Local inflammation is inflammation that occurs in an isolated area of the body, as opposed tosystemic inflammation, which affects the whole body. Inflammation is the body's normal response to injuries and infections. In the case of local inflammation, the affected area typically becomes red, hot, swollen and sore. As inflammation protects the body and normally resolves by itself, treatment is not always necessary. An infection that arises inappropriately or continues for too long may require treatment with drugs such as steroids.
Causes of inflammation include accidental injuries, such as a small cut, or an insect bite. Immune system disorders, where the body reacts against itself, can also lead to inflammation. This is seen in diseases like eczema, where the skin becomes inflamed. Local inflammation can also occur in response to extremes of temperature, chemical damage and an insufficient blood supply to tissues.
The symptoms of inflammation result from changes that take place at a cellular level. During the inflammatory process, white blood cells at the injury site release substances such as histamine, which trigger the changes of local inflammation. The blood flow to the damaged area increases, causing redness and warmth, and tiny blood vessels at the site become leaky. Fluid leaks out of these vessels, leading to swelling of the inflamed region. The release of certain chemicals by white blood cells affects nearby nerves, causing pain.