Erythema - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

Erythema is a reddening of the skin that has the peculiar characteristic of disappearing under the pressure of the fingers, to then reappear with the cessation of the same. This symptom is associated with numerous diseases affecting the skin.

The causes at the origin of erythema can be physical (mechanical or thermal), chemical, infectious (eg infantile exanthematous diseases), toxic, hormonal and psycho-emotional. Furthermore, this skin reaction may appear during allergies to drugs, food and personal care products.

Erythema may be limited to a specific area or spread to multiple districts of the body. Associated symptoms may include itching and / or peeling of the skin.

Erythema can take on different shades of color: in fact, "active", bright red, and "passive" red-bluish forms are distinguished.

In the first case, the redness is due to arteriolar dilation and is manifested with a bright red color and an increase in local temperature; it can be limited (eg reaction to physical-chemical agents and rosacea) or widespread (as in the case of measles, scarlet fever or roseola). One of the most common forms is sunburn, caused by incorrect exposure to the sun, without adequate protection.

Passive erythema is associated, instead, with phenomena of venous stasis; it presents with cyanosis and lowering of the local temperature. The main forms of passive erythema include: acrocyanosis, chilblains, reticular livedo, cutis marmorata and Raynaud's syndrome.