Skin Rash

Outbreak of red and slightly bumpy skin rash could be dreadful. It could either because it’s annoyingly itchy or frustrating ugly. Scratching it off, however, has long been proven ineffective. So if you’re thinking ways on how to get rid of it, first and foremost avoid self-diagnosis and consult a dermatologist.

The first step to skin rash diagnosis, which would be helpful to get aware of, is to know what type of skin rash has hit you. It doesn’t have to be just itchy. A change in skin color and texture such as blisters could be a cause for alarm for a skin rash. Medical science still has to unravel the mystery as to what cause skin rashes. Currently, general eczema, insect bites, reaction to certain drugs, and childhood diseases such as chicken pox trigger the outbreak of skin rashes.

Skin experts classify skin rashes into three namely scaly patches but not infected, fungal caused patches in the skin and finally as red, itchy bumps on the skin.

If a recurring skin rash or dermatitis is classified as scaly itchy skin patches but are not caused by infection then it could either be an atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis. Both are recurring but temporary skin rashes that come and go. Atopic means something hereditary or runs in the family. Atopic dermatitis or eczema is manifested through an extremely itchy and inflamed skin, which could be red, scaling, swelling, cracking, and weeping. It usually attacks during the cold and dry air season of winter. People with atopic dermatitis are advised to get a small pox vaccination to avert more serious complications. Contact dermatitis, on the other hand, is skin rashes caused by contact with allergy stimulating materials. It’s an itchy skin rash visible only on the spot touched by the allergy stimulating material.

Bacterial or fungal skin rashes, on the other hand, needless to say are the result of exposing the skin to fungus or bacteria present in our system. Hygiene, skin experts say, has nothing to do with this kind of skin rash. Contrary also to popular belief, bacterial or fungal skin rashes are not caught from dogs and other pets nor acquired from using public facilities such as gyms, shower rooms, pools, or toilets. They explained that our body has innate fungus and bacteria, which if our immune system failed to fight would result to skin rashes.

Finally, if a skin rash appears to be red and itchy bumps all over the body then it could either be viral or caused by allergy stimulating drugs. Viral skin rash often spreads almost every part of the body. Its appearance on the skin is usually accompanied with sneezing, coughing, stomach upset, and even vomiting. It takes a few days or even weeks before it goes away. Allergic drug rash usually appears after taking a new drug into his or her body. Skin rashes appear within two weeks after the drug has been taken. Doctors practically advise to stop taking the drug to stop the rashes.

One could, however, apply temporary remedy for skin rashes before consulting to a doctor. But these remedies are aimed to ease the itchiness on your skin and not to totally heal the rash. You can hit the drugstores for nonprescription or over-the-counter remedies such as anti-itch creams, which contain cooling menthol or camphor. Antihistamines could also help relieve the rashes especially the ones caused by allergic reactions and applying moisturizing lotions is also advised to relieve dry skin.

If your skin condition gets worse or persists, it is practical to immediately see a doctor. No matter how itchy that skin rash is, never get too harsh on your skin. And please avoid scratching.