Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Erythema is seen in almost every skin rash. These are often the result of a triggering event, such as using a particular drug, or having an underlying disease orinfection. It can also be seen in blushing and with exercise, excess pressure, friction, ill-fitting clothing, massage, and sunburn.
Erythemarefers toredness or discoloration of the skin. It occurs when theblood capillaries(the smallest blood vessels in the body) closest to the surface of the skin are congested and dilated (widened). This can be due toinflammationor injury.It can appear anywhere on the body and will show up in various patterns and colors.
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In addition to erythema being seen in most rashes, other conditions carry the word erythema in their names. Their causes, symptoms, and treatment differ. Some types of erythema are mild and will clear up on their own. Others will need medication or urgent medical attention.
This article will discuss conditions with erythema in their names, their symptoms and causes, and how these different types are treated.
Types of Erythema
Different conditions have erythema as part of their name. Each is unique its in symptoms and causes.
Psoriasisis an inflammatory skin disease that causes skin cells to multiply quicker than normal, leading to skin cell buildup in the form of bumpy red patches covered with white scales (psoriasis plaques). Different types of psoriasis lead to erythemic skin, includingplaque psoriasisand a rare type callederythrodermic psoriasis.
Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis.It is known for causing raised, inflamed, and scaly patches of skin that can be itchy and painful. Plaque psoriasis can appear on any body area, but is most often seen on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp.
In people with fair skin, the plaques will often appear as raised, red, and patchy with silvery-white scales.In people of color, those plaques might appear darker, thicker, and purplish, grayish, or darker brown.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis is the least common type of psoriasis and the most severe.It affects the skin across the entire body and can be life-threatening.
It most often affects people living with severe and unstable plaque psoriasis.It has also been linked to another rare psoriasis type calledpustular psoriasis.
Symptoms of pustular psoriasis include white, pus-filled, painful bumps (pustules), along with redness or discoloration of the skin (with varying color depending on skin tone).The pustules are not contagious and are the result of inflammation.
Erythrodermic FlaresA person who experiences an erythrodermic flare should seek medical treatment right away to get body temperature and fluid balances back to normal. Depending on the severity of symptoms, hospitalization for treatment might be necessary.
Erythrodermic Flares
A person who experiences an erythrodermic flare should seek medical treatment right away to get body temperature and fluid balances back to normal. Depending on the severity of symptoms, hospitalization for treatment might be necessary.
Erythema Multiforme
EM mainly causes “symmetric red, patchy lesions” that mostly appear on the arms and legs.Specific causes of EM are known, but the condition seems to occur with theherpes simplex virus.
Other cases of EM are related to infectious organisms, includingMycoplasma pneumoniae(a cause of walking pneumonia) andfungal infections. According to NORD, more than half of the cases of EM are the result of a drug reaction, including reactions to “anticonvulsants, sulfonamides,nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and other antibiotics.”
Additional symptoms of EM include:
Skin Infections: Everything You Need to Know
Erythema Nodosum
Erythema nodosumis a type of skin inflammation that appears on the shins—the larger bone areas in the front of your lower legs. It causes tender, red bumps.
Additional symptoms of erythema nodosum are fever, joint pain, andenlarged lymph nodesin the chest. Up to 55% of erythema nodosum cases have no clear or identifiable cause.There are also instances where erythema nodosum is the result of an infection, drug reaction, or a symptom of another disease.
Medication reactions linked to erythema nodosum include antibiotics that contain sulfa and penicillin, bromides, iodides, and oral contraceptives.
Health conditions believed to be linked to erythema nodosum include:
Treatment for erythema nodosum is aimed at the underlying cause, but it is generally self-limiting and will resolve within one to six weeks.After the skin symptoms are gone, the skin might appear bruised or there might be a chronic indentation of the skin that was affected.
Erythema nodosum can be chronic and result in occasional recurrences, with or without an underlying cause.
Erythema Marginatum
Erythema marginatum is extremely rare. It is not a skin condition, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition.
Conditions linked to erythema marginatum include:
Erythema marginatum is often self-limiting and will recur sporadically or persist for a few days until the underlying condition becomes managed or resolved.
Erythema Toxicum
The erythema toxicum rash appears as a combination of flat patches. Some infants may experience tiny bumps, some of which are pus filled. Patches and bumps will appear on theface, trunk, arms, and legs. The palms of the hands and soles of the feet are usually not affected.
It is unknown what causes erythema toxicum. Risk factors might include higher birth weight, greater gestational age, higher maternal age, and vaginal delivery.
