First, let us understand what inflammation is. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to foreign invaders that enter through an injury or wound. The sign of swelling we see along or around the wound is the physical sign that we see of white blood cells fighting off the foreign stimuli.
Inflammation can be acute or chronic. Most acute inflammations are temporary, running their course as the injury or wound heals. Inflammation that lasts for months or years, on the other hand, can cause a variety of health problems and is known as chronic inflammation.
Commonly Occurring Skin Diseases
There are several types of inflammatory skin diseases. Some of the most common include eczema, hives, and psoriasis. They appear in varying intensity of red and swollen skin and are almost always accompanied by itchiness. These skin conditions can cause irritation and frustration among the sufferers, especially when they talk a long time to fade and sometimes leave dark marks behind.
What are the signs and symptoms of this list of inflammatory skin diseases, and how do we manage them? Read on to learn more.
1. Hives
This skin condition has sudden and swift outbreaks of small, numerous raised, red areas on your skin, which are also very itchy. Hives (also by the name of urticarial) do not have any distinct appearance regarding the rash, which may appear as small rings, or patches, as numerous small bumps or large red patches.
A common feature by which we identify hives is the timing and the speed at which it spreads. Hives are transient, meaning they flare up in no specific place, may change their size as well as appearance, and can appear in varying locations across your body.
The rash or redness may also develop around your eyes or lips, resulting in swelling. The symptoms can last from a minute to hours, coming and going on their own. They usually don’t leave any scars or marks after the condition runs its course. An outbreak of hives may have you panicking and speed-dialing your doctor; the disease is usually harmless.
This condition is acute but can turn chronic under certain conditions.
Triggers of Hives
Hives occur when an infection, virus, or some other foreign substance stimulates the body to release an antibody by the name of histamine. Histamine is the body’s typical response to an allergic reaction to food or any other substance, like egg or milk.
As the body releases histamine, several things happen at once.
The blood vessels close to the skin surface dilate (they increase in diameter and become wider) as well as leaky.
This causes fluid to accumulate in the surrounding tissue, causing the area to swell. Hive triggers include:
- viral infections,
- insect bites,
- cold weather,
- drug allergies.
- As well as physical stimuli, among other things.
- Overexposure to light may also trigger the hives to erupt.
2. Psoriasis
Psoriasis appears in the form of well-defined raised, red patches of skin, along with the appearance of ‘white scales.’ This condition is chronic and is an immune-related illness. It usually appears in adulthood but is not bound to any particular age group. It can spring up in any of them.
Cause of Psoriasis
Why does psoriasis occur? The reason is a complex one. It is partly due to genetics, with the condition often passing on from a parent to a child. Psoriatic rashes are raised patches of reddish skin. They appear to be covered with white or rather silvery scales. Usually, what happens is that the skin cells continue to grow and flake off the whitish scales almost every four weeks.
3. Eczema
The systems for this include the skin being dry, itchy, and red. This may seem like a typical rash but can worsen if exposed to triggers. They usually develop in children but can creep up in older people as well. This disease is also more common among people with specific jobs, like constant exposure to dangerous chemicals.
People who have dry skin issues may also be at a greater risk. An excellent way to prevent eczema is regular moisturizing of the skin.
Cause of Eczema
The exact cause of eczema is not fully understood. Still, it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
One of the critical factors in developing eczema is a dysfunction of the immune system. People with eczema have an overactive immune system that responds abnormally to specific triggers, such as allergens, irritants, or stress. This can lead to inflammation and damage to the skin, resulting in redness, itching, and dryness.
Among the other factors that can contribute to eczema are:
- Genetics: Eczema tends to run in families, and certain genes have been linked to the condition.
- Environmental factors: A variety of irritants, including soaps, detergents, and fragrances, can trigger eczema symptoms. Changes in temperature, humidity, or sweating can also exacerbate the condition.
- Allergies: People with eczema are more likely to have allergies, and exposure to certain allergens, such as dust mites or pet dander, can worsen eczema symptoms.
- Stress: Emotional stress or anxiety can trigger eczema flares or worsen existing symptoms.
It’s important to note that eczema can vary in severity and may be triggered by different factors for different individuals. If you are experiencing symptoms of eczema, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Final Words!
Now we hope you’re wiser than before! You should consult a healthcare professional if you believe you suffer from any of these conditions and they are worsening.
