Skin redness can have many different causes, including burns, allergic reactions, infections, and some health conditions. Certain causes are more severe than others and may require medical treatment.

Sunburn is a common cause of red skin and typically results from spending too much time in the sun without adequate protection. The ultraviolet rays from the sun damage the skin, which turns red as the body directs more blood to the affected area to repair the damage.

Other symptoms can include:

• tenderness
• blisters
• itching
• skin peeling

Dermatitis, or eczema, refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions. These conditions typically cause red, itchy patches of skin where inflammation has happened.

Some common types of dermatitis are:

• Contact dermatitis. This form of dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with an irritant or allergen that causes an itchy rash.
• Atopic dermatitis. Also known as atopic eczema, this is a long-term form of dermatitis that often affects children.
• Seborrheic dermatitis. This is another long-term form of dermatitis that mainly develops on the scalp, but can occur on other parts of the body where there are a lot of oil-producing glands, such as the face and chest. It is also known as dandruff, and in babies, it is called cradle cap.

Dermatitis can cause a range of other symptoms, including:

• fluid-filled blisters
• hives, which form an itchy, swollen, red rash
• dry, scaly, or bumpy skin
• flaky skin
• other skin color changes