A rash can be a very broad medical term. Rashes also appear different , and there are many possible causes which means a wide range of treatments. They can be dry, moist, bumpy, smooth, cracked, or blistered; they can be painful, itch, and even change colour. Rashes can be local to just one small part of the body and can cover a large area.
Rashes affect millions of people across the world; some rashes may need no treatment and will clear up on their own, some can be treated using home remedies; others might be a sign of something more serious.
Common causes
A few potential causes of rashes, including allergies, diseases, reactions, and medications. They can also be caused by bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic infections.
Contact dermatitis
One of the most common causes of rashes – contact dermatitis – occurs when the skin has a reaction to something that it has touched. The skin may become red and inflamed, and the rash tends to be weepy and oozy. Common factors leading to contact dermatitis include: dyes in clothes, some beauty products, poisonous plants, such as poison ivy and sumac and chemicals, such as latex or rubber
Medications
Certain medications can cause rashes in some people; this may be a side effect or an allergic reaction. Also, some medications, including some antibiotics, cause photosensitivity , they make the individual more susceptible to sunlight. The photosensitivity reaction looks similar to sunburn.
Infections
Infections by bacteria, viruses, or fungi can also cause a rash. These rashes will vary depending on the type of infection. For instance, candidiasis, a common fungal infection, causes an itchy rash that generally appears in skin folds. It is important to see a doctor if an infection is suspected.
Bites and stings
Many insects can cause a rash through a bite or sting. Although the reaction will vary depending on the person and the animal, symptoms often include: redness and rash, itching, pain, swelling (either localized to the site of the bite or sting or more widespread). A more specific example are flea bites. Fleas are tiny jumping insects that can live in fabrics within the home. They have a very fast breeding cycle and can take over a home very rapidly. Flea bites on humans often appear as red spots, the skin can become irritated and painful, secondary infections can be caused by scratching
Other causes include viral infections such as Fifth disease, Shingles, Mono (mononucleosis) and Measles, there also other infections such like Impetigo, Scabies, Eczema, Hay fever, Scarlet fever, Rheumatic fever and Ring worm and some are as a result of poor hygiene.
Skin rash treatment and management.
Rashes come in many forms and develop for many reasons, and some can be contagious or mean a more serious underlying health issue. It’s mostly advisable to diagnose the cause of the rashes. If there’s no serious health issue, there are effective home remedies to take care of them and speed up recovery.
This includes but not limited to; Avoid washing with hot water – opt for warm. Try to allow the rash to breathe. Do not cover with a Band-Aid or bandage. Do not rub the rash dry, pat it. If the rash is dry, for instance, in eczema, use unscented moisturizers. Do not use any cosmetics or lotions that may be causing the rash, especially newly purchased items. Avoid scratching to lessen the risk of infection. Cortisone creams that can be purchased over-the-counter or online may ease itching. Calamine can relieve some rashes, e.g. poison ivy, chickenpox, and poison oak.
If the rash causes mild pain, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be useful, but these are not a long-term solution – they will not treat the cause of the rash.
It is important to speak with a doctor before taking any medication. Compare brands before purchasing over the counter or online products, to ensure the product is suitable.
