Erythema

Latest Edit: Iva 2012-05-02 (EDT)

Erythema means redness of the skin. It is caused by vasodilation of the capillaries and an increase of blood flow to the skin. Erythema disappears when pressure is applied to the skin, while a bruise or underlying bleeding in the skin and pigmentation do not. There is no increase in temperature with erythema, unless it is associated with the dilation of arteries in the deeper layer of the skin.

Causes of Erythmea

• Skin injury
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Allergies
• Blushing
• Nervous system stimulation
• Prescription medications
• Reaction to medical treatments such as radiation
• Some supplements such as niacin
• Response to temperature changes, both hot and cold
• Fall in atmospheric pressure outside the body
• Exercise
• Massage or other form of body work
• Facial or skin treatments such as waxing and tweezing