Local inflammation is a normal response to injury and infection, causing redness, swelling, and pain. It limits damage to a specific area, helps white blood cells remove harmful agents, and draws attention to the affected area. Treatment may involve medication, such as steroids for immune system disorders like eczema.
Local inflammation is inflammation that occurs in an isolated area of the body, as opposed to systemic inflammation, which affects the entire body. Inflammation is the body’s normal response to injury and infection. In local inflammation, the affected area typically becomes red, warm, swollen, and painful. Because inflammation protects the body and usually resolves on its own, treatment isn’t always necessary. An infection that occurs inappropriately or continues for too long may require treatment with medications such as steroids.
Causes of inflammation include accidental injury, such as a small cut or insect bite. Immune system disorders, in which the body reacts against itself, can also lead to inflammation. This is seen in conditions such as eczema where the skin becomes inflamed. Inflammation can also occur in response to extreme temperatures, chemical damage, and an inadequate blood supply to tissue.
The symptoms of inflammation result from changes that occur at the cellular level. During the inflammatory process, white blood cells at the site of the injury release substances such as histamine, which trigger local inflammatory changes. Blood flow to the damaged area increases, causing redness and warmth, and the tiny blood vessels at the site leak. Fluid leaks from these vessels, leading to swelling of the inflamed region. The release of certain chemicals from white blood cells affects nearby nerves, causing pain.
Local inflammation has many positive effects. Limits damage to a specific part of the body, preventing harmful substances from spreading elsewhere. The increased blood flow associated with the inflammation allows helpful white blood cells to reach the damaged site. Some white blood cells are able to remove potentially harmful agents, such as bacteria and toxic particles, by consuming them. They are also able to clean up dead tissue.
The heat that results from the increased blood flow associated with local inflammation makes it more difficult for bacteria to survive in the inflamed area. All signs of inflammation serve to draw a person’s attention to the damaged part of the body. This helps prevent further injury, as the person is more likely to protect the affected area and seek treatment.
Treatment of inflammation may involve the use of medications. In case of eczema, steroid ointments can be applied to inflamed areas of the skin. This treatment suppresses the abnormal immune system response that is causing the disorder and allows the skin to heal.
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