subject: The Itchy Truth About Rashes [print this page] So you have a rash and you are trying to figure out what it is. More importantly, you want to know what to do about it. "Rash" is a general term that is used for a wide variety of skin conditions. You may exhibit a rash because of a change that affects your skin. This change will usually result in a red patch, or small bumps or blisters on the skin. A majority of rashes are harmless and can be treated effectively with over-the-counter anti-itch creams, antihistamines and moisturizing lotions.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema, which is a general term that describes several different conditions in which skin in inflamed, red, scaly, and itchy. The cause of atopic eczema is not known, but the condition often affects people with a family history of allergies. Many individuals with eczema also have hay fever and/or asthma or have family members with those conditions. Some factors can trigger a flare-up of eczema or make it worse, but they do not cause the condition. Triggers can include stress, skin irritants (including soaps, skin care products, or some fabrics), allergens, and climate/environment.
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial skin infections are very common, and they can range from merely annoying to deadly. Impetigo is a common bacterial infection of the upper layers of the skin caused by streptococcus pyogens and staphylococcus aureus. It is highly contagious and usually treated with a topical antibiotic.
Contact Dermatitis
This is a type of eczema that is caused by coming into contact with an allergen, such as poison ivy. The result of this is a red, itchy rash. It isn't contagious or life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable. Culprits of everyday life include soaps, cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry, or plants such as poison ivy or poison oak. Successful treatment includes identifying the cause of your reaction. If you can avoid the offending agent, the rash typically resolves itself in two to four weeks. Self-care measures, such as wet compresses and anti-itch creams, can help soothe your skin and reduce inflammation.
Chronic Skin Problems
Chronic skin problems often include acne, psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis, which is the single most common rash affecting adults. It produces a red, scaling eruption that characteristically affects the scalp, forehead, brows, cheeks, and external ears. Psoriasis is a bumpy scaling eruption that never weeps or oozes and tends to occur on the scalp, elbows, and knees. It can also lead to silvery flakes of skin that scale and fall off.
Fungal Infections
Ringworm and yeast infections fall under the fungal infections category. Ringworm is not a worm, but a fungal infection of the skin. It can appear anywhere on the body and it looks like a circular, red, flat sore. It can also sometimes be accompanied by scaly skin. The outer part of the sore can be raised while the skin in the middle appears normal. Ringworm can be unsightly, but it is usually not a serious condition.
Viral Infections
Viral infections can cause a variety of rashes, including shingles, which is a painful rash that has some distinct characteristics. Shingles is a painful rash that is caused by reactivation of the chicken pox virus and is more common after the age of 60.
A rash can potentially be a sign of a more serious illness, such as Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, liver disease, kidney disease or some type of cancers. If you experience a rash that does not go away on its own after a few weeks, make an appointment to see one of your dermatologists in West Palm Beach to have it properly diagnosed and treated.
