What is erythema?

What is erythema?

• A. Loss of hair
• B. Decrease of oxygen in blood
• C. Reddening of the skin
• D. Low white blood cell count

Answer: (C)

Reddening of the skin due to increased blood flow in the superficial vessels. This happens when vessels dilate, bringing more blood to the surface, as seen with inflammation, heat, sun exposure, or irritation. So the skin appears red. The other ideas aren’t about skin color changes: hair loss involves hair follicles, decreased oxygen in the blood tends to make the skin pale or bluish rather than red, and a low white blood cell count affects immunity rather than causing redness.

Reddening of the skin due to increased blood flow in the superficial vessels. This happens when vessels dilate, bringing more blood to the surface, as seen with inflammation, heat, sun exposure, or irritation. So the skin appears red. The other ideas aren’t about skin color changes: hair loss involves hair follicles, decreased oxygen in the blood tends to make the skin pale or bluish rather than red, and a low white blood cell count affects immunity rather than causing redness.