin redness. The skin in the centre of the ring is clear and healthy, and the ring's margins may extend outward. Circular, scaly rashes with elevated borders get itchy.
● Cellulitis: The state of this condition is regarded as an emergency. You might need to get urgent attention to reduce redness on the face. It is caused by bacteria or fungi entering the body through a skin break or cut. It is easily contagious when touching the skin feels warm and soft. Fever, chills, and red streaks on the rash could indicate a dangerous infection that needs medical care.
Diagnosis Of Skin Redness
Mild forms of skin redness go on their own with some basic remedies. However, it is extremely important to know the cause of the ailment before going for a remedy. Though rarely, some skin ailments that start as a minor rash can develop into something serious if overlooked.
A biopsy of the afflicted area or a skin sample may be taken as part of additional testing and allergy testing to see whether your skin has any sensitivities.
Find out from your doctor if your skin disease is potentially contagious and what you can do to stop it from spreading. By doing this, you can prevent spreading skin redness to others.
Before you visit a doctor, think about the following for a proper diagnosis:
● What were you doing before you noticed the redness on your skin?
● Did you use any new skincare or cleaning products? Are you using any new medications?
● Do any skin disorders run in your family?
● Have you ever had skin this red before?
● Were there any people around who might also have a similar rash?
Treatments for Skin Redness
Skin redness treatment varies depending on the cause of the redness. Treatment does not normally require medical attention if it is a sunburn that can be treated at home. Early treatment can also help avoid the skin condition from getting severe. A general rule of thumb is to avoid the further spread of the irritant or allergen that caused your skin redness in the first place.
Some of the primary methods of treatment include using soap and water to wash the afflicted area, taking antihistamines and other drugs to reduce itching, and applying some calamine lotion or other topical skin care products to minimise skin redness.
Some skin ailments might require long-term treatment unless they are cured completely. If an infection is the root cause of your skin's redness, your doctor may recommend antibiotics to lessen the condition's symptoms.
You just need to spot the early signs of discomfort or redness and take first aid after consulting a doctor.
Home Remedies for Skin Redness
Home remedies cater to many health issues. If you are wondering how to get rid of redness on the face or body, some easy and quick home remedies that have been followed by our grandmothers and mothers for skin treatment will come in handy.
● Dietary changes: Your diet may need to be adjusted to lessen the redness. Include relaxing, cooling foods like coconut water, melon, cucumbers, and seeds in your diet. Avoid hot or spicy foods, such as peppers, chocolate, and coffee.
● Coconut Oil: Coconut oil's antioxidant qualities can aid in reducing sun-induced redness of the skin. Ayurveda has also made great use of it. Go for cold-pressed, virgin coconut oil for added benefits.
● Honey Mask: Apply a honey mask on your skin to soothe it. Warm water should be used to thoroughly cleanse your skin before applying honey generously to any red areas. After about 30 minutes, rinse it off. However, honey should not be used if your red skin results from a sunburn.
● Cucumber: Cucumber is a natural coolant. Apply some washed cucumber slices directly to the affected area for instant relief. If your skin is excessively dry, experts recommend making a simple mask by blending a cucumber and a cup of oatmeal.
● Clay Mask: An added natural treatment, a clay mask is what some dermatologists prefer to use to calm red skin. To make a clay mask, make a thick paste by combining face clay with water or fruit puree. After 20 minutes of application, wash the mixture off with warm water.
When to Seek Medical Help for Skin Redness
It's a good idea to see a dermatologist for an evaluation, if the redness doesn't go away, so they can assess whether you need a prescription medication or lifestyle modifications. This is also helpful when you need to reduce redness on the face to avoid scarring.
You must immediately visit a doctor:
● If you get a burn that is twice the size of your palm.
● If you face difficulty in breathing.
● If you are suffering extreme pain in the affected area.
● If there is a loss of consciousness.
● If you notice redness near or on your eyes that is affecting your vision.
● Even if you've had a tetanus vaccination, you should still seek medical assistance if an animal has bitten you, and that causes the skin to turn red.
● If it causes a fever.
● If the redness develops abruptly and spreads quickly.
● If it is coupled with accompanying symptoms of infection, such as feeling warm or release of pus.
Conclusion
Redness of the skin should not be taken lightly, even if it is caused due to a sunburn. Our skin has natural healing properties and the ability to ward off germs and infections. However, we need to help enhance this process by taking external measures. If you wish to reduce redness on the face that is not very serious, you can adopt the remedies given above for a quick and easy treatment.
FAQs
How to reduce redness on the face quickly?
You can apply aloe vera juice on the face. Cut the aloe vera leaf into half and peel out the juice. Make sure to remove the yellow sap from the plant, and do not keep it on for a very long time.
Does acne cause skin redness?
If the acne is getting sore, it may cause redness on the spot. It will most likely go away on its own, but if it appears persistently, you may have to seek medication.
Can calamine lotion resolve redness cause due to chickenpox?
A calamine lotion is helpful in soothing redness from chickenpox and also helps in preventing scarring.
Can chamomile tea help reduce redness?
Chamomile tea bags (brewed) can be applied to reduce redness on the face and skin. However, it must be avoided if you have rosacea.
What can be added to aloe vera to enhance its cooling effects on the skin?
You can add white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to enhance the benefits of aloe vera.