April 08, 2024

Skin redness on face: Meaning, causes, treatment

There are several skin disorders with one basic symptom: red patches in the infected area. Thus, it is very important to identify the underlying cause of sudden redness in your skin. Since, in several cases, you might also need to visit the doctor for medical help, early detection of skin redness is essential.

What is skin redness?

When your skin comes in contact with some external unnatural element that agitates the skin cells, the body sends a message of redness. This is the early symptom of various skin disorders like sunburns, allergies, rashes, infections, etc. Hence, this is a kind of symptom that alerts you and, thus, helps you search for the underlying skin disorder. Read along to learn the major causes and symptoms of skin redness and when to visit a doctor.

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What are the symptoms of redness on face?

There are various easily detectable symptoms of redness on face, such as,

Blistering
Swelling
Burning
Warming up of the blood
Itching
Flushing
Sores
Bumps
Hives
Rashes

What are the causes of skin redness?

Most of them have redness as a common symptom, from sunburn to eczema. Let us look at some of the most common causes of skin redness.

Psoriasis

The skin's immune system becomes overactive and agitates the cells to divide faster, forming red, inflamed, and scaly skin. It can also appear on different parts of the body. Skin injury, stress, and advanced sunburn can cause psoriasis.

Shingles

The varicella-zoster virus causes this disorder. It is a red and painful blister like that of chickenpox. It mainly appears in areas around the eye and neck. Shingles need immediate medical attention, especially if they occur around the eye, as it might lead to loss of vision if left untreated.

Rosacea

It is a common skin disease with frequent face flushing or long-term redness. It may also cause enlarged blood vessels and tiny blisters of pus. Though the exact reason is unknown, abnormalities of the blood vessels are majorly considered. The redness might stay for days and weeks and eventually return to normal.

Eczema

This disorder mainly consists of inflammation and thus resembles that of a rash. The two main symptoms are redness and itching. The skin gets dry and patchy and forms blisters. They can appear in any part of the body besides the face.

Sunburn

Another common cause of redness is sunburn, caused by exposure to the sun for a long time. This causes the skin to become red with a burning sensation. Sunburns are very painful and heal gradually.

Lupus

When a disease arises because your body attacks its immune system, it is autoimmune. Lupus is one such example. This disorder can cause redness and swelling and should be immediately treated if the symptoms worsen.

Our top tips for skin redness treatment

There is a wide range of skin treatments available to treat redness. Here are some of the best ones among them.

Cold water bath

This is the best remedy for treating sunburns or Rosacea. A cold water bath or ice water compress can reduce the inflammation and thus provide a soothing effect. Remember to use a hydrating moisturiser like Waterlight Gel Moisturiser 72-Hour Hydration for enhanced freshness.

Acidic peels

Using acidic peels like Salicyclic or Glycolic aids in eliminating the dead cells from the surface layer of the skin. The former acid is an appreciable option for treating blemishes and redness caused by acne.

Sunscreen

This is a precautionary treatment as well as a cure. Using a sunscreen like The Pink Foundry's SPF 50+ Dewy Hydrating Hybrid Sunscreen will help deal with sunburns, heat rashes, etc. Sunscreen has multiple benefits; hence, it is advisable always to be protected by sunscreen.

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Aloe vera

Any form of aloe vera can help reduce or heal the skin's redness. It is best used for sunburns and rashes. It works to smooth the skin and boosts healthy skin regeneration, accelerating the boosting process.

Cucumber

This fruit is known for its cooling properties. Hence, choose skincare products with cucumber extracts to effectively deal with wealthy and red patches of skin. It also provides a soothing effect to the skin.

Laser treatment

You can also opt for laser treatment if nothing else works. Redness caused by acne or other permanent red patches can be easily treated with a laser. Vbeam pulsed dye laser is the best option to reduce the flushness of the face.

Changing few habits

Tobacco and alcohol consumption can also result in redness of the face. If you react similarly, then it is best to avoid these things. Likewise, avoiding extra oil intake is a favourable option if you have oily skin.

Also read: Red Spots On Face: Meaning, Causes, Treatment

When to see a doctor for redness on the face?

Every little red patch on your skin does not require you to visit the doctor. However, there are certain situations where professional advice becomes essential. It would be best if you visited a doctor when,

If the redness persists and does not heal even after the usual treatment
In case the red patches are gradually spreading to other parts of the body
If you have a fever along with red patches, immediately visit your physician
In case the redness turns into a severe blister and becomes painful
If it shows signs of infection like pus or lump formation, etc.,

Conclusion

Skin redness is a common symptom but needs special attention if it persists. Hence, for early detection of any health hazard, it is better to monitor your condition and seek expert help if it worsens.

Also read: How to Reduce the Redness of Acne and Pimples?

FAQs:

What causes redness in the skin?

Sunburn, rashes, allergic reactions, acne, eczema, etc can cause redness.

When do I need to visit a doctor for skin redness?

When the red patches are spreading and persistent, or you have other symptoms like fever, unconsciousness, shortness of breath, extremely painful blisters, etc., visiting a doctor is the best option.