Fifth Disease
Outbreaks of fifth disease are common in late winter and early spring. It can affect up to 60% of children who are considered vulnerable.Fortunately, it tends to be a mild illness, and most people who have it don’t always realize it.
Palmar Erythema
A similar condition, plantar erythema, affects the soles of the feet in the same way palmar erythema affects the hands.
The cause of redness or discoloration in palmar erythema is dilated capillaries. The severity depends on how severe the underlying disease is. Primary palmar erythema is sometimes heredity.It might also be the result of pregnancy or hormone issues.
Conditions linked to palmar erythema (secondary) include:
Erythema Chronicum Migrans
Erythema chronicum migrans will cause circular bulls-eye rashes. These rashes are frequently seen in people with early-stageLyme disease.The rashes can appear quite large and can become five centimeters or greater (two or more inches) in size.
Localized rashes in Lyme disease will appear three to 30 days after an infected tick bite.That may disappear on its own over days or weeks.
The skin area affected may feel warm to the touch, but erythema chronicum migrans is not painful or itchy. Because it is a sign of Lyme disease, a person with these rashes might experience additional symptoms, including fever and chills, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and joint and muscle pain.
Erythema Ab Igne
Erythema ab igne (EAI) is a skin condition resulting from long-term exposure to heat. It causes a fishnet-like pattern ofhyperpigmentation(skin discoloration). These skin lesions are usually asymptomatic (causing no symptoms), but some people might experience pain, burning, and itching.
EAI was historically seen in certain professions, including bakers and metalworkers.These days, it is rarely seen except in cases where someone has been repeatedly exposed to an infrared-type radiation source, such as from a space heater or heating pad.
Treatment for erythema ab igne starts with discontinuing contact with the source of the rash. If symptoms are severe and include pain and itch, topical treatments might be prescribed.
A healthcare professional will also want to look for other sources of symptoms—such as different types of skin cancers—if discontinuation of the heart source and topical treatments don’t help to resolve symptoms.
Erythema Annulare Centrifugum
Erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) is a rare skin rash that appears as small bumps spreading out from a central area.These bumps appear in a ring-like pattern and may spread into different-shaped rashes. They usually appear on the thighs and legs, but can also occur on the trunk, buttocks, arms, or face.
The EAC skin rash is otherwise asymptomatic, although some people experience itching. EAC isn’t linked to age, race, or gender.It often appears for no reason and resolves on its own.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet New Zealand and © Waikato District Health Boardwww.dermnetnz.org2022
EAC can also be a sign of an underlying problem or a reaction to a food, drug, or bug bite. Diseases linked to EAC include health conditions like lupus or sarcoidosis and different kinds of infections.It is rarely linked to cancer.
EAC usually clears on its own when there is no underlying condition. It might take weeks or months, and it might even recur over months and years. There is no proven treatment, although doctors prescribetopical steroidsto manage itching. Other treatments might include oral antibiotics,hyaluronic acid, and calcipotriol, a topical vitamin D derivative.
If there is an underlying condition causing EAC, then treating that condition should help to resolve the skin rash. For infections, the rash should clear up once the infection clears.
Keratolytic Winter Erythema
Keratolytic winter erythema (KWE) is a rare inheritedautosomal dominantskin disease that causes redness or discoloration and peeling of the skin on the palms and the soles. Its onset and severity are linked to the winter months.
KWE is sometimes called Oudtshoorn skin or Oudtshoorn disease. It gets its name from the town of Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape province of South Africa, where it was first described in 1977.
KWE rash causes the skin to appear a patchy red. The skin of the palms and soles appears thickened, and there might be dry blisters and peeling. The shedding of skin comes out in thick peels.
Some people with KWE might also experience large circular red patches on the arms and legs. These slowly expand and cause a “trailing edge of peeling.”Additional symptoms of KWE might include itching, excessive sweating (all over or just affecting the palms and soles), and a strong unpleasant odor.
KWE is an inherited condition that affects males and females equally. It is treated mainly withsystemic steroids(anti-inflammatory agents). Other treatments include medicines to help control sweating and itching.
Other Kinds of Erythema
There are numerous types of erythema in addition to those described. They include erythema induratum secondary to TB, erythema elevatum diutinum, and erythema gyratum repens:
Erythema Symptoms
The symptoms of erythema are dependent on the condition causing the skin redness or discoloration. The redness or discoloration, depending on your skin tone, can appear anywhere on the body in different patterns and varying colors, including red, purple, or brown. Certain types of erythema might cause blisters that burst and painful sores.
