17 Common Reasons: Why is My Skin Red?

The question why is my skin red? Has various answers. The medical term for redness on the skin is erythema. It can have a number of potential causes, most of which are completely innocuous, like heavy exercise. However, other causes may be more concerning and require treatment.

In this blog, we will discuss some of the most common causes of skin redness and how to treat them.

Common Causes for Skin Redness

1. Sunburn

Most everyone will get sunburned at one time or another. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage the skin, which triggers extra blood flow and makes the affected area turn red. Other sunburn symptoms include 

• Tenderness
• Itching
• Blisters
• Peeling skin.

Treatment

The best treatment for sunburn is time, as the skin will heal itself after a few days. Cooling ointments and over-the-counter pain relievers can help soothe the irritation while it’s healing.

2. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is also an inflammatory skin condition that can cause the skin to become red, oily, scaly, and flaky. This condition is basically an extreme case of dandruff and generally appears on the scalp, eyebrows, nose, and behind the ears, as well as on the diaper area, armpits, and neck folds of babies. When it is experienced by babies, it is known as cradle cap. 

Some common symptoms that you may notice are

• Scaly patches on the skin
• White or yellow flakes on the scalp
• Itchy skin
• Inflammation 

Treatment

Though seborrheic dermatitis isn’t particularly dangerous, it can be quite uncomfortable. So, it’s best to help clear it up with a specially medicated shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis, like Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo and Body Wash. Made with FDA-approved active ingredient zinc pyrithione and 95% natural ingredients, it helps eliminate flaking and redness associated with seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. Cradle cap is the common name for seborrheic dermatitis. Happy Cappy is tough on seborrheic dermatitis but gentle on sensitive skin.

3. Eczema

Eczema is another inflammatory skin issue that causes red rashes on the arms, legs, and cheeks. Some other common symptoms associated with this condition are:

• Intense itching
• Dry skin
• Sensitive skin
• Rashes with small bumps and blisters
• The skin may ooze in severe cases

Both adults and children alike can suffer from eczema, and there is no cure.  However, there are a range of treatments that focus on soothing symptoms and preventing future eczema flare-ups.

Treatment

For example, an eczema skincare routine involving gentle cleansers and plenty of moisturizing can help ease current symptoms and prevent future flare-ups. 

As soaps, lotions, and any other skin products with dyes, fragrances, sulfates, and parabens can irritate eczema-prone skin, it’s best to use 

• A gentle eczema shampoo and body wash to clean the skin. 
• A non-greasy, fast-absorbing eczema cream to moisturize the skin at least twice daily to prevent dryness and irritated skin.

4. Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a fancy word for an allergic reaction of the skin. This condition occurs when the skin comes into contact with something that it’s allergic to and causes redness, inflammation, and itching.

The two common types of contact dermatitis are allergic contact dermatitis, it is the reaction caused by the immune system when one’s body comes in contact with a certain allergen.

When the skin first comes in contact with this allergen, it becomes sensitized. When it is again exposed to the same allergen, it appears as dermatitis, or in easier words, you can say the skin becomes red, itchy, and inflamed. Irritant contact dermatitis is when the skin becomes irritated by coming in contact with a certain irritant. 

The most common allergens and irritants are:

• Soaps
• Fragrances 
• Jewellery
• Laundry detergents
• Pollen
• Pet dander
• Poison ivy
• Metal and nickel
• Chemicals in skincare products

Treatment

The best way to treat contact dermatitis is to 

• Avoid the irritant or allergen that is causing your condition.
• Keep the skin clean with a gentle daily cleanser.
• Keeping the skin moisturized with a fragrance-free moisturizing cream.

5. Rosacea

Rosacea is a very common skin concern marked by periods when the skin is temporarily flushed and red. These flushing episodes are caused by a range of triggers from exercise to alcohol consumption and can even include stinging or burning sensations.

The flare-ups may come and go from time to time, but if your redness becomes persistent, there is a chance you will experience severe rosacea. It usually causes redness on the face, cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. Some other common symptoms are:

• Visible veins
• Oily skin
• Breakouts
• Swelling
• Irritated and swollen eyes.

