Seeing Red? Understanding Different Types Of Skin Redness & When To Head To The ER
Recognizing Serious Skin Redness: Causes, Symptoms & ER Guidance
Redness on the skin can be caused by a variety of factors—some harmless, some serious. From minor irritations to life-threatening conditions, knowing when to seek emergency care can make all the difference. In this blog, we’ll break down the different types of redness that can appear on various parts of the body and when it’s time to go to the ER.
1. Facial Redness: Common Causes and When to Seek Emergency Care
Common Causes:
- Rosacea – A chronic skin condition causing redness and visible blood vessels, often triggered by heat, alcohol, or spicy foods.
- Allergic Reactions – Cosmetics, skincare products, or foods can lead to hives, swelling, or rash.
- Sunburn – Excessive UV exposure causes painful redness and peeling.
When to Go to the ER:
- Facial swelling that affects the eyes, lips, or tongue (possible anaphylaxis)
- Severe allergic reaction with difficulty breathing
- Extensive sunburn with blisters, fever, or dehydration
2. Chest and Torso Redness: Key Triggers and When to Go to the ER
Common Causes:
- Heat Rash – Small red bumps caused by blocked sweat glands, common in hot weather.
- Shingles – A painful, blistering rash following a nerve path, often on one side of the body.
- Contact Dermatitis – Skin irritation from allergens like poison ivy, soaps, or metals.
When to Go to the ER:
- Widespread rash with fever or difficulty breathing
- A painful rash that follows a nerve pattern (possible shingles)
- Suspected toxic shock syndrome (rash with fever, low blood pressure, confusion)
This can also be true for certain imaging procedures like CT scans, since a hospital may only have one imaging unit that has to be shared among patients across the hospital.
3. Redness on Arms and Legs: Understanding Causes and ER Warning Signs
Common Causes:
- Bug Bites & Stings – Mosquitoes, spiders, or ants can cause localized redness.
- Cellulitis – A bacterial skin infection that leads to warm, red, swollen areas.
- Eczema – Dry, itchy, red patches often linked to allergies or stress.
When to Go to the ER:
- Redness that spreads rapidly, is hot to the touch, or causes fever (possible cellulitis or sepsis)
- A bite or sting causing difficulty breathing or swelling in the throat (possible anaphylaxis)
- Rash with muscle pain, confusion, or purple spots (could indicate a serious infection)
4. Redness on the Hands and Feet
Common Causes:
- Chilblains – Red, swollen patches due to cold weather exposure.
- Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) – A viral infection common in children causing a red rash on palms and soles.
- Raynaud’s Disease – A condition that affects circulation, turning fingers and toes red, white, or blue.
When to Go to the ER:
- Severe swelling, numbness, or signs of poor circulation (e.g., fingers turning black)
Rash with a high fever, trouble swallowing, or difficulty breathing - Signs of infection in cracked skin (pus, increased pain, red streaks)
5. Groin and Private Area Redness: Common Causes and ER Guidelines
Common Causes:
- Jock Itch – A fungal infection causing an itchy, red rash in warm, moist areas.
- Intertrigo – Skin irritation from friction and moisture, often in skin folds.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – Some STIs, like herpes or syphilis, cause red sores or rashes.
When to Go to the ER:
- Painful, spreading redness with fever or pus (could be a serious infection)
Unexplained sores that worsen rapidly - Severe swelling, pain, or difficulty urinating
6. Ear and Eye Redness: What Causes It and When to Seek Immediate Care
Common Causes:
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) – Viral or bacterial infection that causes red, irritated, and sometimes crusty eyes.
- Allergic Reactions – Redness, swelling, and itchiness from pollen, dust, or pet dander.
- Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa) – Infection in the outer ear canal that leads to redness, swelling, and pain.
- Ear Infections (Otitis Media) – Common in children, ear infections cause pain, redness, and sometimes fever.
When to Go to the ER:
- Eye redness with sudden vision changes, severe pain, or light sensitivity (could indicate glaucoma or eye infection)
- Swollen, red eye with fever or pus discharge (possible orbital cellulitis, a serious infection)
- Severe ear pain with fever, hearing loss, or drainage of pus/blood (possible ruptured eardrum or severe infection)
7. Full-Body Redness: Recognizing Serious Conditions and Emergency Care Signs
Common Causes:
- Drug Reactions – Some medications can cause a widespread red rash.
- Heat Stroke – Overheating can cause flushed skin, confusion, and dizziness.
- Scarlet Fever – A bacterial infection that causes a sandpaper-like red rash.
When to Go to the ER:
- Full-body rash with fever, blisters, or peeling skin (possible Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a severe reaction)
- Overheating with confusion, rapid heart rate, or nausea (could be heat stroke)
- Severe rash with difficulty breathing or swelling (signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction)
When in Doubt, The Emergency Center is Here for You
Most cases of redness are mild and will go away on their own. However, some types of redness signal serious infections, allergic reactions, or medical emergencies that require immediate care.
At The Emergency Center, our board-certified physicians are available 24/7 to quickly diagnose and treat severe allergic reactions, infections, burns, and other emergencies. If you experience rapidly spreading redness, swelling, difficulty breathing, fever, or unexplained pain, don’t wait—come see us immediately.
No appointments, no long waits—just fast, compassionate emergency care when you need it most.
📍 Visit us at one of our two convenient locations:
✔ Alamo Ranch, San Antonio
✔ Conroe
Find your nearest Emergency Center and get the care you need today!
The Emergency Center
San Antonio
11320 Alamo Ranch Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78253
Phone: 210-485-3644
Conroe
4019 Interstate 45 N,
Conroe, TX 77304
Phone: 936-247-9457