Some underlying causes of erythema are harmless and limited to skin symptoms. Outlined below are symptoms for erythema that cause systemic symptoms and severe skin rash.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease and is also considered anautoimmune skin disease. That means your immune system is attacking your body instead of protecting it.
Common symptoms of psoriasis are:
Plaque psoriasis is one of the most common types of psoriasis, while erythrodermic psoriasis is one of the most dangerous. Erythrodermic psoriasis often causes severely itchy and painful skin.
The symptoms of erythrodermic psoriasis include:
Erythrodermic psoriasis may also cause swelling of the ankles, joint pain, fever, and/or chills. This is because it disrupts normal body temperature and fluid balance.
Because of the chronic and severe nature of this type of psoriasis, it is often treated with systemic treatments, includingbiologic drug therapies, such as Humira (adalimumab), Remicade (infliximab),Stelara (ustekinumab), and Taltz (ixekizumab).
What to Know About Biologics for Psoriasis
Erythema Diagnosis
Your healthcare professional will take your medical history and your report of symptoms. A physical examination will be done. Different types of erythema vary in how and where they appear, including their appearance on various skin tones.
Erythema causes that might include additional testing include:
Erythema Treatment
Most types of erythema are self-limiting and don’t require any treatment. They will clear up on their own over weeks or months.
In cases where treatment is needed, your doctor will focus treatment on the type and underlying cause. If that cause is abacterial infection, then it is treated with antibiotics. Erythema from a drug allergy starts with removing the drug that has caused the reaction and replacing it with another one if needed.
Your doctor can also suggest and prescribe support care treatments and systemic therapies to manage different types of erythema and any additional symptoms. This might include:
Summary
Erythema refers to redness or discoloration of the skin. It occurs when the blood capillaries near the surface of the skin are congested, dilated, or inflamed. It can be seen as the result of many triggering events or underlying conditions, including infections and skin diseases such as psoriasis. Some conditions have erythema as part of their names.
A physical examination, medical history, and sometimes blood tests and a biopsy may be used to diagnose the cause. Treatment will depend on the cause. Sometimes erythema will clear up on its own, but other times it will need medication.
A Word From Verywell
Erythema can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, skin type, or health status. It is always a good idea to be vigilant when it comes to your skin. You should inspect skin regularly and report any unusual changes to your healthcare professional.
If you are diagnosed with a type of erythema, you should take precautions to protect your skin. This includes protecting yourself from the sun and using sunscreen when outdoors. Avoid hot water and harsh skin products. Pat your skin dry after bathing, and use gentle moisturizers on the skin.
The causes of many types of erythema are unclear, but most are related to medication or an underlying health condition. Except for fifth disease, which is contagious in the earliest phase of the infection, most causes of erythema cannot be passed from person to person.
Some types of erythema can cause severe redness and severe skin involvement. This is usually the result of an underlying condition, and erythema improves once that condition is under control.Primary palmar erythema is the exception, especially when the condition is inherited. It causes redness of the palms with no other signs of inflammation, allergic reaction, or an underlying health condition.
Some types of erythema can cause severe redness and severe skin involvement. This is usually the result of an underlying condition, and erythema improves once that condition is under control.
Primary palmar erythema is the exception, especially when the condition is inherited. It causes redness of the palms with no other signs of inflammation, allergic reaction, or an underlying health condition.
In cases where palmar erythema is inherited, it causes redness of the palms that appear as early as birth. This symptom will recur later in life and continue to appear throughout a person’s entire life.
It is not always necessary to see a doctor for erythema because most types of skin redness resolve on their own and symptoms like itch can be treated at home. However, some causes of erythema need medical treatment.Reach out to your doctor if you experience redness that:Covers large areas of the bodyLasts for several daysOccurs with feverAppears suddenly and then spreads quicklyBegins to blister or becomes painfulShows signs of an infection, including warmth or producing pus or another fluid
It is not always necessary to see a doctor for erythema because most types of skin redness resolve on their own and symptoms like itch can be treated at home. However, some causes of erythema need medical treatment.