Treatment

There isn’t a cure for rosacea, but certain medications can help soothe the redness. It is best to consult a dermatologist before using any medication; they will prescribe the most effective treatment according to your condition.

6. Miliaria 

Miliaria, also known as heat rash and prickly heat, is when your skin becomes irritated due to the heat. It can cause red skin rashes that can cause intense itching. You may also notice blisters and small bumps appearing on your skin.

Treatment

The best treatment for heat rash is taking care of your skin.

• Avoid wearing tight clothing with irritating fabric.
• Wash your skin after heavy sweating.
• Take cool baths and showers.
• Try staying in cool places and avoid direct sunlight and heat.

7. Folliculitis 

It is a skin problem in which the hair follicles become inflamed. It is mostly believed to be caused by fungal or bacterial infection. It can lead to skin redness and rashes with clusters of small bumps on the skin.

Fungal acne is one of its types, in which the hair follicles become infected by Malassezia yeast. Some other common symptoms of folliculitis are;

• Pus-filled bumps
• Whiteheads
• Tender skin
• Itching 

Treatment

Keep your skin clean with an antibacterial and antifungal cleanser. Keep your skin moisturized as much as possible to soothe the itching and irritation. OTC hydrocortisone creams can also help soothe the symptoms. 

8. Psoriasis 

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes the overproduction of new skin cells, which leads to the appearance of silvery scales and crusty patches of skin. It can cause the skin to become red and dry, especially during a flare-up.

It can appear anywhere on the body but is most common on the elbows, scalp, neck, and knees. Some other symptoms linked with this condition are:

• Blotchy skin
• Fluid-filled lesions
• Itchy skin
• Dents on nail beds.

Treatment

Even though there is no permanent cure for psoriasis, if you are experiencing it, consult a doctor or dermatologist. They will prescribe you the right treatment plan that may include the use of topical corticosteroids, steroid creams or a biologic drug.

9. Ringworm

Ringworm, medically known as Tinea Capitis, is a common skin condition in children that causes the skin to turn red. Even though its name has a worm in it, it’s not caused by any worms.

It is caused by fungi called dermatophytes, which naturally live on our skin. However, a moist and hot environment can lead to the overproduction of fungi, which causes ringworms. Some common symptoms that you may notice are:

• Circular shaped rashes
• Rashes are clear in the middle and have raised edges
• Irritated skin
• Itchy skin
• Hair loss when it appears on the scalp.

Treatment

If you or your child is having ringworm immediately consult a doctor, as this condition is contagious. The doctor will prescribe the use of anti-fungal creams, lotions, and ointments to control the fungus on the skin. They will also advise you to keep the affected skin clean, dry, and moisturized. 

10. Infections

Skin infections are often caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses in our environment. These can cause itchy red rashes to appear on the skin. There are other symptoms that can appear, but they depend on which infection you are experiencing. 

Some of the most common infections that lead to red skin are:

• Chickenpox
• Measles
• Rubella
• Hand, foot and mouth disease
• Fifth’s disease
• Zika
• Dengue virus

11. Shingles

Shingles is a viral infection that can cause skin redness, rashes, and blisters. It can appear anywhere on the body but mostly affects the trunk, face, and eyes. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.

It starts with a burning sensation and can become worse with time. It can only appear in people who have had chickenpox. Some other common symptoms of this infection are:

• Fluid-filled blisters
• Intense itching
• Painful rash
• Weeping skin
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Chills 

Treatment

It is best to consult a doctor for any viral infection. They will prescribe antiviral medications to help soothe the symptoms and get rid of the condition quickly. 

12. Lupus

It is a chronic autoimmune disease. In this, the immune system starts attacking the body’s organs and tissues, including the skin. It can cause red rashes to appear on the neck, face, and scalp. 

The rash that appears on the face and forehead is often butterfly-shaped. 

Treatment

To treat lupus the doctor may prescribe the use of anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, tablets, and creams. 

