Rashes are changes in skin color or texture that seem uncommon and abnormal. A skin rash usually results from skin inflammation. There are different types of rashes, such as pityriasis rosea, eczema, lichen planus, and granuloma annulare. An area of irritated or swollen skin is also considered a rash. These rashes are painful, irritating, and can cause inflammation as well. Let’s take a look at the symptoms, causes, and treatment for rashes.
Symptoms of a skin rash
The rash affects the entire body
A skin rash that affects your entire body is a cause for concern. It can be an infection or an allergic reaction.
Fever
Many kinds of rashes are accompanied by fever. This could be caused by an allergic reaction or an infection. Examples of rashes that cause infection and fever are shingles, measles, scarlet fever, and mononucleosis.
Blisters, bumps, or lumps
Many times it has been seen that a rash takes the form of blisters. If your rash turns into blisters or open sores, it could be due to an allergic reaction. If a blistering rash affects the skin around your eyes, genitals, or nose, then you should get in touch with your doctor.
Infection
Avoid scratching an itchy rash as it could get infected. An infected rash may be yellow or green and painful. There could also be swelling, or the area of the rash could be warm, or a red fluid could be discharged from the rash.
Itching
A rash can cause itching or an uncomfortable skin sensation. It could also be painful.
Causes of skin rashes
There can be different causes of skin rashes. Some of them are given below:
Harsh chemicals and products
When your skin comes in contact with harmful or harsh chemicals that cause an adverse reaction, it could result in a rash. These chemicals could be present in beauty products such as soaps, laundry detergent, or clothing dyes. You can also get a rash by touching poisonous plants or coming in contact with rubber, elastic, or latex products.
Family history
Sometimes people develop rashes because of their family history. If members of your family have any kind of skin disorder, there is a high chance that you will also develop the same.
Immune system
Some types of rashes are caused due to the body’s autoimmune condition. Here your immune system attacks its own tissues. Lichen planus is one such condition that is caused due to a weak immune system.
Some other general factors that can increase your chances of developing a skin rash are age, stress, lifestyle, extreme weather conditions, type of skin, etc. Sometimes, a rash indicates a bigger problem such as measles, chickenpox, etc., and not just a skin disorder.
Ways to treat skin rashes
You should never leave any rash untreated. Whenever you see any abnormal changes in your skin, get it treated immediately. Use mild and gentle cleansers instead of harsh soaps. Use warm water instead of hot water. Use moisturizers that are fragrance-free and contain ingredients such as glycerin, mineral oil, and ceramides. Phototherapy is one of the ways in which you can treat eczema. The use of other treatment options can also help bumps disappear.
Your doctor might also suggest some tests in case they are unable to determine the cause of the rash. These could be allergy tests, blood tests, skin biopsies, or skin scrapings.
A skin rash might not sound as grave, but it can lead to bigger problems. Once you notice any abnormal rash on your skin, you should immediately get in touch with a good dermatologist. Also, you should immediately start with simple home care measures such as avoiding using cosmetics on the affected area, leaving the affected area exposed to air, applying coconut oil, not scrubbing the area, etc.
