Red patches on the skin can indicate erythema.There are several types of erythema with different causes and symptoms. Treatment for each type of erythema can also be different, depending on the cause.
Erythema is a condition of the appearance of red patches on the skin caused by dilation of blood vessels under the skin. The appearance of erythema can be caused by an inflammatory reaction due to sun exposure, allergies to certain types of substances or drugs, to infection.
Types and Causes of Erythema
There are several types of erythema, namely:
1. Erythema nodosum
Erythema nodosum is a type of erythema that appears due to inflammation of the fat layer under the skin. Erythema nodosum can cause red patches on the lower legs that are painful when pressed. Red patches due to erythema nodosum can sometimes also appear on the thighs and arms.
Erythema nodosum can occur for no apparent reason. However, the appearance of erythema nodosum is often caused by the following conditions:
- Fungal and bacterial infections, for example in leprosy, tuberculosis, and streptococcal bacterial infections.
- Viral infections, such as mononucleosis, hepatitis B and C, and herpes simplex virus infections.
- Behcet's disease, which is a rare disorder that causes inflammation of the blood vessels throughout the body.
- Cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma.
- Inflammatory bowel disease, eg Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
- Sarcoidosis.
- Side effects of certain medications, such as birth control pills, antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), bromides, and salicylic acid.
- Pregnancy.
Erythema nodosum usually goes away on its own within 3-6 weeks. However, in certain cases, erythema nodosum can persist or come and go for years.
2. Erythema multiformis
Erythema multiformis is an inflammatory disease of the skin that is usually triggered by infection or side effects of drugs. Erythema mutiformis is divided into two types, namely erythema multiformis minor and erythema multiformis major.
Erythema multiformis minor is usually characterized by the appearance of red, blistered patches on the skin.
While erythema multiformis major is characterized by the appearance of red patches and blisters on the skin accompanied by high fever and muscle and joint pain. In addition to the skin, erythema multiforme major blisters and patches can also appear in the mouth, conjunctiva (inner lining of the eyelids), nose, vagina, or anus.
There are several things that can cause erythema multiforme, including:
- Viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus, hepatitis virus, HIV, and adenovirus.
- Diseases due to bacterial infections, such as diphtheria, pneumonia, leprosy, gonorrhea, lymphogranuloma venereum, and typhoid fever.
- Fungal and parasitic infections, such as fungal skin infections, toxoplasmosis, and trichomoniasis.
- Severe allergic drug reactions, eg Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
- Certain diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease or systemic lupus erythematosus.
3. Erythema infectiosum
Erythema infectiosum is a disease that causes red spots on the skin due to infection with the parvovirus B19 virus. The virus is spread through direct contact with fluids or mucus from the nose or mouth of an infected person.
This disease generally affects children aged 5-15 years, but can also be experienced by adults. Erythema infectiosum can cause several symptoms, including fever, runny nose, headache, rash or red patches on the cheeks, and swelling and joint pain.
Treatment of Erythema by Type
The following are some steps for treating erythema by type:
1. Management of erythema nodosum
Symptoms of erythema nodosum often go away on their own within 3-6 weeks. However, the disease that causes it still needs to be known so that it can be treated.
To relieve the symptoms of erythema nodosum, your doctor may advise you to:
- More rest.
- Position your feet higher than your chest when lying down or sleeping.
- Wearing special bandages or stockings.
- Compressing the redness with a cloth dampened in cold water.
- Take anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce pain, such as ibuprofen, colchicine, and potassium iodide. If these treatments don't work, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids. These drugs can be obtained with a doctor's prescription.
2. Management of erythema multiforme
Just like erythema nodosum, the treatment of erythema multiformis is also carried out based on the underlying cause. For example, if the erythema is caused by a drug allergy, the doctor will advise the patient to stop taking the drug.
In addition, to help relieve the symptoms you are experiencing, your doctor may prescribe several types of medications, such as:
- Antihistamines to reduce itching.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as paracetamol, to relieve pain and fever. To treat severe inflammation, doctors can give corticosteroid drugs.
- Mouthwash to relieve sores in the mouth.
- Antibacterial, antifungal, or antiviral medications, depending on the underlying cause of the infection.
If the symptoms get worse or signs and symptoms of erythema multiformis major appear, immediately consult a doctor so that appropriate treatment can be given.
3. Management of erythoma infectiosum
Erythema infectiosum usually goes away on its own. The sufferer will usually recover and recover completely. Your doctor may only prescribe fever-reducing and pain-relieving medications, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
If you notice a red patch on the skin that looks suspicious towards erythema, you should see a doctor. After confirming that the spot is erythematous, the doctor will find out the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.