What is a Skin Rash? (1)
A skin rash, also known as erythema, represents changes in skin’s characteristics of color, texture, and overall appearance, such as skin turning red, irritated, dry, and itchy. This article discusses the primary causes of skin rashes and their most common symptoms.
What are the Causes and Symptoms of Skin Rash? (2,3)
1. Allergic Reactions
Triggers of allergic reactions can include the following:
- Certain types of food
- Some drugs
- Air pollen
- Pets
They may be caused by the immune system treating these triggers as foreign subjects to the body.
Common symptoms include:
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling
Hives, known as urticaria, are a skin condition associated with allergies. They are presented as raised, warm, and itchy bumps.
2. Infections
- Viral Infections:
Numerous types of viruses can cause skin rashes. For example:
- Chickenpox is characterized by red, itchy dots that may develop into blisters.
- Measles is a viral rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. It is presented with other symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, and watery eyes.
- Bacterial Infections:
Bacteria is another common cause of skin rashes. For example:
- Impetigo, a common skin condition in children, is described as red sores that turn into blisters and lesions on the face.
- Cellulitis, a serious skin infection caused by bacteria, causes painful, red, and swollen skin, and may include oozing rashes.
- Fungal Infections: (4)
Fungal infections, also called mycosis, can occur anywhere on the body. For example:
- An athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the foot often caused by wearing tight shoes or constantly wearing sweaty socks, This condition appears as peeling, cracked feet with skin redness, itching, and burning feeling.
- Ringworm is another fungal infection that causes a ring-shaped rash that is contagious and easily spread through direct contact. Symptoms of ringworm include red, circular patches with worm-like edges.
3. Eczema (5)
Eczema is a common, chronic skin infection that can develop in different areas of the human body, including elbows, knees, feet, and face. Genetic and environmental factors can lead to eczema; however, it is not contagious.
Common symptoms of eczema include:
- Intense redness
- dryness
- Itchy skin
- In severe eczema cases, the skin may also swell and crack.
4. Psoriasis (6)
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition caused by increased skin cell production. It may be related to the immune system dysfunction and genetic factors. Psoriasis can be found on the scalp, elbows, and knees.
This condition is triggered by various factors, including:
- Skin injuries
- Stress
- Infections
- Some medications
Common symptoms of psoriasis include thick, scaly patches on the infected area that can be itchy and sore.
5. Contact Dermatitis (7)
Contact dermatitis is a skin inflammation that occurs by contacting an irritant or allergen. Symptoms of this condition include a red, itchy rash that appears at the site of the contact.
There are two types of contact dermatitis:
- Irritant contact dermatitis: Caused by contact with irritants such as chemicals and detergents
- Allergic contact dermatitis: Caused by contact with allergens such as fragrances, chromium, and certain plants.
References
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17413-rashes-red-skin
- https://www.healthline.com/health/rashes#pictures
- https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/rash
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/fungal-infections-skin
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis/#:~:text=Psoriasis%20is%20a%20skin%20condition,the%20scales%20may%20look%20grey.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459230/
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