13. Cellulitis

This is a type of skin infection that appears when bacteria infect the deepest layers of the skin. It can lead to red, tender, swollen, and warm-to-the-touch skin. Some other symptoms that are associated with this condition are:

• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Oozing skin
• Skin blistering

Treatment

Proper treatment, and immediately is essential if you have cellulitis because if it is left untreated, it can lead to other complications such as blood infection. Topical antibiotics, injections, oral medications, and, in severe cases, surgery are prescribed to treat the condition.

14. Drug Allergy

Sometimes, certain medications can also cause red skin, rashes, and irritation. It may sometimes occur immediately after taking the drug, while other times, it may take weeks to start showing its symptoms. 

Drug allergy can also cause 

• Fever
• Stomach aches
• Nausea
• Tiny red or purple spots to appear on the skin
• Blisters and hives

Drug reactions are a serious issue. They can even cause death, so as soon as you start seeing the signs of infection, consult a doctor.

Treatment

Immediately discontinue the use of that medication and consult the doctor to get the right treatment plan in time.

15. Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever is a common bacterial infection in children and babies. It is contagious and can cause rough red rashes to appear on the skin. It is usually linked to a strep throat infection. It usually first appears on the chest and then spreads to other parts of the body.

It can cause other symptoms to appear, such as:

• Bright red tongue
• Tiny bumps on the body
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Muscle ache
• Abdominal pain
• Headaches 

Treatment

It can be treated easily with the help of an antibiotic course prescribed by a doctor.

16. Insect Bites

Insect bites are the most common cause that can turn your skin red. You may also notice a small bump or cluster of bumps appearing on the skin along with intense itching. These rashes can also be very painful and cause a stinging or burning sensation.

Sometimes insect bites like those from fire ants, spiders,  wasps, and bees can cause severe allergies and lead to symptoms like nausea, unconsciousness, trouble breathing, and swelling. 

Treatment

Usually, most insect bites will start getting better on their own and can be easily managed at home by cleaning the area with a daily cleanser and applying 1% hydrocortisone cream on it. However, some bites are serious like those of scorpions or spiders, or if you are experiencing any allergic reaction from the bite ,then immediate medical help and attention becomes essential.

17. Dry Skin

Dry skin, also known as xerosis, is a common skin condition in adults, teenagers, and children. It is caused by a lack of moisture in the skin. It causes the skin to become dry, and rough and leads to redness, rashes, itching, and irritation. 

Treatment

Dry skin can be treated at home by keeping your skin moisturized. Use a moisturizing cream for sensitive skin that is free from any skin-irritating chemicals. Moisturize your skin at least twice daily and every time after washing the skin. 

When Should You Consult a Doctor for Skin Redness?

Sometimes, the redness will get better once you treat the root cause. But if you are experiencing any of the following, then immediately consult a doctor. Your red skin might be a sign of something serious.

• Difficulty in breathing
• Severe pain
• Redness around or inside the eyes
• Oozing and weeping skin
• High temperature
• Loss of consciousness.

Consulting the doctor in time will help you make you and your skin healthy again. 

Soothe Redness on the Skin With Happy Cappy

If eczema or dry skin is the culprit for your red skin, then try Happy Cappy Moisturizing Cream for Eczema. It is specially formulated by a pediatrician and is dermatologist-tested. It soothes the itching, irritation, and redness in those with eczema prone skin. It helps atopic dermatitis and dry skin. 

It contains skin-soothing ingredients like licorice root extract, glycerin, and snow white petrolatum. The best thing about this cream is that it is free from skin-irritating chemicals like fragrance, sulfate, paraben, phthalates, and lanolin.

It is safe for use by people of all ages. Even SkinSAFE has assured that it is 100% safe to use on sensitive skin. 

Conclusion

Skin redness can be a sign of many skin conditions, from eczema, dry skin, and seborrheic dermatitis to contact dermatitis. The redness will start getting better once you treat the root cause.

Meanwhile, it is important that you keep your skin clean with a daily cleanser and moisturize it regularly to prevent other complications. Sometimes, it can be hard to self-diagnose which condition you are experiencing. 

So, if you are unsure about anything, contact a doctor. They will diagnose your condition and provide you with an effective treatment plan. 

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