The Meaning of Erythematous

Erythematous is an abnormal skin redness caused by an increase in blood flow near the surface of the skin that can occur when capillaries are dilated, congested or irritated.

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Causes

Common causes of erythematous are infection, massage, allergies and sunburn. Ionizing radiation and ultrasound can also cause erythematous.

Word Usage

In medical terms, erythematous is an adjective used to describe lesions, nodules, macules and papules. A rash could be described as erythematous lesions on a medical chart.

Treatment

Curing or controlling the underlying condition will reduce the erythematous symptoms. With simple irritation, allergy or sunburn, the redness will go away with time and avoidance of the original source of the problem. Over-the-counter and prescription medications may be necessary to treat more serious erythematous conditions.

Prevention

Good skin care habits, proper nutrition, and avoiding allergens can prevent simple cases of erythematous symptoms. If medical treatments like radiation therapy cause erythematous rashes, increase the time between treatments when possible.

Word Origin

Erythematous originates from the Greek words eruthainein, to redden, and eruthros, red.

References

• Biology Online: Erythematous