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"Skin rash" is a general term that describes a group of spots, an area of inflammation, or changes in the color or texture of the skin. Skin rashes may be associated with itching, tingling, burning, pain, swelling -- or no discomfort at all. Skin rashes may or may not be contagious. Some skin rashes affect the whole body (generalized); others appear on discrete areas of the skin (localized). Skin rashes can be short-lived, recurrent or chronic.
There are hundreds of different types of skin rashes. Almost everyone, at some point in their lives, will encounter skin rashes. From diaper rash and cradle cap (in infants), through ringworm and chicken pox (children), acne and athlete's foot (teens), psoriasis and rosacea (adults), to shingles and scabies (seniors), they can affect us at different stages of life. Most skin rashes, however, don't discriminate by age.
Causes & Development
The precise cause of many skin rashes, such as psoriasis and eczema, is still unknown. Stress, hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and autoimmune problems are among the factors thought to be associated with some skin rashes.
Causes include:- Infections: Bacteria, viruses and fungi are common causes of skin rashes.
- Infestations: Some skin rashes are caused by tiny parasites such as lice and mites.
- Irritants: Abrasion (clothes, diapers, etc.), heat or sun exposure, cosmetics, an overly dry environment.
- Allergies and Reactions: Insect bites or stings, plants like poison ivy, certain foods, chemical pollutants, medications, chemicals found in household cleaners - and many others.
- Systemic Illnesses: Skin rashes may be one of the symptoms of a primary disease like rheumatic fever, Lupus or Lyme disease.
Diagnosis & Tests
To the untrained eye, many skin rashes look very similar to one another. Even dermatologists, trained to distinguish between skin rashes, may need to order tests to confirm a particular diagnosis.
Many skin rashes are short-lived and relatively minor, but some are highly contagious. Skin rashes can also be early indicators of a number of serious - even life-threatening - diseases, among them, meningitis, Lyme disease, typhoid fever, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Self-diagnosis is not recommended. See your family doctor or dermatologist if skin rashes enter your life, especially if you have other symptoms, like fever, swollen lymph nodes, infection, headache, shortness of breath, sensitivity to light, a stiff neck, or achy joints.
Treatment & Prevention
Obviously, specific treatment depends on the nature of the rash. However, there are some general measures that can be taken to good effect in most cases. Good skin care can accelerate healing and reduce the discomfort of skin rashes. It can also decrease the risk of secondary infection or scarring. If in doubt, check with your doctor to ensure that the following skin-care tips are suitable for your particular skin rash:- Use a mild soap, or just water, to clean the affected area(s).
- When bathing, use warm, not hot, water. (Very hot water will dry out your skin.)
- Don't scrub your skin. Ideally, use your hands, not a wash cloth, to apply soap.
- Take showers or quick baths. (Long soaks dehydrate your skin.)
- Dry your skin gently, by patting, not rubbing, which can remove important natural oils.
- Keep your skin well-moisturized throughout the day but avoid moisturizers that clog the pores or are highly perfumed. The best time to apply a moisturizer is immediately after patting dry.
- Wear natural fibers such as cotton, that allow air to circulate over affected areas.
- Apply cool or lukewarm compresses to itchy or sore areas.
- Avoid or minimize exposure to potential irritants, like harsh household cleaning products.
- Humidify the air in your home if you have dry skin, especially in the winter months.
Keeping your skin healthy is the best form of prevention of skin rashes, and doesn't have to be complicated: Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, keep your skin clean and well-moisturized, and protect it from the elements (especially sun and wind). Most important of all, be gentle with your skin.
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Risk factors for Rashes:
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GLOSSARY
Acne
A chronic skin disorder due to inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands (secretion glands in the skin).
Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Autoimmune Disease (Autoimmune, Autoimmunity)
One of a large group of diseases in which the immune system turns against the body's own cells, tissues and organs, leading to chronic and often deadly conditions. Examples include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, Bright's disease and diabetes.
Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Chicken Pox
An acute, highly infectious illness, principally of young children, caused by the chicken pox-herpes zoster virus and marked by fever and successive eruptions of clear blisters over the body. Chicken pox may enter latency in the deep nerve ganglia and reactivate years later in the form of herpes zoster.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Colitis
Colon inflammation, usually involving the mucus membranes. Mucus colitis is a type with cramps, periods of constipation, and copious discharge of mucus with feces. Ulcerative colitis has pain, inflammation, ulceration, fever, and bleeding, all interspersed at various times - a long and serious illness.
Eczema
Swelling of the outer skin of unknown cause. In the early stage it may be itchy, red, have small blisters, and be swollen, and weeping. Later it becomes crusted, scaly, and thickened.
Lymph Nodes (Axillary Nodes, Inguinal Nodes, Lymph Gland, Lymph Glands, Lymph Node, Lymphatic)
Small, bean-shaped nodes at various points throughout the body that function to filter the lymph fluid and attempt to destroy the microorganisms and abnormal cells which collect there. The most common locations are the neck (both sides and front), armpit (axillary) and groin (inguinal), but also under the jaw and behind the ears. Swollen or painful lymph nodes generally result from localized or systemic infection, abscess formation, or malignancy. Other causes of enlarged lymph nodes are extremely rare. Physical examination for lymph nodes includes pressing on them to check for size, texture, warmth, tenderness and mobility. Most lymph nodes can not be felt until they become swollen, and then will only be tender when pressed or massaged. A lymph node that is painful even without touching indicates greater swelling. Lymph nodes can usually be distinguished from other growths because they generally feel small, smooth, round or oval-shaped and somewhat mobile when attempts are made to push them sideways. Because less fat covers the lymph nodes in children, they are easier to feel, even when they are not busy filtering germs or making antibodies. Childrens' nodes enlarge faster, get bigger in response to an infection and stay swollen longer than an adult's. Also known (incorrectly) as lymph glands.
Parasite (Parasites, Parasitic, Parasitical)
An organism living in or on another organism.
Psoriasis
An inherited skin disorder in which there are red patches with thick, dry silvery scales. It is caused by the body making too-many skin cells. Sores may be anywhere on the body but are more common on the arms, scalp, ears, and the pubic area. A swelling of small joints may go along with the skin disease.
Scabies
Skin eruption due to a mite.
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
A severe infection caused by the Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV), affecting mainly adults. It causes painful skin blisters that follow the underlying route of brain or spinal nerves infected by the virus. Also know as herpes zoster.
Tineas (Athletes Foot, Athlete's Foot, Pityriasis Versicolor, Ringworm, Tinea Pedis, Tinea Versicolor)
A dermatomycosis; any number of skin fungus infections, such as ringworm, athlete's foot (Tinea pedis), and so forth. It is generally slow to acquire and hard to get rid of. Tinea Versicolor is a chronic skin fungus, often without symptoms... except the light skin splotches of infected surfaces that don't tan. It seems easily transmitted from one part of the body to another or one person to another. It is also called Pityriasis Versicolor.
Ulcerative Colitis (Colitis Ulcerosa)
Ulceration of the colon and rectum, usually long-term and characterized by rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, frequent urgent diarrhea/bowel movements each day, abdominal pain.
Virus (Viri, Viruses)
Any of a vast group of minute structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA that reproduces in the cells of the infected host. Capable of infecting all animals and plants, causing devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and are completely dependent upon the cells of the infected host for the ability to reproduce.
Last updated: May 11, 2008
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