What Are the Causes of a Skin Rash?
The skin acts like a barrier to protect us from foreign substances. It also serves as a filter much like the kidneys for excreting toxins from the body. Because of its multifaceted functions, it is subject to developing rashes. A rash is simply an outbreak of bumps covering either the whole body or specific areas. There are various reasons for rashes. Check out some of the most common causes to find out what type of skin reaction you are having.
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Contact Dermatitis
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Contact dermatitis occurs when a person's skin come in direct contact with an allergen. People who touch poison ivy are often subjected to this rash. This type of rash can also include behavior like excessive hand washing that promotes skin irritation. The easiest way to avoid this rash is to prevent the allergen. Over-the-corticosteroid skin creams have also proven to be useful in reducing the inflammation of the skin.
Eczema
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Eczema rashes are usually scaly skin patches that itch. The most common form of eczema is an hereditary skin condition called atopic dermatitis. This generally starts at youth and covers the legs, torso, scalp and arms of an individual. As the person ages, the rash may begin to cover different parts of the body like the eye lids and genitals. Winter months mark the worst of eczema flare-ups. Typically, no amount of moisturizing will help this dry rash. At its worst, eczema can crack, swell and crust. Both steroidal and non-steroidal creams are used to treat this rash.
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Fungal Infections
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Fungal infections are fairly common and include jock itch, ringworm, diaper rash and nail infections. Candida albians is the culprit behind diaper rash and nail infections. Diaper rash spreads on the buttocks, genitals and legs of the individual. Whereas nail infections are detected by a white dot usually at the top of the nail. Redness, swelling and pain can be associated with a nail fungal infection. Tinea cruris is the fungus behind jock itch and some nail infections. Red flaky skin, burning, redness and peeling can occur with jock itch. Tinea corporis is responsible for ringworm on the body. Though the rash is in a shape similar to a worm, it is a fungus infection. Fungal infections occur because they live in moist environments, sugar-rich bodies and rapidly grow in people with poor immune systems. To prevent most funfal infections, wear sandals in showers, wear socks with shoes and limit sugar in your diet.
Shingles
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Shingles is a viral infection caused by herpes zoster, which is closely related to chicken pox. Some people experience digestive disturbances, congestion and coughing. The rash usually comes in itchy bands where they will turn into blisters and eventually burst. People typically take 2 to 5 weeks from recovering from shingles. Most people will only have one episode of the rash before it continues to live dormant in our bodies.
Scabies
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Scabies is a parasitic mite infection that is characterized by a rash in specific areas like the inner thigh, arm pits, genitals, webbing of fingers and toes and buttocks. The mite burrows its way into the top layer of the skin and lives and lays eggs. The eggs hatch and more mites infect the area. The worst itching comes at night when the mites are at their most active. Doctors typically give patients a cream containing permethrin to kill off the parasites.
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