Skin rashes have common symptoms: irritation, redness, inflammation and, most prolific, itching. There are often different surface symptoms and appearances to different rashes, and the causes and cures may be quite different.
A very common rash is eczema. Eczema presents itself as redness, inflammation and itching. It often causes little pustules, or bumps, that will ooze. There are four types of eczema: ectopic eczema is common in children who are from families who are prone to allergies and asthma. This particular eczema is often outgrown. Contact Dermatitis is a condition that is caused by exposure to different irritating substances: poison ivy, poison sumac, latex and rubber irritations, detergents, even metal content in their jewelry.
Seborrhea appears on the face and ears, but when it goes to the scalp, it is known as dandruff, a common and well-publicized problem. This type of dermatitis is red and has waxy flakes. Nummular dermatitis is known by round red itchy spots; it will afflict all ages, but senior citizens are particularly insusceptible to this. Another type of rash is hives. While it is very common when one is exposed to an allergen, it is quite miserable. It consists of larger, rounder whelps, and they often have smaller bumps that ooze. This particular rash is often treated with medicine to stop an allergic attack. Shingles are an unpleasant rash, often affecting the elderly also, which is caused by the chicken pox virus after it has been dormant for many years. It is peculiar because it will form a line of itchy bumps or pustules that often ooze down the path of a nerve. It usually lasts only a week, but packs a big punch, especially in a weaker elderly person.
Babies and children are more prone to rashes, it seems, than adults. There are many types of rashes that appear in childhood that are actually viral infections: chicken pox, measles, fifth disease, roseola, etc. There are some rashes from bacterial infections: scarlet fever and impetigo are two of them. Fungal infections are an unpleasant, but common affliction: athlete's foot and ringworm are often seen in children and youth. Children often experience heat rashes from friction or perspiration. Babies and toddlers are, of course, prone to diaper rash from the irritation of wet diapers.
Many cases of eczema are too severe for self-care. Prescription steroid creams and other techniques can be a far more effective addition to the above measures if your rash gets out of control. Here are some signs that you are losing the battle:
When to see your doctor
- Enlargement, spread, or worsening of the rash despite your best efforts.
- Uncontrollable itching causing itch/scratch cycle.
- Signs of infection like intense redness, tenderness, or suddenly increased swelling around damaged skin areas.
