Smooth and shiny skin Swelling Redness Raised skin Inflammation Skin infiltration Increased skin firmness
You may be wondering what causes skin induration? Read the next section to find out!
Major Causes Of Indurated Skin
There are many different purported causes for indurated skin, like:
Skin Infection: Skin infections caused by an inflamed cyst or an insect bite can show signs of skin induration. It may also cause inflammation disorders, tissue disorders, or trauma to the area.
Cutaneous Metastatic Cancers: Indurated skin can occur when cells from cancer spread to the skin. Panniculitis: This is an inflammation in the body’s fat tissue.
Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, adds, “Some causes include internal triggers such as autoimmune disease. In conditions such as scleroderma, the skin may feel sclerotic or hardened, and it loses elasticity. In other cases, such as diabetes, the upper back may feel stiff, hardened, and even hyperpigmented in appearance. This is known as scleroderma and can be diagnosed by biopsy.” Talk to a healthcare professional when you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. In the next section, learn how your doctor may diagnose the condition.
How To Diagnose Skin Induration
A dermatologist may do a physical check-up to determine the underlying cause of your skin induration. A biopsy may also be performed to rule out cancer. Treatment of skin induration depends on the underlying cause. The following section provides some possible treatment options. Keep scrolling!
Treatment Options Available
The source of the induration determines its treatment. Treatment options may include the following.
For inflammatory disorders like scleroderma, immunosuppressants and steroid creams can be used. For conditions like an abscess, antibiotics or an incision and drainage procedure may be used.
Dr. Chacon says, “The best treatment options usually stem from getting down to the root of the problem. If the causative factor is an autoimmune disease, immune-mediated medications will help. If the patient has diabetes and presents with scleroderma, better control of their blood sugars will be useful. For treatment of lichenification and hypertrophic scars, topical and sometimes injectable steroids are used.” We have included some tips and suggestions in the following section to help you prevent skin induration. Check them out.
Prevention Tips
Moisturize your skin daily. Use a soothing emollient that retains water, like petroleum jelly. Avoid alcohol-based products that may dry out the skin. If you are susceptible to insect bites, use a repellent to keep the bugs at bay. Avoid scratching the affected area. Use warm compresses at the first sign of induration. Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes. Seek medical help for treating cysts.
Skin induration has many causes and risk factors. If you feel there are any changes in your skin, consult your doctor at the earliest.
When To See A Doctor
Consult a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned below:
If you develop a skin lesion/lesions for no apparent reason. It may signify an underlying health issue. If the lesion turns painful. If your skin turns hard, bumpy, and thick. If the texture of your skin changes.
The Final Takeaway
Skin induration is the thickening of the skin. It appears red and raised from the skin. It may be both firm and smooth. There is a definite change in texture in comparison to the rest of your skin. You can try out the tips and treatments discussed in the article to treat this skin condition. If the skin induration occurs for no apparent reason, consult a doctor right away for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. How long does skin induration last? A skin duration can range from months to years or even a lifetime depending on the causes and types of treatments used. Does skin induration heal on its own? This depends on the underlying cause. For example, subcutaneous induration is a firmness beneath the skin that commonly occurs around incisions. This type of extreme stiffness can heal in two to three months if appropriately treated. The most common sign of panniculitis is the formation of painful or tender nodules in the layer of fat beneath your skin. Your doctor will try to treat the underlying cause of the inflammation first. This usually fades within six weeks and leaves no scars behind.
