If your skin gets as easily irritated as you, welcome to the club. Irritated skin equals inflamed skin. Skin inflammation can be caused due to several reasons such as stress, infection, allergic reactions and skin conditions like rosacea and eczema. Characterised by redness, breakouts, itching and in some cases even swelling, skin inflammation can be truly a nightmare if not dealt with right. In this article, we will discuss what is skin inflammation, how to reduce skin inflammation and redness, and everything about chronic skin inflammation.
What is Skin Inflammation?

Skin inflammation, also known as dermatitis, is a condition in which the skin becomes red, swollen, and itchy. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, irritants, and infections. In many cases, skin inflammation is the result of an immune system response to dysfunction or a reaction to something in the environment. For example, eczema, a common form of skin inflammation, is often triggered by an overactive immune response to certain irritants or allergens. Similarly, psoriasis is a chronic condition that results from an immune system response that causes skin cells to grow too quickly.
The skin inflammation symptoms can include:
Redness
Swelling
Itching
Dryness
Flaking or scaling of the skin
Blisters or rashes
Crusting or oozing of the skin
What Causes Skin Inflammation?

Skin inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
1. Allergies
Certain substances, such as soaps, detergents, or cosmetics, can cause an allergic reaction that leads to skin inflammation.
2. Irritants
Certain substances, such as chemicals, can cause skin irritation, leading to inflammation.
3. Infections
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause skin inflammation.
4. Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes can cause skin inflammation, such as acne, during puberty or pregnancy.
5. Autoimmune disorders
Certain autoimmune disorders, such as eczema or psoriasis, can cause skin inflammation.
6. Environmental factors
Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as sun, cold, or wind, can cause skin inflammation.
7. Nutritional deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K can cause skin inflammation.
8. Stress
Stress can cause skin inflammation, by altering the immune system's response.
How to Treat Skin Inflammation

Skin inflammation can be treated both with topical treatments and home remedies. Topical treatments include creams, lotions, and ointments that are applied directly to the skin. These treatments can help to reduce inflammation, itching, and pain.
1. Medical Treatments
The medical skin inflammation treatment includes both topical and oral treatments.
a. Topical treatments
Common topical treatments include:
Steroid creams or ointments: These can help to reduce inflammation and itching.
Antibacterial or antifungal creams: These can help to treat or prevent infections that cause skin inflammation.
Moisturizers: These can help to keep the skin hydrated and reduce dryness and itching.
b. Oral treatments
Oral treatments for skin inflammation include medications that are taken by mouth, such as pills or capsules. These treatments can help to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. Some examples of oral treatments for skin inflammation include:
Antihistamines: These can help to reduce itching and inflammation caused by allergies.
Oral Steroids: These can be prescribed for severe cases of skin inflammation and can help to reduce inflammation and itching.
Oral antibiotics: These can be prescribed to help treat or prevent skin infections that cause inflammation.
Oral retinoids: These can help to reduce inflammation and improve skin cell turnover; they are mostly used to treat acne.
Immunosuppressants: These can help to suppress the immune system response that leads to skin inflammation, they are mostly used for autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis.
2. Home Remedies
There are several home remedies that can be used to help treat skin inflammation.
a. Cold compresses

Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help to reduce itching and inflammation. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels, which can reduce redness and swelling. To make a cold compress, you can use a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel or a clean cloth dipped in cold water. Apply the compress to the affected area for 15-20 minutes, several times a day.
b. Oatmeal baths

Adding oatmeal to a bath can help to soothe itchy skin. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that can help to reduce itching and dryness. You can use colloidal oatmeal, which is finely ground oatmeal that can be added to bathwater, or you can make a paste by mixing ground oatmeal with water and applying it to the affected area.
c. Aloe vera

Aloe vera for skin inflammation is a wonderful remedy. Applying it to the affected area can help to reduce inflammation and itching. Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help to reduce redness, itching, and pain. You can use a commercial aloe vera gel or extract the gel directly from an aloe vera leaf.
d. Tea tree oil

This oil has antifungal and antiseptic properties and can be applied topically to help reduce inflammation caused by infections. Tea tree oil can be diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil before applying it on the skin.
e. Coconut oil

This oil is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and it can be applied topically to help moisturize and reduce inflammation. Coconut oil is also known to have antimicrobial properties that can help to reduce the risk of skin infections.
f. Turmeric

This spice has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can be applied topically or ingested to help reduce inflammation. Turmeric can be mixed with honey, yoghurt or coconut oil to make a paste and applied topically, or you can make tea by boiling 1 tsp of turmeric powder with water and drinking it.
g. Chamomile

This herb can be used in tea form or applied topically in the form of a cream or oil to help reduce inflammation and itching. Chamomile tea can be made by steeping dried chamomile flowers
When to Consult a Doctor?
It is important to consult a doctor if you have skin inflammation that:
is severe or spreading
is accompanied by a fever or other signs of infection
is not responding to over-the-counter treatments
is interfering with your daily activities
causes significant pain
covers a large area of the body
is accompanied by swollen lymph nodes
It is also important to consult a doctor if you have skin inflammation and any of the following:
a history of allergies
a weakened immune system
a history of skin cancer
a history of autoimmune disorder
A healthcare professional can help to diagnose the underlying cause of your skin inflammation and recommend the appropriate treatment. They can also rule out any serious conditions that may be mistaken for skin inflammation.
FAQs on Skin Inflammation
1. What are the common causes of skin inflammation?
A: Common causes of skin inflammation include allergies, irritants, infections, hormonal changes, autoimmune disorders, environmental factors, nutritional deficiencies, and stress.
2. What are the common signs and symptoms of skin inflammation?
A: Common signs and symptoms of skin inflammation include redness, swelling, itching, dryness, flaking or scaling of the skin, blisters or rashes, and crusting or oozing of the skin.
3. How can skin inflammation be treated?
A: Skin inflammation can be treated with both topical treatments and home remedies. Topical treatments include creams, lotions, and ointments that are applied directly to the skin. Oral treatments include medications that are taken by mouth. Home remedies include cold compresses, oatmeal baths, aloe vera, tea tree oil, coconut oil, turmeric, chamomile, and calendula.
Written by Kinnari Ashar on 30th Jan 2023