Skin rash: What's it, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Rashes; Skin redness or inflammation; Skin lesion; Blush; Skin rash; Erythema

A rash is an area of ​​red bumps or patches on the skin, which may vary in size., form, appearance and intensity. It is a common symptom of many disorders., diseases and infections, and it can occur on any part of the body. Usually the rash is not a cause for concern., but depending on the cause, the rash can be unpleasant, annoying or even painful.

Causes of the rash

A simple rash is called dermatitis, what does skin inflammation mean. Contact dermatitis is caused by things, that your skin touches, eg:

• Chemicals in elastic, latex and rubber products
• Cosmetics, soap and detergents
• Dyes and other chemicals in clothes
• Poison ivy, oak or sumac

Seborrheic dermatitis is a rash, which manifests itself in the form of patches of redness and peeling around the eyebrows, century, mouth, nose, torso and behind the ears. If it happens on the scalp, this is called dandruff in adults and crusting in babies.

Age, stress, fatigue, extreme weather conditions, oily skin, infrequent shampooing and alcohol-based lotions exacerbate this harmless, but a bad state.

Other common causes of a rash include:

• Eczema (atopic dermatitis) - usually, It occurs in people, those with allergies or asthma. The rash is usually red, itchy and scaly.
• Psoriasis – tends to appear as red, scaly patches on the joints and along the head. Sometimes itchy. Nails may also be affected..
• Impetigo. Common in children. This infection is caused by bacteria, living in the upper layers of the skin. Appears as red sores, that turn into blisters, ooze, then covered with a honey-colored crust.
• Shingles is a painful skin condition with blisters, caused by the same virus, what is chicken pox. The virus can lie dormant in your body for years and reappear as shingles.. Usually affects only one side of the body.
• Childhood diseases, such as chicken pox, kor, roseola, rubella, palmar nail disease, scarlet fever .
• Medicines and insect bites .

Many diseases can also cause a rash.. These include:

• Lupus erythematosus (immune system disease)
• Rheumatoid arthritis , especially the juvenile type
• Kawasaki diseases (inflammation of blood vessels)
• Certain systemic viruses, bacterial or fungal infections

Rash symptoms

Rash symptoms can range from mild to severe and will depend on the cause.. Some common symptoms include:

• Itch
• Redness or discoloration
• Edema
• Warm to the touch
• Pain and irritation
• Blisters and peeling of the skin.
• Defeats, filled with pus.
• Changes in skin texture or appearance.

When to contact a healthcare professional?

Most breakouts go away on their own with time and proper home care.. But, if the rash does not go away after a few days or is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, it is important to see a doctor. Besides, if the rash is accompanied by fever, vomiting or difficulty breathing, see a doctor immediately.

Questions, that your doctor may ask

When you visit your doctor for a skin rash, he or she can ask questions about the rash and your medical history. These may be questions about:

• When did the rash start and how long has it been there?.
• Where is the rash on the body.
• What does the rash look like (eg, redness, bullation, scabs).
• What actions or things, in your opinion, could call him.
• Do you have any other symptoms. For Example, fever, chills, nausea, pain, swelling or discomfort in the abdomen.
• Has anyone in your family had a similar rash?.
• If you have a history of other medical conditions.

Skin rash diagnosis

To diagnose the cause of your rash, your doctor, probably, will begin by taking a detailed medical history and conducting a physical examination. Depending on the suspected cause of the rash, he or she may also order additional tests., such as:

• Blood test - to detect infections, allergic reactions or autoimmune diseases.
• Skin biopsy – taking a small sample of skin and analyzing it under a microscope.
• Allergy tests - to determine, Is the rash caused by an allergy?.

Skin rash treatment

Treatment for a skin rash will depend on its cause.. Your doctor may recommend any of the following treatments:

• Creams or ointments for topical use - to reduce swelling, itching and redness.
• Antihistamines- to reduce allergic reactions.
• Corticosteroids - to reduce skin inflammation.
• Antibiotics - for the treatment of bacterial skin infections.
• Antifungal creams and ointments- for the treatment of fungal infections.

Home treatment for skin rashes

There are some home treatments, which you can use, to reduce the symptoms of a skin rash.

Most simple breakouts will improve with gentle skin care and avoidance of irritants.. Follow these general guidelines:

• Avoid scrubbing your skin.
• Use mild cleansers
• Avoid applying cosmetic lotions or ointments directly to the rash.
• Use warm water to cleanse your skin. (not hot) water. Dry, not the three.
• Stop using any newly added cosmetics or lotions.
• If possible, leave the affected area in the air for ventilation..
• Try Poison Ivy Calamine Healing Lotion, oak or sumac, as well as other types of contact dermatitis.

Cream with hydrocortisone (1%) available without a prescription and can heal many types of rashes. Stronger cortisone creams are available by prescription.. If you have eczema, apply a moisturizer to your skin. Try oatmeal bath products, available in pharmacies, to relieve symptoms of eczema or psoriasis. Oral antihistamines can relieve itchy skin.

Skin rash prevention

The best way to prevent a rash is to practice good hygiene and be aware of potential rash triggers in the environment.. Some tips for preventing skin rashes include:

• Wash clothes before, how to put it on. This will help remove any potential irritants or allergens..
• Avoid contact with known irritants and allergens. If you know, what causes you to have a rash, try to limit contact or exposure to her.
• Keep skin hydrated. This will help keep the skin healthy and reduce the chance of rashes..
• Cover up on the street. If you plan to be in a place with potential allergens or irritants, such as certain plants or herbs, wear clothes, covering exposed skin.
• Try to reduce your stress levels. Stress can trigger some breakouts, so try to deal with stress, adhering to a healthy lifestyle.

Used sources and literature

James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Cutaneous signs and diagnosis. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews’ Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 2.

Not CJ. Approach to skin diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 407.