Reach out to your doctor if you experience redness that:
19 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Yang Y, Wu X, Liu W.Scar symptom: erythema and thickness. In: Téot L, Mustoe TA, Middelkoop E, Gauglitz GG. (eds.)Textbook on Scar Management. Springer; 2020.National Psoriasis Foundation.Plaque psoriasis.National Psoriasis Foundation.Erythrodermic psoriasis.Singh RK, Lee KM, Ucmak D, et al.Erythrodermic psoriasis: pathophysiology and current treatment perspectives.Psoriasis(Auckl). 2016;6:93-104. doi:10.2147/PTT.S101232National Psoriasis Foundation.Pustular psoriasis.National Organization of Rare Disorders.Erythema multiforme.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Erythema nodosum.Pérez-Garza DM, Chavez-Alvarez S, Ocampo-Candiani J, Gomez-Flores M.Erythema nodosum: a practical approach and diagnostic algorithm.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2021;22(3):367-378. doi:10.1007/s40257-021-00592-wMannheim J.Erythema marginatum [erythema marginatum rheumaticum, erythema annulare rheumaticum]. Dermatology Advisor.Martinez-Saguer I, Farkas H.Erythema marginatum as an early symptom of hereditary angioedema: case report of 2 newborns.Pediatrics. 2016;137(2):e20152411. doi:10.1542/peds.2015-2411American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Erythema toxicum neonatorum.Monteagudo B, Labandeira J, Cabanillas M, Acevedo A, Toribio J.Prospective study of erythema toxicum neonatorum: epidemiology and predisposing factors.Pediatr Dermatol. 2012;29(2):166-168. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1470.2011.01536.xHarvard Health Publishing.Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum).Langenauer J.Erythema palmare hereditarium (‘red palms,’ ‘Lane’s disease’).Case Rep Dermatol. 2014;6(3):245-247. doi:10.1159/000368822Chiu YH, Lu CC, Liu FC, Chen HC.Palmar and plantar erythema, pulmonary fibrosis and the anti-synthetase syndrome.QJM. 2018;111(5):329-330. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcy035Aucott JN, Crowder LA, Yedlin V, Kortte KB.Bull’s-eye and nontarget skin lesions of lyme disease: an internet survey of identification of erythema migrans.Dermatol Res Pract.2012;2012:451727. doi:10.1155/2012/451727American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Erythema ab igne.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Erythema annulare centrifugum.National Organization of Rare Disorders.Keratolytic winter erythema.
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Yang Y, Wu X, Liu W.Scar symptom: erythema and thickness. In: Téot L, Mustoe TA, Middelkoop E, Gauglitz GG. (eds.)Textbook on Scar Management. Springer; 2020.National Psoriasis Foundation.Plaque psoriasis.National Psoriasis Foundation.Erythrodermic psoriasis.Singh RK, Lee KM, Ucmak D, et al.Erythrodermic psoriasis: pathophysiology and current treatment perspectives.Psoriasis(Auckl). 2016;6:93-104. doi:10.2147/PTT.S101232National Psoriasis Foundation.Pustular psoriasis.National Organization of Rare Disorders.Erythema multiforme.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Erythema nodosum.Pérez-Garza DM, Chavez-Alvarez S, Ocampo-Candiani J, Gomez-Flores M.Erythema nodosum: a practical approach and diagnostic algorithm.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2021;22(3):367-378. doi:10.1007/s40257-021-00592-wMannheim J.Erythema marginatum [erythema marginatum rheumaticum, erythema annulare rheumaticum]. Dermatology Advisor.Martinez-Saguer I, Farkas H.Erythema marginatum as an early symptom of hereditary angioedema: case report of 2 newborns.Pediatrics. 2016;137(2):e20152411. doi:10.1542/peds.2015-2411American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Erythema toxicum neonatorum.Monteagudo B, Labandeira J, Cabanillas M, Acevedo A, Toribio J.Prospective study of erythema toxicum neonatorum: epidemiology and predisposing factors.Pediatr Dermatol. 2012;29(2):166-168. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1470.2011.01536.xHarvard Health Publishing.Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum).Langenauer J.Erythema palmare hereditarium (‘red palms,’ ‘Lane’s disease’).Case Rep Dermatol. 2014;6(3):245-247. doi:10.1159/000368822Chiu YH, Lu CC, Liu FC, Chen HC.Palmar and plantar erythema, pulmonary fibrosis and the anti-synthetase syndrome.QJM. 2018;111(5):329-330. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcy035Aucott JN, Crowder LA, Yedlin V, Kortte KB.Bull’s-eye and nontarget skin lesions of lyme disease: an internet survey of identification of erythema migrans.Dermatol Res Pract.2012;2012:451727. doi:10.1155/2012/451727American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Erythema ab igne.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Erythema annulare centrifugum.National Organization of Rare Disorders.Keratolytic winter erythema.