There are many different types of rashes, but the common symptoms include irritation, redness, inflammation and the desire to itch profusely. While you could ask just about any rash sufferer what their main complaint was and they would probably almost always say, "Itching", in fact rashes tend to be either localized or generalized.
Localized rash
Localized rashes affect only a small area or are confined to one part of the body. They are mostly caused by minor problems, like dry skin or contact with rash-forming plants or bugs and tend go disappear with basic rash lotion treatment. Causes include:
- Noxious plants.
- Cleaning agents, shampoos, perfumes, or cosmetics.
- Some jewelry or fabrics.
- Latex products.
Try to determine whether you have other symptoms when you evaluate localized rashes, and be sure to consult a health professional if you suspect the following:
- Shingles (herpes zoster), a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, this condition presents itself with tingling, itching, or localized pain on one side of the body. Pain may occur before the rash develops, when you have the rash, or after the rash has gone.
- Lyme disease, caused by tick bites, recognized by the appearance of an expanding red rash around the tick bite and flu symptoms, like headaches, chills, fever, and body aches.
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), showing up as sores, blisters, or ulcers, around the genital region.
Generalized rash covering most of the body, or on various parts of the body. It often appears in the same place on hands, feet, arms, or legs.
Often caused by dry skin or contact dermatitis, and/or after using some soaps or detergents, and may go away after using recommended rash lotions. But generalized rashes may indicate eczema or psoriasis, so look out for other symptoms.
Eczema, known as atopic dermatitis, which affects from 10 to 20 percent of the world's population, is a common generalized rash condition that causes dry and itchy skin with red, scaly patches. Sufferers not only have a rash to live with, but often experience dandruff and flaky skin on the face, body, and hands.
