What causes red streaks or lines appearing on the body?

Generally, the appearance of striped red marks on the body may be caused by mechanical scratching, clothing friction, factitious urticaria, contact dermatitis, linear lichen, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Mechanical scratching: Vigorous scratching due to itchy skin can damage the epidermal tissue, causing local capillary congestion and forming red marks. Discontinue scratching, gently wipe the skin with warm water, apply a mild moisturizing lotion, and keep the skin hydrated to promote recovery.

2. Clothing friction: Wearing tight or coarse-textured clothing that repeatedly rubs against the skin during movement can lead to red marks. Switching to loose, soft cotton clothing reduces skin friction, and the redness usually resolves spontaneously within a few hours.

3. Factitious urticaria: After external stimulation, the skin develops cord-like red marks accompanied by itching, which is related to immune system dysfunction. Patients may take medications such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, loratadine capsules, or ebastine tablets as prescribed by a physician, while avoiding skin pressure or scratching.

4. Contact dermatitis: Red marks and itching occur at sites exposed to allergens such as detergents or metal jewelry. Immediately remove exposure to the allergen, rinse the affected area with clean water, and use topical medications such as desonide cream, mometasone furoate cream, or hydrocortisone butyrate cream as directed by a doctor.

5. Linear lichen: The exact cause is unknown; it presents as linear red marks or papules distributed along limbs, often without significant discomfort. Patients may apply topical agents such as vitamin E cream, urea ointment, or tretinoin cream as prescribed, maintain skin cleanliness, and avoid excessive washing.

In daily life, choose gentle bathing products and avoid frequent hot baths or harsh scrubbing. Wear breathable, comfortable clothing to minimize skin irritation. In terms of diet, reduce intake of spicy and irritating foods, and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables to support healthy skin.