Rashes Of The Skin

Common rashes of the skin often appear when you least expect it. They cause embarrassment, discomfort and itchiness. Skin rashes are caused by infections, allergies and bacteria. Others clear up with little treatment and some skin rashes need medical treatment by a doctor. You will learn about some common skin rashes the causes and treatments.

1. Atopic dermatitis. This condition is also called eczema. The skin often becomes red and inflamed. It is often located on the face, legs, neck, and arms. Medicated creams are often used to apply to the rashes. Allegery test are sometimes done. Anti-histamines are prescribed to reduce itching and topical creams are prescribed.
2. Christmas Tree Rash. It is a patch that appears on the skin of the back, abdomen, or chest. The rash is often a fine scaly rash that appears on the skin. It spreads to other parts of the skin and the pattern resembles a Christmas tree. It often does not need treatment but lasts several weeks. Medicated creams and lotions lessen symptoms. It is sometimes caused by contact with real pine trees. Wear protective clothing if decorating and handling real trees during the holiday.
3. Contact dermatitis. Often caused by exposure to chemical or cleaning products. It is a red itchy rash with bumps and blisters. Allergies to latex, nickel, perfumes, poison ivy, and nail polish cause the rash on the skin. Patch testing is sometimes used to test for the rash. Treatments are washing infected areas and corticosteroid creams and ointments.
4. Drug rash. Often this is rash from an allergy to a medication like antibiotics, and diuretics. Some drugs react with exposure to the sun producing a rash on the skin. It can cover the whole body and resolves itself when the person stops taking the medications. Sometimes creams are prescribed to relieve mild symptoms in severe cases a person may have to stop the medication.
5. Heat Rash. It occurs when a person is unable to sweat. This is often caused by heat, overdressing and tight fitting clothes. It appears as red bumps that give a prickling sensation. Often the bumps have clear fluid on the skin that clear up with avoiding heat and wearing loose clothing. It is diagnosed by doctor examining the rash. Some doctors use Vitamin A or C creams that are rubbed on. Antibiotics are prescribed for serious conditions.
6. Intertrigo.  This rash often forms in warm areas of body like groin, under arms, under breast, or folds of skin. Skin is sore and painful. Sometimes the rash is infected by bacteria. It has to be treated by a doctor.  It often requires steroid cream prescribed by a doctor.  Creams that are antifungal are prescribed and antibiotics.
7. Psoriasis. It is buildup of dead cells when the skin cells dies and regrow rapidly.  It results in red slivery patches that are itchy and painful. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor. The condition can range from mild to severe depending on the case. It is treated by creams, light therapy and pills and injections.
8. Ringworm.  It is a fungal infection that appears as red itchy scaly rings on the skin. It grows outward as it spreads. It is a contagious skin disease spread from skin to skin contact, or contaminated clothing or bedding. It is treated most commonly with antifungal medications. The infection in the groin is called jock itch and when on the the feet athletes' feet.
9. Rosacea. This is a chronic skin condition that causes redness on the face. Often small red bumps appear and some are pus filled. Certain foods. extreme heat, skin products and exposure to the sun can cause this rash. Avoid these if you can.
10. Swimmer Itch. This is a burning itching rash caused by swimming in area with bacteria and parasites. The parasite burrows into top layer of your skin. This rash has blisters and bumps. It is often a skin rash that swimmer's get. Swim in areas that test water for bacteria and pools that follow safety standards. It is not serious can be treated with lotions, oatmeal baths or baking soda baths.