A rash is eruption of the skin or an area of irritated skin. A rash can appear any part of the body and may be localized in one part on the body. This unexpected and unpleasant occurrence affects the appearance, color or texture of the skin and also causes skin become red and itchy, bumpy, scaly, crusty or blistered and even painful.Rashes are a symptom of many different medical conditions. They can occur to anyone men, women or a child at any stages of life. A rash should not be taken lightly, as it can sometimes be an indication of an underlying illness-sometimes a potentially serious illness.
Types of Rashes
There are different types of rashes that can occur to people for different reasons which includes:
Dermatitis: It is a form of skin inflammation or swelling. It causes redness and inflammation to the skin and the red area may form tiny blisters that leak clear fluid, and then become crusty.
Eczema: It is a general term that describes several different conditions in which skin is inflamed, red, dry, and itchy. Eczema is a common skin condition, and atopic dermatitis (also called atopic eczema) is one of the most common forms of eczema.
Impetigo: It is a very contagious bacterial, streptococcal infection that has small-crusted sores.
Hives: Hives (also called Urticaria.) are very itcy. They are small red round disc-like areas over the body. They range in size from a dime to a saucer.
Psoriasis: It is hereditary and can occur at any age. It causes thick scaled-over pinkish or purplish areas on the elbows, neck, knees, scalp or back.
Ringworm: It is a circular rash with a raised border. It is usually just one and it is causes by a fungal infection, not by a worm. It can occur anywhere on the body and anyone can get one.
Rosacea: Most common in women and people with fair complexions, appears as a flushed appearance on the face, almost like acne. It is also called adult acne.
Seborrhea: It's a form of dermatitis. It causes reddish scaling on the head and even on the face around the eyebrows. It is usually itchy. This is cradle cap in an infant.
Shingles: It is very painful. It usually affects elderly or those with weakened immune systems. There is a red blistering rash in a line with intense burning and pain.
Chicken pox: The symptoms of chicken pox are fever, cold symptoms, fatigue and a very itchy rash that looks like a bunch of pox or spots all over the body. They turn into blisters then burst and scab. Chicken pox occurs mostly in children although adults can who never had it as children can get it.
Common Causes of Rashes
There are various reasons that can cause rashes. Things that can cause a rash include other diseases, irritating substances, allergies and your genetic makeup. Some common causes of rashes include are anxiety; allergies from foods, dyes, medicines, insect stings, metals such as zinc or nickel; Bacterial or viral infection; Skin contact with an irritant; Fungal infection; Reaction to vaccination; Exposure to sun (sunburn) or heat and Skin diseases such as eczema or acne
Some other uncommon causes also include are Autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis, Lead poisoning and Pregnancy.
Treatment of Rashes
The treatment option varies significantly depending upon the types, causes and the symptoms of the rashes. If a patient is not certain about the actual cause of the rashes, he needs to take the advice of a general practitioner. After examining the symptoms of this disease, the practitioner can provide proper medications that will help a person to recuperate from this ailment of this disease.
Generally, dermatologist or doctors identify the rashes through a visual examination. In some cases, a skin biopsy or other test (e.g., blood test, urine test) may be necessary to determine the exact nature of a rash. After accessing the appearance of a rash, accurate treatment is given.
Prevention Methods
As there are many types of rashes, some skin rashes can be prevented and some cannot be. However, you can lower the risk of developing skin rashes by several steps. These includes:
By avoiding allergens or irritants, you can reduce the risk of developing rashes.
Wash your hand frequently that can you help prevent spreading viruses that cause rashes.
As stress aggravates many rashes, thus reduce stress by stress management techniques like yoga and meditation.
Adhering to the recommended vaccination schedule for childhood illnesses – such as the varicella vaccine for chickenpox and MMR immunization for measles, mumps and rubella – can reduce the risk of contracting these diseases and their associated skin rashes. In some cases, however, the vaccinations can trigger reactions that result in skin rashes.
