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Skin Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Skin inflammation is an inflammatory reaction of the skin that causes redness, swelling, itching, or pain. It can be triggered by many different causes.

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Things worth knowing about "Skin Inflammation"

Skin inflammation is an inflammatory reaction of the skin that causes redness, swelling, itching, or pain. It can be triggered by many different causes.

What Is Skin Inflammation?

Skin inflammation refers to an inflammatory response of the skin that can be triggered by a variety of internal or external factors. As the largest organ of the human body, the skin reacts to damage, allergens, pathogens, or autoimmune processes with an inflammatory response. This typically manifests through the classic signs of inflammation: redness (rubor), swelling (tumor), warmth (calor), pain (dolor), and impaired function (functio laesa).

Causes

Skin inflammation can be triggered by a wide range of factors:

Allergic reactions: Contact with allergens such as nickel, latex, cosmetics, or certain plants can cause allergic contact dermatitis.
Infections: Bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus), viruses (e.g., herpes viruses), and fungi can all cause skin inflammation.
Autoimmune conditions: In diseases such as psoriasis or lupus erythematosus, the immune system attacks the body's own skin tissue.
Irritants and environmental factors: Chemicals, UV radiation, extreme temperatures, or mechanical irritation can inflame the skin.
Genetic predisposition: Conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) have a hereditary component and are associated with a disrupted skin barrier.
Metabolic conditions: Diseases such as diabetes mellitus can make the skin more susceptible to inflammation.

Symptoms

The symptoms of skin inflammation vary depending on the cause and severity. Common complaints include:

Redness and warmth of the affected skin areas
Swelling and a feeling of tightness
Itching (pruritus) or burning
Scaling, blistering, or weeping wounds
Crusting and skin changes in chronic cases
Pain, particularly with bacterial or deep-tissue inflammation

Diagnosis

Skin inflammation is primarily diagnosed through a thorough clinical examination by a dermatologist. The affected skin areas are carefully evaluated and a detailed medical history (anamnesis) is taken. Depending on the suspected cause, further tests may be used:

Allergy testing (patch test / prick test): To identify allergic triggers.
Blood tests: To measure inflammatory markers, antibodies, or detect pathogens.
Skin swab or biopsy: If an infectious or autoimmune cause is suspected, a tissue sample may be taken.
Imaging: Rarely, in cases of deep-seated inflammation.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the skin inflammation:

Topical Therapy

Corticosteroids (cortisone): Anti-inflammatory creams or ointments are often the first-line treatment for inflammatory skin conditions.
Calcineurin inhibitors: Such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, used in atopic dermatitis when corticosteroids are not suitable.
Antibiotics or antifungals: For bacterial or fungal skin infections.
Moisturizing creams: To strengthen the skin barrier and relieve symptoms.

Systemic Therapy

Antihistamines: For allergy-related skin inflammation to relieve itching.
Systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressants: For severe or chronic cases.
Biologics: Modern antibody-based therapies such as dupilumab are used in severe atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.
Systemic antibiotics: For extensive bacterial infections such as erysipelas.

General Measures

Avoidance of known triggers (allergens, irritants)
Use of skin-friendly, fragrance-free care products
Suitable clothing made from natural materials
Stress reduction, as stress can worsen skin inflammation

References

German Dermatological Society (DDG): Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory skin diseases, 2023.
Braun-Falco's Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology. Springer Medizin Verlag, 7th edition, 2018.
Werfel T. et al.: Guideline on Atopic Dermatitis. AWMF Guideline No. 013-027, 2023.

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