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.
... erythemaTre atme nt. Bedrest where necessary. Treat underlying cause which may be ulcerative colitis, tuberculosis, toxicity from The Pill, drug reactions.
Alternatives:– Tea. Red Clover, Gotu Kola, Clivers. Combine. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-10 minutes; half-1 cup thrice daily.
Tablets/capsules. Blue Flag root, Devil’s Claw, Poke root, Seaweed and Sarsaparilla, Wild Yam. Formula. Burdock 1; Dandelion 2; Sarsaparilla 1. Dose – Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid Extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Thrice daily in water.
Diet. See: DIET – SKIN DISEASES.
Note: Erythema nodosum associated with Crohn’s disease, more frequently recognised in childhood. ... erythema nodosum
Symptoms: low blood pressure, skin lesions, toxaemia, collapse.
Treatment. Same as for ERYTHEMA NODOSUM. Local antipruritics to relieve irritation. ... erythema multiform
The condition is most common in elderly women.
Dryness and itching can often be relieved by an emollient.
The redness fades in time but may not disappear.... erythema ab igne
A symmetrical rash of red, often itchy spots erupts on the limbs and sometimes on the face and the rest of the body. The spots may blister or form raised, pale-centred weals, called target lesions. Those affected may have a fever, sore throat, headache, and/or diarrhoea. In a severe form of erythema multiforme, known as Stevens–Johnson syndrome, the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes, and genitals are affected and become ulcerated.
Corticosteroid drugs may be given to reduce the inflammation. People with Stevens–Johnson syndrome are also given analgesic drugs and may need intensive care.... erythema multiforme