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Yang Y, Wu X, Liu W.Scar symptom: erythema and thickness. In: Téot L, Mustoe TA, Middelkoop E, Gauglitz GG. (eds.)Textbook on Scar Management. Springer; 2020.National Psoriasis Foundation.Plaque psoriasis.National Psoriasis Foundation.Erythrodermic psoriasis.Singh RK, Lee KM, Ucmak D, et al.Erythrodermic psoriasis: pathophysiology and current treatment perspectives.Psoriasis(Auckl). 2016;6:93-104. doi:10.2147/PTT.S101232National Psoriasis Foundation.Pustular psoriasis.National Organization of Rare Disorders.Erythema multiforme.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Erythema nodosum.Pérez-Garza DM, Chavez-Alvarez S, Ocampo-Candiani J, Gomez-Flores M.Erythema nodosum: a practical approach and diagnostic algorithm.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2021;22(3):367-378. doi:10.1007/s40257-021-00592-wMannheim J.Erythema marginatum [erythema marginatum rheumaticum, erythema annulare rheumaticum]. Dermatology Advisor.Martinez-Saguer I, Farkas H.Erythema marginatum as an early symptom of hereditary angioedema: case report of 2 newborns.Pediatrics. 2016;137(2):e20152411. doi:10.1542/peds.2015-2411American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Erythema toxicum neonatorum.Monteagudo B, Labandeira J, Cabanillas M, Acevedo A, Toribio J.Prospective study of erythema toxicum neonatorum: epidemiology and predisposing factors.Pediatr Dermatol. 2012;29(2):166-168. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1470.2011.01536.xHarvard Health Publishing.Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum).Langenauer J.Erythema palmare hereditarium (‘red palms,’ ‘Lane’s disease’).Case Rep Dermatol. 2014;6(3):245-247. doi:10.1159/000368822Chiu YH, Lu CC, Liu FC, Chen HC.Palmar and plantar erythema, pulmonary fibrosis and the anti-synthetase syndrome.QJM. 2018;111(5):329-330. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcy035Aucott JN, Crowder LA, Yedlin V, Kortte KB.Bull’s-eye and nontarget skin lesions of lyme disease: an internet survey of identification of erythema migrans.Dermatol Res Pract.2012;2012:451727. doi:10.1155/2012/451727American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Erythema ab igne.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Erythema annulare centrifugum.National Organization of Rare Disorders.Keratolytic winter erythema.
Yang Y, Wu X, Liu W.Scar symptom: erythema and thickness. In: Téot L, Mustoe TA, Middelkoop E, Gauglitz GG. (eds.)Textbook on Scar Management. Springer; 2020.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Plaque psoriasis.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Erythrodermic psoriasis.
Singh RK, Lee KM, Ucmak D, et al.Erythrodermic psoriasis: pathophysiology and current treatment perspectives.Psoriasis(Auckl). 2016;6:93-104. doi:10.2147/PTT.S101232
National Psoriasis Foundation.Pustular psoriasis.
National Organization of Rare Disorders.Erythema multiforme.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Erythema nodosum.
Pérez-Garza DM, Chavez-Alvarez S, Ocampo-Candiani J, Gomez-Flores M.Erythema nodosum: a practical approach and diagnostic algorithm.Am J Clin Dermatol. 2021;22(3):367-378. doi:10.1007/s40257-021-00592-w
Mannheim J.Erythema marginatum [erythema marginatum rheumaticum, erythema annulare rheumaticum]. Dermatology Advisor.
Martinez-Saguer I, Farkas H.Erythema marginatum as an early symptom of hereditary angioedema: case report of 2 newborns.Pediatrics. 2016;137(2):e20152411. doi:10.1542/peds.2015-2411
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Erythema toxicum neonatorum.
Monteagudo B, Labandeira J, Cabanillas M, Acevedo A, Toribio J.Prospective study of erythema toxicum neonatorum: epidemiology and predisposing factors.Pediatr Dermatol. 2012;29(2):166-168. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1470.2011.01536.x
Harvard Health Publishing.Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum).
Langenauer J.Erythema palmare hereditarium (‘red palms,’ ‘Lane’s disease’).Case Rep Dermatol. 2014;6(3):245-247. doi:10.1159/000368822
Chiu YH, Lu CC, Liu FC, Chen HC.Palmar and plantar erythema, pulmonary fibrosis and the anti-synthetase syndrome.QJM. 2018;111(5):329-330. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcy035
Aucott JN, Crowder LA, Yedlin V, Kortte KB.Bull’s-eye and nontarget skin lesions of lyme disease: an internet survey of identification of erythema migrans.Dermatol Res Pract.2012;2012:451727. doi:10.1155/2012/451727
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Erythema ab igne.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Erythema annulare centrifugum.
National Organization of Rare Disorders.Keratolytic winter erythema.
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