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
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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. Symptoms of contact dermatitis 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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Cuts, Scrapes, and Puncture Wounds
Learn about first aid for cuts, scrapes (abrasions), and puncture wounds, when to see a doctor, if tetanus shots are necessary, and how to spot signs of infection.
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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 and signs 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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How Do You Treat Hyperpigmentation on the Face?
Learn what hyperpigmentation is and which medical treatments can help reduce hyperpigmentation on your face.
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How Long Does It Take for the Umbilical Cord to Fall Off?
The cord will normally fall off 1-3 weeks after birth. The average cord falls off between 10 and 14 days with 21 days being the higher side of normal.
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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 and Overweight
Get the facts on obesity and being overweight, including the health risks, causes, reviews of weight-loss diet plans, BMI chart, symptoms, causes, surgical and nonsurgical treatments, and medications.
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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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The Skin (Human Anatomy): Picture, Definition, Function and Skin Conditions
The skin is the largest organ in the body that covers the entire external surface. It protects the internal organs from germs and thus helps prevent infections. The skin is made up of three main layers.
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The Skin: 7 Most Important Layers and Functions
The skin is the largest organ in the body and it covers the body's entire external surface. It is made up of seven layers. The first five layers form the epidermis, which is the outermost, thick layer of the skin. The hypodermis is the deepest layer of skin situated below the dermis.
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What Are 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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What Causes Spider Veins on Legs?
Spider veins are damaged veins that are visible beneath your skin. Learn the signs of this common issue, what causes spider veins, how doctors diagnose spider veins, and what you can do to treat spider veins.
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What Is Eosinophilic Fasciitis (Shulman's Syndrome)?
Eosinophilic fasciitis is a skin disease that causes thickening and inflammation of the skin and fascia. Symptoms include redness, warmth, and hardening of the skin, as well as occasional tissue and joint pain. Treatment for eosinophilic fasciitis aims to eliminate inflammation through the use of aspirin, NSAIDs, and cortisone.
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