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Erythema

Redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow to the capillaries is called Erythema.

Target Group

Men are at higher risk than women for Erythema multiforme. While women, are at a higher risk for Erythema nodosom. People who work under excessive sun exposure are also at a risk for Erythema multiforme.

Type of Ailment

There are many types of Erythema, like photosensitivity, Erythema multiforme, and Erythema nodusum. Photosensitivity involves skin reaction in response to the sun; it tends to occur when an infection or a medication increases a person's sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. Erythema multiforme is distinguished by spots, blisters, or other lesions on the skin and generally results from a reaction to medications, infections, or illness. Erythema nodosum are small round masses, typically nodules on the arms and legs.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Erythema multiforme are;

  • Fever, malaise and itching of skin
  • Sudden eruption of spots, bumps, and lesions
  • Concentrated lesions
  • Rashes on the face and arms

The symptoms of Erythema nosdosm are

  • Tiredness, malaise and flu kind of symptoms
  • Clusters of nodules and lesions on shins, forearms, thighs, and trunk
  • Joint pain

Affected Areas

Since Erythema is a skin infection it can cause redness and inflammation on all parts of the body.

Probable Causes

In half of all cases of erythema the exact cause is not identified. Erythema multiforme:

  • Infection (primarily herpes simplex virus (HSV) , pneumonia, influenza A and Epstein–Barr virus)
  • Medications (penicillin, certain antibiotics containing sulfa; anticonvulsant medications)
  • Radiation therapy
  • Cancer
  • Certain chemicals

Erythema nodosum

  • Infections (tuberculosis and HSV)
  • Connective tissue disorders like lupus
  • Pregnancy
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Medications (oral contraceptives; a class of antibiotics containing sulfa)

Risk to Others

Individuals with a family history of skin infections have a greater chance of developing either Erythema multiforme or Erythema nodosum.

Risk to the Sufferer

If the infection is not timely treated then it can increase causing further complications.

Treatment

Treatments for Erythema depend on the type of Erythema. Pain killers, topical skin lotions and antibiotics can be given. Certain alternative therapies could be used to reduce inflammation, boost immune system and prevent further infections.

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