Inflammation, is a reaction of tissue to injury, characterized by redness, heat, swelling and pain, regardless of the cause . (the inflammation may be a symptom of a disease or ailment, but this discussion concerns itself with actual condition of the inflamed tissue.) The redness and heats are due to an influx of blood to the affected area: the swelling and pain are also due to blood but even more to the inflow of watery fluid or lymph which distends the tissue, compresses the nerve ending, and causes pain. The white cells of blood accumulate at the affected area and attempt to kill the invading microorganisms. If they do not and too many white cells are destroyed, an abscess forms. Inflammation is usually due to microorganisms, but may also result from severe irritation of the skin, as from rubbing, chemical reaction, or heat.
The image above is of the different layers of skin.
Sources: Fishbein, Morris. The New Illustrated Medical and Health Encyclopedia.
New York: H. S. Stuttman, 1970. Print.
New York: H. S. Stuttman, 1970. Print.