What is This Rash?

Over the course of our lives, we sometimes get sick. Whatever is troubling or ailing us is diagnosed and treated by health care professionals. This article should in no way be used as a diagnostic tool. I am NOT a doctor, by any means. The information provided here is merely for informational purposes. Any skin rash should be immediately evaluated by a doctor.

Skin rashes are loosely defined as being a change of the skin which affects its color, appearance or texture. The rash can be present all over the skin or localised to certain specific areas. Rashes can usually be diagnosed by their characteristics and any other symptoms that may or not be present.

The following article will describe and identify some of the rashes that one may develop.

Possibly the most common form of skin rash. Dermatitis is simply inflammation or irritation of the skin. Dermatitis is extremely common and is not life threatening, although it can be a very bothersome, embarrassing condition. Many patients find that they are just too embarrassed to share that they have this condition with their doctors.

Contact Dermatitis can be cause by irritants that a person may be exposed to. These irritants include:

• Chemicals in elastic, latex and plastics
• Cosmetic products. Some soaps and detergents
• Poison ivy and oak
• Dyes and chemicals found in clothing

Seborrheic dermatitis is a form of dermatitis that forms around the eyebrows, eyelids, mouth, nose and behind the ears. It takes the form of patches of redness and scaling. When it is present on the scalp, it is known as dandruff.

Eczema is another very common type of skin rash. It is frequently present in people who have allergies or asthma. It appears as a red, scaly rash on the surface of the skin. It is usually very itchy and can be very bothersome. Swelling of affected area can also occur, as well as blistering and flaking. Eczema is a form of dermatitis and it is estimated that over five million people in the UK have eczema. Cases can vary wildly. Severe eczema can engulf very large areas of the body. Treatment usually comes in the form of corticosteroids, although other treatment measures are available.

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that affects the skin. It is caused when the immune system sends out abnormal messages and signals that speed up the production of skin cells. It commonly causes scaly, red patches or blotches to appear on the skin. Psoriasis can severely affect the sufferes quality of life. It can cause the sufferer to become depressed and lower their self-esteem. The condition is chronic, meaning that it is always present. It can cover the whole body or just localised areas. It can also cause inflammation of the joints (psoriatic arthritis).

Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. These membranes are known as the meninges. The most common symptoms associated with meningitis are severe headache and neck stifness. However, a skin rash may be present. If a rash is presentm it usually means that the meningits has been caused by a bacteria. This form of meningitis is known as meningococcal disease. The rash usually consists of small, irregular red or purple spots or patches on the skin the trunk, lower extremities, mucous membranes, conjuctiva, and (occasionally) the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. The rash is typically non-blanching. A way to test this is to press a finger or glass against the rash. If the rash disappears then it is most likely not caused by meningitis. If you suspect that you or your child or somebody you know has or have meningitis then it is very important that you seek urgent evaluation from a physician. Meningitis can be deadly if left untreated for an amount of time.

Impetigo is common among children. Its is not very common among adults. It is caused by bacteria that live in the top layers of the skin. It appears as red sores that blister and ooze before crusting over. The rash can be very painful and irritating. Impetigo is very contagious. Treatment usually comes in the form of antibiotics. Hydrogen Peroxide is the common alternative method of treatment for those who cannot tolerate or choose not to take prescribed antibiotics.

Shingles, also called Herpes Zosta is a viral disease that causes a rash to appear on the skin. The rash is typically red and painful and may blister. It can be very painful. This virus can lay dormant inside the body for many years, before suddenly becoming active. The symptoms of the virus usually resolve after two to four weeks although it can actually cause neuralgia. The neuralgia can linger for many weeks.

Many disease can cause skin rashes. These include,

• Lupus
• Chicken Pox
• Rubella
• Measles
• Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Scarlet Fever
• Insect Bites or Stings