A term that means redness of the skin. Disorders in which skin redness is one feature include erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, erythema ab igne, lupus erythematosus, and erythema infectiosum (also known as fifth disease). Erythema can have many causes, including blushing, hot flushes, sunburn, and inflammatory, infective, or allergic skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, erysipelas, rosacea, and urticaria.
Redness of the skin due to dilatation of dermal blood vessels. It may be transient or chronic, localised or widespread, and it can be blanched by pressure. Erythema may be caused by excessive exposure to heat or ultraviolet light, or by in?ammation of the skin due to infection, DERMATITIS, and various allergic reactions – for example, to drugs. It may be emotional (e.g. as in ?ushing), mediated by the autonomic nervous system.
Erythema ab igne is a ?xed redness of the skin caused by chronic exposure to heat from a domestic ?re or radiator.
Erythema pernio (See CHILBLAIN.) Redness induced by spasm of the skin arterioles due to cold. It affects the hands, feet or calves in winter. The red swollen areas are cooler than normal.
Erythema nodosum A singular pattern of red, tender nodules occurring on the shins, often lasting several weeks. It may be caused by a streptococcal throat infection, primary tuberculosis, SARCOIDOSIS, or may be drug-induced.
Erythema multiforme is an acute allergic eruption of the extremities characterised by circular areas of erythema, purpura and blistering, which resolve over two or three weeks, caused by infections or drugs. In severe forms the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and genitalia may be involved.
Erythema infectiosum is an acute contagious disease of children caused by a parvo-virus (see PARVOVIRUSES). In young children a bright erythema of the face gives a ‘slapped cheek’ appearance.
n. flushing of the skin due to dilatation of the blood capillaries in the dermis. It may be physiological or a sign of inflammation or infection. Erythema nodosum is characterized by tender bruiselike swellings on the shins and is often associated with streptococcal infection. In erythema multiforme the eruption, which can take various forms, is characterized by so-called ‘target lesions’ that may be recurrent and follow herpes simplex infection (especially in children) or medications (especially in adults). Erythema ab igne is a reticular pigmented rash on the lower legs or elsewhere caused by persistent exposure to radiant heat. Erythema infectiosum (fifth disease, slapped cheek syndrome) is a common benign infectious disease of children caused by erythrovirus (human *parvovirus B19). It is characterized by fever and a rash, first on the cheeks and later on the trunk and extremities, that disappears after several days. Erythema toxicum neonatorum (neonatal urticaria) is a common self-limiting asymptomatic rash appearing in up to half of newborns, usually 2–5 days after birth. It is characterized by small erythematous papules and pustules surrounded by a diffuse blotchy erythematous halo. The eruption typically resolves within the first two weeks of life. See also palmar erythema. —erythematous adj.
a superficial redness of the skin due to excess of blood.
Auto-immune disease – antibody to DNA. Non-tubercula. Two kinds: (1) discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and (2) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). DLE occurs mostly in middle-aged women, but SLE in young women. Activity may be followed by period of remission. The condition may evolve into rheumatic disease.
Symptoms (SLE): Loss of appetite, fever. Weight loss, weakness. Thickened scaly red patches on face (butterfly rash). May invade scalp and cause loss of hair. Sunlight worsens. Anaemia. Joint pains. Enlarged spleen. Heart disorders. Kidney weakness, with protein in the urine. Symptoms worse on exposure to sunlight. Low white blood cell count. Many patients may also present with Raynaud’s phenomenon while some women with silicone breast implants may develop lupus.
Treatment. Anti-virals. Alteratives. Anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants. Alternatives. Teas: Lime flowers, Gotu Kola, Ginkgo, Aloe Vera, Boneset.
Decoctions: Burdock. Queen’s Delight. Helonias.
Tablets/capsules. Echinacea. Blue Flag root. Wild Yam. Ginkgo.
Formula. Dandelion 1; Black Haw 1; Wild Yam half; Poke root half. Dose: Liquid Extracts: one 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: two 5ml teaspoons. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Thrice daily.
Topical. Sunlight barrier creams: Aloe Vera, Comfrey. Horsetail poultice. Garlic ointment. Castor oil packs.
Diet. See: DIET – SKIN DISORDERS.
Supplements. Calcium pantothenate, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Selenium.
Note: The disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or ME. Lupus antibodies have been linked with premature heart disease in women and transient strokes. ... lupus erythematosus
reddening of the palms. This may be a variant of normal or a feature of pregnancy. It is also associated with chronic liver disease, connective tissue disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis), endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus and thyrotoxicosis), certain infections, drugs, and smoking. There is no specific management for this condition.... palmar erythema
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