Chronic skin inflammation, also known as chronic dermatitis, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by plaques, blisters, acne, and rashes, it can result in discomfort, pain, and reduced quality of life.
Understanding the underlying causes of chronic skin inflammation is essential for effective treatment and prevention. This article lists some of the most common causes of chronic skin inflammation.
What Is Skin Inflammation?
Inflammation is a normal body response to protect itself from harmful substances or invaders such as bacteria and viruses. Your skin is also involved in such protective responses of your body.
Inflamed skin is usually red, swollen, and painful due to an immune response to an irritant or injury. However, when the immune system has prolonged responses even without a foreign body, it can lead to chronic skin inflammation.
The signs and symptoms of skin inflammation may vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, pain, and warmth in the affected area. Sometimes, the skin may also be blistered, scaly, or crusty.
Common Causes Of Chronic Skin Inflammation
Various factors can trigger an immune response in the form of inflammation. And it is for the body’s good! Things turn bad when the response stays, even if the trigger has disappeared. It is where the inflammation becomes chronic.
Here are a few reasons that can cause chronic inflammation of the skin.
1. Genetics
Genetics can play a role in the development of skin inflammation by affecting the immune system and how the body responds to irritants and allergens. Certain genes can increase the risk of developing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
Thus, people with a family history of eczema or other skin conditions are more likely to develop chronic dermatitis. Moreover, genetic variations can affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness and inflammation.
For example, in the case of eczema, a genetic variation can cause a deficiency in filaggrin, a protein that helps maintain the skin’s barrier function. This deficiency can make the skin more susceptible to irritants and allergens, leading to inflammation.
2. Immune System Dysfunction
The immune system is critical in protecting the body from harmful pathogens and substances. However, in people with chronic skin inflammation, the immune system can overreact to harmless substances, triggering inflammation.
It can be caused by immune system dysfunction or an autoimmune disorder like psoriasis.
In psoriasis, the immune system attacks the normal, healthy tissues by mistaking them for invaders. Similarly, skin inflammation may flare up on gluten in people with celiac disease.
3. Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can also lead to chronic skin inflammation. Exposure to allergens, such as pollen, dust, or certain foods, can trigger an immune response that leads to skin inflammation.
Certain chemicals in personal care products, laundry detergents, and other household items can also trigger allergic reactions.
4. Environmental Factors
Environmental factors, such as pollution, exposure to UV rays, and extreme temperatures, can cause chronic skin inflammation.
UV rays can damage the skin’s DNA and lead to inflammation, while exposure to pollution can cause oxidative stress and trigger an immune response. Extreme temperatures, such as cold or heat, can also cause skin dryness and inflammation.
5. Poor Diet
A poor diet can contribute to inflammation by increasing the production of pro-inflammatory and reducing the production of anti-inflammatory molecules.
It can also increase the production of free radicals in the body, leading to inflammation. Eating a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can lead to inflammation throughout the body, including the skin.
While a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
6. Chronic Infections
Infections can cause inflammation as part of the body’s immune response to protect itself from harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When an infection occurs, the immune system responds by sending immune cells to the site of the infection to fight off the invading pathogen.
One of the ways that immune cells fight off infections is by releasing cytokines that signal other immune cells to migrate to the site of the infection and help fight off the pathogen.
Releasing cytokines causes inflammation, leading to redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area. Other inflammatory molecules, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, increase blood flow to the site of the infection, causing redness and warmth.
The immune response can sometimes be too strong, leading to excessive inflammation and tissue damage. In other cases, the immune response may weaken, leading to prolonged infection and chronic inflammation.
Bottom Line
Chronic skin inflammation is a complex condition caused by various factors. Identifying and avoiding triggers is essential for managing and preventing chronic skin inflammation.
Treatment options may include topical creams, oral medications, and lifestyle modifications such as diet and stress management.
If you experience chronic skin inflammation, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment plan.
