Common Skin Rashes

Posted on July 30, 2007 in Latest News

Our skin forms the first line of defense against all attacks from microorganisms. However, it is prone to a wide number of infections caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi, besides extremes of the weather and drug reactions. A rash is a change in the color and texture of the skin. Common skin rashes are painful and may take the form of eruptions. Eczema, lichens, rosea are common skin rashes. Let us understand the various types of skin rashes, their causes, and treatment.

Eczema

In eczema the skin acquires a reddish hue, becomes scaly and itchy. Atopic dermatitis is a common form of eczema.


Cause: People with a tendency to allergies develop eczema. Those prone to stress and skin irritants like fabric or change in climate can develop eczema.It is not contagious.

Symptoms: Eczema occurs in the hands and elbows and the back of the knees. In children it may appear on the face, neck and scalp too. The skin becomes dry, flaky due to persistent scratching. Sometimes blisters develop that may burst and infect the surrounding area.

Treatment: Visit a skin specialist who will conduct a physical examination and test the area of flaky skin to diagnose other possible skin infections. Usually topical corticosteroids help control itching and inflammation.Those with severe cases of eczema may need oral medication or topical immunodilators.Phototherapy with ultraviolet light is also helpful to such patients.

Prevention: You can avoid this condition by staying away from allegens and wearing loose comfortable clothes made from natural fabric.

Rosea

Rosea is a mild type of rash that occurs as a pink patch on the chest or back area. There are a number of pink spots accompanied by swelling and skin lesions.

Cause: The main cause in not known but suspected to be viral in nature. Rosea is not contagious.

Symptoms:The usual symptoms of rosea are a huge pink patch of skin. This results in development of other patches accompanied by scratching and swelling of the skin. The rash occurs in the chest, back, neck, stomach, arms and legs of the affected individual.

Treatment: The doctor will conduct a physical examination followed by blood tests,scraping the skin and a skin biopsy for accurate diagnosis. Rosea does not need any treatment and disappears within two to three months. Severe cases may require anti-histamines, hydrocortisone creams and ultraviolet light treatment.

Prevention: There is no known prevention since the cause is unknown. However, people with lighly pigmented skin must consult a doctor as soon as the symptoms appear.

Granuloma Annulare

This affects girls more than boys and is prevalent among children and young individuals.

Cause: Unknown but may occur in people with diabetes or thyroid problems.

Symptoms:This results in a ring shaped bumps over the forearm, hands or feet that may itch.

Treatment:Since this condition may recur consult a doctor who will conduct a skin biopsy to prescribe the right medication.
The bumps disappear themselves. Severe cases may respond to phototherapy and oral pills. The doctor may freeze the bumps using liquid nitrogen so that no scars remain on the affected area.

Prevention : There is no known cause hence no prevention, but consult a doctor when the symptoms appear.

Lichen Planus

This is a skin rash that occurs in people between the ages of 30 to 70 years.

Cause:Unknown ,but may be due to hepatitis C, or allergic rash due to medication for hypertnesion,arthritis and heart disease.

Symptoms: This results in flat bumps reddish -purplish in color in the inside areas of the wrists, ankles, back, scalp and neck Sometimes they may occur inside the mouth, hair, genital area and nails.

Treatment: The doctor will diagnose using a skin biopsy or blood tests.This rash has no cure, though anti-histamines can relieve itchiness. Retinoids or other topical creams bring relief but take them under a doctor’s guidance.

Prevention: Not known , but consult a doctor for relief when symptoms appear.

Other common skin rashes include heat rash, psoriasis and ringworms. It is best to seek early treatment for common skin rashes so that the condition does not deteriorate.

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