Does the idea of having a rash scare you? Are you wondering what the cause of your rash is? A skin rash can be a pretty complicated web when you come to think of it. But we can break it down for you. Today we talk about different kinds of skin rashes, their symptoms, treatments and even prevention options!
Skin Rash or Symptoms
Identifying whether or not you have a skin rash is pretty straightforward. If your skin becomes red, bumpy or itchy, then it is probably a rash.
Here are some common symptoms of skin rashes:
- Itching
- Dry/rough skin
- A change in colour
- Tight, uncomfortable skin
- Burning/ tingling sensation
- Raised skin
However, there are different types of skin rashes. Some mild ones just disappear over time, and some require immediate medical attention. Let’s find out more.
Types of skin rashes
1. Atopic Eczema/Dermatitis
This type of skin rash is more common in children than in adults. A rash of this type can occur in any part of the body, but primarily it affects the hands, feet, ankles and chest.
People with this type of skin rash are likely to develop hay fever or asthma. In Infants, it tends to appear on the scalp, hands and feet.
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Swelling
- Inflammation filled with pus
What causes atopic dermatitis?
The exact cause of atopic dermatitis skin rash is still unknown. But studies suggest that family genes can trigger such skin conditions.
How to treat atopic dermatitis?
The standard treatment for this type of skin rash is to rehydrate your skin with moisturising creams and keep the inflammation under control. Do not scratch the rash. Too much scratching thickens your skin and may even worsen your situation.
Your dermatologist may recommend the following medicines/treatments for this type of skin rash:
A. Topical and oral medication
Some application creams and oral pills help hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation, flakiness and relieve itching.
B. Wet wrap therapy
Here, a wet cloth is wrapped around the rash. This improves hydration and helps your moisturiser set in.
C. Phototherapy
Phototherapy uses UV light to reduce itchiness and inflammation on your skin.
2. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disorder that causes red, scaly skin patches and discomfort on the skin. They occur on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp. It tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then reducing for a while or going into remission. Psoriasis usually appears in adults.
What causes psoriasis?
Genetics
It usually runs in families and can be passed down.
Triggers
It is triggered by stress, alcohol or infections.
Immune system
It occurs because your white blood cells attack your skin when they shouldn’t be. This causes excess production of skin cells.
How do you treat psoriasis?
This type of skin rash requires prescription-strength medications from a dermatologist:
A. Topical corticosteroids, anthralin and retinoids
If you have mild or moderate psoriasis, your doctor may recommend topical treatments. These skin rash medications have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in reducing inflammation, itching and improve your skin’s smoothness and texture. Make sure to use it only as per your doctor’s instructions.
B. Moisturisers
Use suitable moisturisers to soothe your skin and to reduce dryness and scaling.
C. Salicylic Acid
It reduces scaling and removes dead skin cells.
D. Phototherapy
Phototherapy uses artificial UV rays to treat skin conditions and can be helpful for certain individuals. This type of therapy needs to be done under a doctor’s supervision to avoid skin dryness and irritation. However, keep in mind that it can increase the risk of developing skin cancer due to continuous exposure to UV light.
E. Oral Medication
You can also take oral pills prescribed by your dermatologist to improve this skin condition.
3. Lichen Planus
This condition can cause swelling and irritation in the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes (mouth). The lichen planus usually appears as purplish, itchy, flat bumps that develop over several weeks on the skin.
What causes lichen planus?
This may happen when your immune system attacks cells of the skin or mucous membranes. It’s not clear why this abnormal response happens. However, this condition isn’t contagious.
What are the symptoms of lichen planus?
- They appear commonly on the legs, torso, inner wrist and genitals
- Itchiness
- Scaliness
- Dark purple in colour
- Mouth sores
- Dry mouth
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Painful
- They appear inside the cheek and on the side of the tongue or gums
- Bluish-white spots
- They may increase in size with time
How do you treat lichen planus?
Your dermatologist may recommend the following medicines/treatments for this type of skin rash:
A. Antihistamines
Antihistamines reduce symptoms of such rashes and relieve pain.
B. Lidocaine Mouthwashes
They relieve sore mouths by numbing the area. Note: They should be taken and used as recommended by a doctor only.
C. Topical Corticosteroids
They reduce swelling and slow down immune responses.
D. Phototherapy
Reduces inflammation and improves skin conditions with the help of UV rays.
4. Urticaria
Urticaria is a skin condition where the surface of your skin becomes red, raised and itchy. This is a type of allergic reaction.
What causes urticaria?
Some allergic skin rashes can be caused due to the following:
- Antibiotics
- Medication for high blood pressure
- Bacterial infections
- Intestinal parasites
- Extreme temperatures
- Fever
- Cat/Dog hair
- Bites from insects
- Exposure to the sun
- Constant Scratching
How do you treat urticaria?
To treat urticaria, it is essential to assess possible causes or triggers and remove them. Along with that, your dermatologist may also recommend the following medicines/treatments for this type of skin rash:
Antihistamines
This skin rash medication is a short-term therapy that helps reduce inflammation and itching.
5. Nummular Dermatitis
These are coin-shaped spots/rashes on the skin that are often itchy. This type of skin rash usually occurs in men more than women.
Symptoms Of Nummular Dermatitis
- Coin-shaped spots
- Usually found on the arms or legs
- Brown, pink or red in colour
- Inflamed skin around the lesions
- Scaly/crusty skin around the lesions
What causes nummular dermatitis?
The exact cause of this type of skin rash is still unknown. However, it seems to run in families. The following factors may also elevate this type of skin rash:
- Temperature changes
- Harsh products
- Surgery
- Dry skin
How do you treat nummular dermatitis?
The goal is to rehydrate the skin. Your dermatologist may recommend the following medicines/treatments for this type of skin rash:
A. Corticosteroid creams – Creams and lotions that hydrate your skin.
B. Wet-wrap treatment – Improves skin hydration and reduces symptoms.
C. Topical creams – For infants, ointments or creams that help reduce immune responses are usually used.
6. Drug Eruption
Certain drugs and medication can cause skin eruptions. This is called ‘drug eruption’.
What causes drug rashes
Sometimes, you may develop a rash as a side effect of certain medications such as antibiotics or anti-seizure drugs.
How do you treat a drug rash?
Usually, these rashes fade away when you stop taking the drugs that are causing them. Certain drug rashes need some hydration to cool down. If you’re starting to get drug skin rashes, do not start any other medication without consulting your doctor.
When to see a dermatologist for your skin rashes?
See a Dermatologist immediately if your rash is-
- Spreading fast.
- All over your body.
- Causing fever.
- Oozing pus.
- Inflamed.
- Painful
Tips to prevent skin rashes
- Take a bath with lukewarm water instead of hot water as it removes necessary oils from your skin.
- Use a mild cleanser instead of harsh soap. Soaps dry up your skin.
- Pat your skin dry after a bath instead of rubbing.
- Wear loose clothing.
- Use room humidifiers to keep your skin moist and hydrated, especially during winters.
The silver lining
Once you understand how to identify a skin rash, you can then seek the help of a skin specialist or a dermatologist. Always remember to be responsible with your skin.
FAQ’s
1. How do you treat rashes?
The treatment of a rash entirely depends on what kind of rash it is. To find out, visit a dermatologist.
2. What food can cause rashes?
Any food item that you are allergic to can cause a rash.
3. Do rashes go away on their own?
Some skin rashes go away on their own if left untouched and well moisturised. However, if they do not go away or become worse, you should immediately see a doctor.
4. What stops itching fast?
To reduce itching, you can use ice to numb the rash. You can also use cool aloe vera gel on the rash as long as you are not allergic to it.
