Which term describes the intense redness of the skin observed after icing?

Which term describes the intense redness of the skin observed after icing?

• A. Hyperemia
• B. Pallor
• C. Cyanosis
• D. Vasospasm

Answer: (A)

When tissue is exposed to ice, blood vessels constrict to protect underlying tissues. After the cold stimulus is removed or as warmth returns, those vessels dilate again and more blood rushes to the area. This surge in blood flow causes the skin to look intensely red, which is called hyperemia. Hyperemia describes the increased blood volume in the skin that produces redness. Pallor would be a pale appearance from reduced blood flow, cyanosis is a bluish color from deoxygenated blood, and vasospasm is a sudden narrowing of vessels that would reduce flow and typically not produce redness.

When tissue is exposed to ice, blood vessels constrict to protect underlying tissues. After the cold stimulus is removed or as warmth returns, those vessels dilate again and more blood rushes to the area. This surge in blood flow causes the skin to look intensely red, which is called hyperemia. Hyperemia describes the increased blood volume in the skin that produces redness.

Pallor would be a pale appearance from reduced blood flow, cyanosis is a bluish color from deoxygenated blood, and vasospasm is a sudden narrowing of vessels that would reduce flow and typically not produce redness.