Types of Skin Rashes

Common Types of Skin Rashes

A rash is a change in the color and texture of the skin, usually caused by an allergy, friction, exposure to excessive heat or moisture or irritation to anything from rough fabric to chemicals.

Infants commonly get diaper rash, wherein the skin around the thighs, buttocks and genitals becomes red and puffy. While not harmful, the rash can be uncomfortable for babies and they will tend to fuss and cry when the area is washed or touched.

The most general sort of rash is characterized as contact dermatitis. Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin, and contact dermatitis is caused by direct contact with a skin irritant. A localized rash will rise in the area of contact. The rash will be red and often itchy. Common causes include detergents, cosmetics, industrial chemicals and latex rubber. Contact dermatitis can also arise from scratchy clothing.

Allergic contact dermatitis is commonly brought on by contact with plants like poison ivy, or just a severe allergy to a specific tree or grass. This type of skin rash will be red and uncomfortably itchy and may even raise blisters. Depending on the severity of the allergy, a prescription cream may be required for immediate relief.

Another allergy-based type of skin rash is hives. These tend to be red, raised spots which can appear either locally or all over the body. Hive are usually a reaction to something taken internally, either food or medication to which you are allergic. Depending on the severity of the hives, they will either go away within a few minutes or you may need to take an antihistamine for relief.

Genetic Types of Skin Rashes

Certain skin problems and susceptibilities can run in families. Two common skin rashes that follow this pattern are eczema and psoriasis. Eczema is really just excessively dry skin, but it will be red and can itch severely. About one child in ten has eczema and adults will suffer from it as well. People with eczema may have to moisturize up to six times a day, often with a prescription lotion so as to avoid potentially irritating chemicals, and only soaps designed for sensitive skin should be used.

Psoriasis is a common skin disorder where red skin is covered with silvery scales and patches of red that itch or burn. Psoriasis is most typically located on the knees and elbows, but will also be found on the arms, legs, torso and scalp. There is no cure, but several treatments are available to keep it under control.

Fungal Types of Skin Rashes

The most typical types of fungal rashes are jock itch and yeast infection, both of which are characterized by red and itchy skin in the genital area. These have a variety of causes, usually improper cleansing or restrictive clothing that does not allow skin to breathe. An imbalanced diet or antibiotics can also trigger a fungal skin rash. Avoidance is the best method of prevention, but these rashes can be treated easily and even naturally. Women can use whole garlic cloves, acidophilus or an apple cider vinegar douche to cure a yeast infection, while jock itch can be treated with applications of tea tree oil or honey, and responds well to an increase of garlic in the diet.

Viral Types of Skin Rashes

Certain viruses will be accompanied by a rash. The most common of these are chicken pox and the related virus shingles. Each are characterized by red and itchy blisters, but chicken pox will start on the face and spread downwards, while shingles tends to be localized and the blisters are red, crusty and often painful.

Most skin rashes are easily treated with topical hydrocortisone or antihistamine. If the rash does not respond promptly or gets worse, call your doctor.