Erythema is redness of the skin, caused by congestion of the capillaries in the lower layers of the skin. It occurs with any skin injury, infection, or inflammation.[1] [edit] Diagnosis Erythema disappears on finger pressure, while purpura or bleeding in the skin and pigmentation do not. There is no temperature elevation in erythema, unless erythema is not associated in the dilatation of arteries in the deeper layer of the skin. [edit] Causes It can be caused by infection, massage, electrical treatment, acne medication, allergies, exercise, solar radiation (sunburn), cutaneous radiation syndrome, or waxing and plucking of the hairs — any of which can cause the capillaries to dilate, resulting in redness. Erythema is a common side effect of radiotherapy treatment due to patient exposure to ionizing radiation. In about 30-50% of cases, the cause of erythema is unknown. Circumoral erythema has been described as a typical sign of acute oleander poisoning by ingestion.[1] [edit] Associated conditions [edit] See also [edit] References [edit] External links |
