Red skin

Table of Contents

• Symptoms associated with red skin
• Conditions linked to red skin
• Red skin triggers and factors
• How to manage red skin
• Self-care for red skin

Conditions linked to red skin

The reason for skin redness is sometimes obvious but on other occasions, it might be less clear. It might be because you have dry skin, it could be a reaction to an allergen or irritant and/or due to a skin infection.

Dry skin

Dry skin develops if you don’t have enough moisture or oils in your skin. Although it’s more common in older people, anyone can develop dry skin as a reaction to our environment, the clothes we wear and everyday products that we use. Mild dry skin may not cause any redness at all, but it’s with more severe dry skin that some redness can appear.

Eczema

Eczema is a dry, inflammatory skin condition. If you have eczema your skin may not produce as much fat and oils as normal skin, which means it doesn’t trap moisture as effectively. There are different types of eczema, many of which have red skin as a symptom. These include:

• Atopic eczema – which usually starts in childhood, though up to 1 in 10 adults also develop the condition. It’s more common if you have asthma and/or hayfever
• Contact dermatitis – a type of eczema caused by your skin coming into contact with an allergen or irritant. If you have the type of job where you are exposed to allergens and irritants regularly – for example hairdresser, cleaner or bar worker – then you’re more prone to developing contact dermatitis
• Seborrhoeic eczema – this is better known as cradle cap in babies and dandruff in adults, where men are at slightly more increased risk.
• Perioral dermatitis – characterised by an inflammatory rash, predominantly occuring around the mouth.

Infections

Skin infections can be caused by fungi and yeasts, bacteria and viruses. Obviously, there are many, many different organisms that can cause problems but some of the more common skin infections are:

• Fungal skin infections. Athlete’s foot or ringworm are both caused by a type of fungus called a dermatophyte. Around 70% of us have athlete’s foot at some point in our lives, particularly as teenagers. Most people with athlete’s foot have white or red skin with scaly or moist skin between the toes, usually between the two smallest toes
• Bacterial skin infections. In addition to causing red skin, bacterial skin infections can also make your skin feel hot and swollen, and you may develop lumps or abscesses. While most bacterial skin infections clear up on their own or with antibiotics, some can be serious if not treated quickly – like cellulitis
• Viral skin infections. There are many viral skin infections, but one thing a lot of them have in common is a red rash. This can be due to common childhood conditions, such as measles or chickenpox, and will be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, tiredness and headache.

Psoriasis

The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, where there are pink-red patches of skin covered in silver-white scales – particularly on the limbs, trunk and scalp. Psoriasis develops when the rate at which our skin cells are renewed happens much faster than normal. There are times when psoriasis can flare up and your skin is more irritated than usual – for example after an infection, from exposure to intense sunlight or because of stress.

Rosacea

Rosacea is an incurable skin problem that affects people with fair skin, usually between the ages of 40 and 60. Although you’re more likely to develop the condition if you’re a woman, men tend to have worse symptoms. Rosacea usually affects the face and the first sign can be that you blush more easily than normal. Over time, your cheeks, chin, forehead and nose change colour to become a darker red. You’ll also notice the blood vessels in these areas become dilated and your skin develops pustules and bumps, which looks like acne. Some people find the skin around their eyes also becomes swollen or their nose gets enlarged – more commonly in men. It’s not really known what causes rosacea but it could be a mix of environmental factors, genetics and your immune system.

Urticaria

Urticaria, also known as nettle rash or hives, tends to affect people between the ages of 20 and 40 and is more common in women. It happens when chemicals, such as histamine, are released in the skin – causing a red, raised itchy rash. Urticaria can occur after a viral infection, particularly in children. It can also develop if you have an allergic reaction to food – for example peanuts, shellfish, milk and eggs – or insect bites, medicines like penicillin, and latex. For some people, it can just be triggered by coming into contact with sunlight, cold, heat or water.

How to manage red skin

Finding out what’s causing your red skin can help you manage it better. There’s a big difference between treating eczema and treating a fungal infection, for example. There are many different treatments available that can help ease red skin depending on the cause.

Emollients

If dry skin, eczema, contact dermatitis or psoriasis are the underlying cause of your redness, then using an emollient regularly can help. Emollients are moisturisers which should be applied often everyday – at least twice a day. Always use generous amounts, even when you feel your skin doesn’t need them. However, always read and follow the instructions on the emollient you are about to use, unless told to otherwise by your doctor.

Applying emollients regularly can help soothe red skin by:

• Adding moisture to skin and trapping it inside
• Forming a protective barrier over the skin to keep irritants out
• Helping flare ups of conditions, such as eczema.

Washing with an emollient or soap substitute is also recommended as regular soaps and cleansers can irritate the skin and cause further dryness. Emollients don’t foam up like soaps, but they still work to get you clean. If you’re having a bath, you can also add emollient bath oils.

Steroids

Mild steroid creams and ointments can be bought from your pharmacy to help relieve contact dermatitis and mild-to-moderate eczema – helping to reduce redness. These types of creams can also help with insect bites and ​certain forms of allergies; please always read the label to ensure you are using the steroid product correctly and for the right thing. If in doubt, talk to a healthcare practitioner.

It’s important to know that majority of steroid creams are applied very differently to emollients:

• Apply very thinly and to just a small area
• Apply once or twice a day for a maximum of 7 days (always check the label of your product)
• Only apply to certain parts of the body and not to the face, eyes, broken or infected skin, genital areas or the bottom
• Majority have age restrictions so please check the label
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak to your doctor before using a steroid cream.

If your redness is still there after a week, see your doctor as you may need a different treatment.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines can be used to help relieve certain conditions such as atopic eczema, contact dermatitis and urticaria. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice on taking an antihistamine that’s right for you.

Antifungals

Antifungal creams and ointments are available to treat athlete’s foot and ringworm. Some also contain a mild steroid to help reduce any inflammation. Consult with your pharmacist before use to ensure the product is correct for your situation.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if:

• Self-care treatment has not worked after a week
• If the redness is getting worse or the red area is growing bigger very quickly
• The red area is hot, swollen, painful or blistered
• You also feel unwell
• If there is a rash that doesn’t fade when you press a glass against the skin.