erythema

er·y·the·ma

noun \ˌer-ə-ˈthē-mə\

Definition of ERYTHEMA

: abnormal redness of the skin due to capillary congestion

— er·y·them·a·tous \-ˈthe-mə-təs\ adjective

Origin of ERYTHEMA

New Latin, from Greek erythēma, from erythainein to redden, from erythros

First Known Use: circa 1783

er·y·the·ma

noun \ˌer-ə-ˈthē-mə\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ERYTHEMA

: abnormal redness of the skin due to capillary congestion (as in inflammation)

erythema

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Abnormal skin redness from increased blood flow, caused by dilation and irritation of surface capillaries. It has a variety of manifestations. In erythema multiforme, a symptom complex seen in several diseases, spots appear suddenly, often with a bull's-eye pattern. It may become life-threatening in severe cases; in mild cases symptoms may recur. Hormone treatment may be effective. In erythema nodosum, a hypersensitivity reaction usually associated with strep infection (see streptococcus), drugs, or the disease sarcoidosis, painful red nodules appear in the deeper skin layer of the lower legs. They usually disappear over several weeks and do not recur. Another form of erythema is pellagra.