Inflammation refers to the way the skin responds when it is subjected to damage by physical injury or bacterial infection.

Inflammation is typically characterised by swelling, redness, heat and pain in the area of the skin that is affected. Inflammation can affect anyone of any age, both male and female.

It occurs when the skin is injured or seen to be under threat by external causes such as physical damage or internal causes such as attack by Inflammation of the skin is known as dermatitis which is a medical term that refers to any inflammatory disorder of the skin.

Inflammatory disorders of the skin can range from being a mild rash or itch to severe conditions that are persistent and can cause extreme disfigurement or result in scarring.

Next week we look at how inflammation manifests in the skin.