How do skin inflammations develop?

The skin is the largest organ in the human body and vital for survival. It is made up of three layers: the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. In most cases, a skin inflammation develops when bacteria penetrate the epidermis. The resulting bacterial infection then triggers inflammatory processes in the affected areas of the dermis layer.

A skin inflammation (dermatitis) often becomes noticeable through symptoms such as redness, burning, severe itching or swelling of the skin. Dermatitis can affect people of any age. Its causes are varied, and sometimes serious illnesses may even be behind the inflammation. Caution is advised in the case of a painful, severely reddened skin inflammation and additional symptoms of illness, such as fever. To avoid the risk of blood poisoning, those affected should seek medical treatment. A doctor will then usually prescribe an antibiotic. In particular, with inflammations in the head and abdominal area, there is a risk that the inflammation may spread to other organs.

In addition to bacteria, viruses and fungi can also be the cause of a skin inflammation. The skin may also react with inflammation and itching due to an unhealthy diet, inadequate care and hygiene, a weakened immune system, stress or allergies. Constant friction can also lead to skin inflammations, whether from clothing that is too tight or in skin folds, such as under the breast in women or after rapid, significant weight loss.

What types of skin inflammation are there?

A skin inflammation can develop on different parts of the body:
Often on the face, neck, back of the neck, armpits, intimate area, fingernails and toenails, in the hollows of the knees, as well as on the back and buttocks.

People frequently affected include diabetics, allergy sufferers, immunocompromised individuals, children, seniors or people with mental illnesses.

Common types of dermatitis include:

Skin inflammation after an insect bite
Pimples
Abscesses
Razor bumps
Hair follicle inflammation
Nail bed inflammation
Sweat gland inflammation

A purulent skin inflammation is often recognizable by:

redness
a burning sensation on the skin
swelling
itching
mild to severe tenderness to pressure
a feeling of warmth
blisters or pustules

What helps with skin inflammations?

In the case of a deep, extensive and painful skin inflammation, such as an abscess or carbuncle, the doctor will prescribe medication to treat the inflammation or recommend surgical removal of the affected area or pus capsule. However, medication is not always necessary. If a skin inflammation is detected early, it can often be treated effectively at home. In addition to light therapy and exercises to reduce stress, changing your diet also has a positive effect on healing.

A herbal preparation such as ilon Classic works directly on the inflamed area of skin and helps reduce symptoms such as swelling and tenderness to pressure.
When should a doctor be consulted? If a skin inflammation spreads over a large area, causes pain, or additional symptoms such as fever or fatigue occur, an appointment with a general practitioner or dermatologist should be made as soon as possible. If red streaks extend from the infected area of skin, immediate action is required to avoid blood poisoning.

ilon® Classic Ointment. Active ingredients: larch turpentine, turpentine oil (maritime pine type), eucalyptus oil. A traditional herbal medicinal product for the treatment of mild, localised, purulent skin inflammation, such as small pus-filled nodules, inflamed hair follicles and inflamed sweat glands, based solely on long-standing use. Contains butylhydroxytoluene. (Information as of December 2024)

For information on risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Cesra Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG, Flugstraße 11, 76532 Baden-Baden