Red streaks on the skin are a characteristic sign of an infection of the skin or subcutaneous tissues, especially when the infection is spreading from its original site. In this case, other symptoms, such as pain, tenderness, swelling, and warmth typically accompany the red streaks. Red streaks can also be a sign of injury, such as a scratch injury. Striae, sometimes referred to as stretch marks, are streaks of reddened, thin skin that can occur as a result of rapid weight gain or abdominal enlargement during pregnancy. They can also occur in the setting of certain chronic disorders of the connective tissue. An excess of cortisol (Cushing's syndrome) can also cause striae.
Other causes of red streaks on the skin
- Abscess
- Bacterial Infection
- Fungal Infection
- Lymphangitis
- Overuse of Cortisone Cream
- Scratch Injury
- Trauma
- Weight Gain
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.
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Causes of Red Streaks on the Skin
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Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema is a general term for many types dermatitis (skin inflammation). Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of eczema. Other types of eczema include: contact eczema, allergic contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, nummular eczema, stasis dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema.
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Cellulitis
Cellulitis is an acute spreading bacterial infection below the surface of the skin characterized by redness, warmth, inflammation, and pain. The most common cause of cellulitis is the bacteria staph (Staphylococcus aureus).
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Childhood Obesity
Fast-food consumption and lack of exercise are just a couple of causes of childhood obesity. Health effects of childhood obesity include type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, high cholesterol, asthma, sleep apnea, gallstones, fatty liver disease, GERD, depression, and eating disorders.
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Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a rash that occurs after exposure to an irritant. It can be allergic. Symptoms include a red, elevated rash at the site of contact with the irritating substance. Contact dermatitis treatment may involve: creams, application of cool water compresses, and applying topical steroids.
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Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome, sometimes referred to as hypercortisolism, is a hormonal disorder caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of the hormone cortisol. Symptoms may include obesity, thinning arms and legs, a rounded face, and increased fat around the neck. Some causes of Cushing's syndrome is from taking glucocorticoid hormones such as prednisone for inflammatory diseases. Treatment for Cushing's syndrome depends on the cause.
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Cuts, Scrapes and Puncture Wounds
Cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds are common, and most people will experience one of these in their lifetime. Evaluating the injury, and thoroughly cleaning the injury is important. Some injuries should be evaluated by a doctor, and a tetanus shot may be necessary. Treatment will depend upon the severity of the injury.
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Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are genetic disorders that include symptoms such as loose joints, tissue weakness, easy bruising, and skin that stretches easily. There are seven types of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes: Classical type, Hypermobility type, Vascular type, Kyphoscoliosis type, Arthrochalsia type, Dermatosparaxis type, and Tenascin-X Deficient type. Treatment for Ehlers-Danlos syndromes depends on which symptoms are present.
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How Do I Get Rid of Intertrigo?
Intertrigo is painful and itchy skin inflammation that occurs between skin folds, such as in the groin, buttocks, or between fat folds. Sometimes, bacteria can infect this red skin, worsening inflammation. Losing weight and various topical remedies – especially before workouts or jogging, etc. – can reduce the effects of intertrigo.
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Is Eczema Contagious?
Eczema is a skin condition characterized by inflamed, rough skin patches that occasionally produce fluid-filled bumps that may ooze. There is no cure for eczema, though eczema may be treated with moisturization, eczema cream, and topical steroids.
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Obesity
Obesity is the state of being well above one's normal weight. A person has traditionally been considered to be obese if they are more than 20% over their ideal weight. That ideal weight must take into account the person's height, age, sex, and build.
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Puberty
The time when boys and girls begin the process of sexual maturation is called puberty. During this time, both sexes undergo a series of biological changes that include a rapid increase in height, bone growth, weight increase, the growth of pubic hair, breast development and the onset of menstruation in girls, and testicle, penis, and muscle enlargement in boys.
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Stretch Marks
Stretch marks occur in the dermis, the elastic middle layer of skin that allows it to retain its shape. When the skin is constantly stretched, the dermis can break down, leaving behind stretch marks.
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