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Home :: Skin Rash
Skin Rash- Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
The skin is the body's largest organ. It consists of three layers-the epidermis (outer layer), the dermis (middle layer), and the subcutaneous layer (inner layer). The skin acts as a shield between the body and the millions of foreign substances that exist in our environment. It also functions as a means of excreting toxins and other substances from the body, as the kidneys and bowels do.
As a result, the skin is subject to the development of various bumps and blisters, as well as to changes in color, cracking, dryness, flaking, itching, redness, roughness, scaling, thickening, and a host of other problems.
There are many reasons for skin reactions. Some of the most common include allergies to molds, foods, chemicals, cosmetics, and other substances; insect bites; reactions to plants, such as poison ivy, or fungi; diaper rash; reactions to the sun and wind; reactions to drugs or alcohol; reactions to detergents; reactions to jewelry and fragrances; food allergies; nervous tension; and friction, either from two parts of the body rubbing against each other or from contact with an external agent, such as ill-fitting clothing or shoes.
A rash should not be taken lightly, as it can sometimes be an indication of an underlying illness-sometimes a potentially serious illness. Certain types of rashes can be valuable as early warning signals.
Information on common types of rashes
The best way to approach treatment for a rash is to eliminate the underlying cause. Following are descriptions of some of the conditions most often responsible for skin rashes. This list is not exhaustive, and it is not meant as a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified health care practitioner. Any rash that persists for longer than one week, that seems to be getting worse, or that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, should be evaluated by a professional.
Cause of Rash |
Characteristic Features |
| Athlete's foot |
Inflammation, scaling, cracking, and blisters on the feet, especially between the toes. Burning and/or itching may be severe |
| Chickenpox |
Crops of small round blister like pimples that crust over as they heal. Usually appears first on the torso, following a day or so of fever and headache, and then spreads to the face and extremities. Extremely itchy. Most common in children |
| Dermatitis (eczema) |
There are several types of dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and hand dermatitis. General features include patches of scaling, flaking, and thickening skin that may appear anywhere on the body. Skin color in the affected area may change. Itching is common. One type of dermatitis causes round lesions on the limbs |
| Food or drug allergy |
A flat pink or red rash, with possible swelling and/or itching |
| Fungal infection (candida) |
Moist, possibly itchy, red patches that may appear anywhere on the body, but are most common in areas where skin surfaces rub together. In babies, an inflamed, shiny diaper rash. |
| Herpesvirus infection |
Painful fluid-filled blisters that erupt periodically around the mouth or genitals |
| Hives |
A rash that usually appears suddenly and can take the form of patches of tiny, goose bump-like spots or red, itchy welts that cover significant areas of the body-or anything in between |
| Lyme disease |
A red, circular lesion that gradually expands as the center appears to clear up. This may be followed by a rash composed of small raised bumps on the torso. The rash mayor may not be accompanied by flu-like symptoms of fever, chills, and nausea. |
| Measles |
A raised red rash that usually begins on the forehead and ears and spreads to the rest of the body. The rash usually follows several days of viral symptoms including fever, cough, sneezing, runny nose, and possibly conjunctivitis. There may be tiny red spots with white centers in the mouth as well. |
| Mononucleosis |
A bumpy red rash accompanied by headache, achiness, low-grade fever, sore throat, and persistent fatigue |
| Poison ivy/poison oak/poison sumac |
A red, intensely itchy rash with swelling and oozing blisters. If scratched, the rash can spread. |
Psoriasis |
Silvery, scaly patches that may appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the scalp, ears, arms, legs, knees, elbows, and back. The rash follows a pattern of periodic flare-ups followed by healing. It mayor may not be itchy. |
| Ringworm |
Small, itchy round red spots that grow to be approximately 114 inch in diameter, with scaly, slightly raised borders. They tend to clear in the center as they expand. |
| Rosacea |
Reddening, small bumps, and pimples, usually affecting the nose and the center of the face. It resembles acne, but is chronic and is more common in middle-aged and older individuals. |
| Scabies |
A persistent itchy rash with small red lumps that may become dry and scaly. Fine, wavy dark lines may emanate from some lumps. Most often occurs between the fingers, on the wrists and/or forearms, and on the breasts and/or genitals |
| Seborrhea |
Greasy yellowish, flaky patches of skin that form scales and crusts. It can appear anywhere on the body, but most often affects the scalp, face, and/or chest. It mayor may not be itchy |
| Shingles |
Crops of tiny blisters that are extremely painful and sensitive to the touch and that eventually crust, scab, and are shed. Most common on the abdomen below the ribs, but it can occur anywhere on the body. May be preceded and/or accompanied by flu-like symptoms of chills, fever, and achiness |
Herbal home remedies of skin rash treatment
Here are some home remedies for the treatment of skin rashes :-
- Aloe vera gel, ginkgo biloba extract, and green tea extract have antioxidant properties that can aid in healing. o Calendula, chamomile, elder flower, and tea tree oil can be used externally as a soothing wash on rashes.
- Olive leaf extract has healing properties for the skin.
- Itch Relief Lotion from Derma-E Products contains chamomile, tea tree oil, and vitamin E. It offers quick relief of skin irritation.
- For quick relief of itching and inflammation, soak a clean cloth in cool water (or, for even greater soothing effect, in comfrey tea that has cooled), wring it out, and apply it to the affected area for ten minutes. Repeat this procedure as often as necessary for relief.
- Soak a washcloth in malva tea and apply it as a warm compress to the infected area to reduce inflammation
- A poultice made with chaparral, dandelion, and yellow dock root benefits many types of skin rashes.
- Take lukewarm showers instead of baths, and try not to shower every day during the duration of the rash. Also avoid using the same washcloth, sponge, or shower pouf each time you shower, as bacteria and fungi can grow in these moist areas.
Prevention tips
- Avoid prolonged contact with known skin irritants including chemicals, dust, direct sunlight, and water.
- Many medications cause skin rashes in people when they are exposed to sunlight. If your medication causes photosensitivity, ask your doctor if there are any alternatives.
- Skin rashes in children are often caused by food allergies, especially to chocolate, dairy products, eggs, peanuts, milk, wheat, fish, chicken, pork, or beef. Some experts estimate that allergies to eggs, peanuts, and milk account for as many as 75 percent of all skin rashes in children.
- Wear cool, loose clothing. Next to the skin, cotton is best.
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