A Skin rash is condition of skin with its changes regarding color, looks and texture. It doesn’t have its “favorite” place on the body, rather it can occur anywhere.
The rash mainly occurs within 48 hours after contact with something that had irritated skin. Contact dermatitis may cause light skin redness or a rash. In case of more serious reaction, swelling, redness and big vesicles.
Here are some of customary causes of contact dermatitis:
• Poisonous plants, such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
• Soaps, detergents, shampoos, perfumes, cosmetics, or lotions.
• Jewelry or fabrics.
• New tools, toys, appliances, or other objects.
• Natural rubber latex affects (especially health workers)
Viral infections, such as herpes zoster; fungal infections such as yeast infection (Candida albicans); bacterial infections, such as impetigo and sexually transmitted diseases can also cause skin rashes. Rashes can also emerge as a sign of potentially deadlier disease, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or some cancer types.
Some people get rashes after “close contact” with insect or parasite, such as the scabies, lice, mosquitoes…
Rash could be sign of a chronic skin problem. Most common skin problems of this kind are acne, eczema (actopic dermatitis, which is hereditary skin problem), psoriasis or seborrhea dermatitis. Specific weather conditions, such as dry weather, immensely hot or cold weather can cause skin rash, as well as emotional stress, especially if you are feeling angry, frustrated or ashamed.
Since it is well known that most rashes are not contagious (unless they are diagnosed as part of infectious illness), rash treatment usually focuses on symptom relieves. For this purpose, remedies mentioned below are often used:
• anti-itch creams containing camphor or menthol
• antihistamines
• moisturizing lotions.
Here are some general advices on how to treat skin affected by rash without any special medical treatment.
- If you have rash reaction from poisonous plants, first step is to wash the area with plenty of water.
- When using soap, use mild ones, but don’t exaggerate with them either.
- Leave the rash out on the open air as often as possible.
- No matter how itchy, try not to scratch the area covered with rash. To prevent yourself from scratching during sleep, wear cotton gloves or at least cut your nails short.
- To relief itching, try to keep the rash area cold and moisturized in a balanced manner – the best option is to put clean cloth soaked in cold water couple times a day on the rash.
- If you can, make an oatmeal bath and soak area covered with rash into it
- Cotton clothes won’t irritate rash as other fabrics might do, so make sure that you wear cotton for as long as you need.
- Try to relax as much as possible – stress can additionally trigger itching.
- If you know what has triggered rash reaction, avoid those substances.
- Some people say that nourishing shea butter and chamomile can help to relieve itching.
If the skin rash doesn’t go away after few days, the best thing would be to go and see the doctor.
