Red Skin Rash
Itchy skin rashes can be irritating and a downright nuisance. This common skin illness may be caused by several different conditions. Learn helpful cures and treatment methods for treating this bothersome condition.
A skin rash refers to a change in the skin. This change can affect the appearance, texture, or color of the skin. A rash on skin can occur anywhere on the body and it can affect the entire surface of the skin. A skin rash may be accompanied by itchiness, heat, bumps, dryness, cracks, blisters, swelling, and pain. A dry skin rash or red skin rash may be caused by a variety of factors, which should be determined by a doctor. The doctor or dermatologist may perform a visual diagnosis, if the rash is common. The dermatologist may ask questions in reference to the patient’s occupation – to determine exposure to certain allergens. The doctor will examine the appearance of the rash, accompanying symptoms, the patient’s family history to determine the condition affecting the patient’s skin.
A general rash on skin is caused by a variety of factors. Contact dermatitis is caused by contact with skin allergens such as, chemicals, soaps, cosmetics, detergents, latex products, dyes, and poison ivy, oak, or sumac. A scaly, red skin rash known as Seborrheic dermatitis can affect any part of the body including the scalp (commonly referred to as dandruff). Seborrheic dermatitis can occur because of oily skin, improper hygiene, extreme weather, stress, fatigue, and oil-based lotions. Eczema or atopic dermatitis may be caused by allergies or asthma. Impetigo is caused by a bacterium that is found on the upper skin layers. A shingles rash, chicken pox, measles, roseola, rubella, hand-foot-mouth disease, fifth disease and scarlet fever are all caused by a virus. Certain rashes are the result of insect bites or stings.
There are several varying treatment options for the skin illness known as a rash. Treatment for certain rashes depends on the underlying cause of the rash, which is determined by the doctor. In general, most rashes simply require careful skin care and avoidance of certain allergens. This skin care includes, avoiding soap – gentle cleansers should be used in its place, avoid scrubbing the skin which can irritate the rash, use luke-warm water (avoid hot water) and pat skin dry, avoid using cosmetic lotions or ointments on the rash, use calamine medicated lotion for poison ivy (oak or sumac and other triggers of contact dermatitis), and eliminate possible triggers. Certain treatment options require a doctor’s prescription.
A dry skin rash or rash in another form can be uncomfortable, painful, itchy, and downright embarrassing. The condition of the skin may be treated by determining the underlying cause of the rash. Unless the rash is common, this determination should be done by a dermatologist or doctor to receive the proper diagnosis. Itchy skin rashes do not have to control your life, with the proper diagnosis and treatment the skin will be clear again, for good.