Irritations and Inflammations

Irritations and Inflammations are two fairly common medical conditions that often cause discomfort and sometimes pain. Irritations occur when something somehow irritates an area of the body, while inflammation is the body's response to an irritation.

What Causes Irritations and Inflammations?

Irritations can be caused by a variety of things, such as:

Injury
Bacterial infections
Fungal infections
Chemical irritants
Allergies

Inflammation is the body's natural response to an irritation, designed to help clear infection and promote the healing process. It is characterized by redness, swelling, pain and heat.

Common Symptoms of Irritations and Inflammations

Pain
Redness
Swelling
Warmth
Itchiness
Pus
Fever
Fatigue

Treatments for Irritations and Inflammations

Treatment for irritations and inflammations depends on the cause. In some cases, home care such as applying a warm or cool compress can help reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also be helpful. For more serious cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics, topical steroid creams, or other medications to help reduce inflammation.

When to See a Doctor

If an irritation or inflammation persists and home care treatments have not been effective, it is important to seek medical help. In addition, signs such as fever, difficulty breathing, worsening pain, or other concerning symptoms should prompt an immediate visit to a medical professional.