Skin Rashes (Gamoriya) – Types, Symptoms, Treatment And Prevention Tips

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skin rash

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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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Chaitra K

I’m a Skin Care Enthusiast from Bangalore, a writer here @CureSkin teamed up with Expert Dermatologists to spread awareness on the right kind of skin and hair care for men and women. Inspiring people to explore the skin and hair care that suits their need and help them look and feel beautiful is my full-time job. Skin & hair problems affect every person's self-esteem and confidence. Hence I love helping people by giving them the best information about skin and hair health with my writing, driven by the BEST Dermatologists.