Skin rashes and itchy skin usually erupt in response to an environmental trigger. Familydoctor.org indicates that the location, appearance and color of a rash can help determine its origin while also helping to treat the associated symptoms. Rashes inflame the skin and appear as itchy, dry patches anywhere on the body. If you feel your rash is severe, always seek the advice of a medical professional.
Allergies
Dermatitis is a blanket term for rashes, which basically means inflammation of the skin, Medline Plus reports. Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin directly contacts an irritating substance that someone may be allergic to. Animal dander, detergents, soaps and other chemicals often act as triggers that inflame the skin, causing insatiable itching and discomfort. In some cases hives may appear, which are red, itchy bumps on the skin, causing the skin to release chemicals that make the skin swell. Less severe allergic reactions including general household items usually clear by themselves with little more than anti-allergen creams to reduce the itching. In more intense cases, however, when you encounter something you are allergic to as well as something poisonous, such as poison ivy or oak, you will need to seek medical attention as you may need medication. If your rash or itchiness does not desist after a couple weeks, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Fungal Infections
Common fungal infections such as athlete's foot, jock itch and ringworm are forms of tinea, asserts Medline Plus. Ringworm appears as a red rash generally in the form of a ring around which normal-looking skin appears. As it develops it often becomes itchy and flaky. Scalp ringworm has the same characteristic symptoms but can actually leave bald spots on the head and is the more severe of the two. Athlete's foot and jock itch cause itching, burning and cracked skin between the toes or groin area. These ailments generally require a prescription from a doctor to quell the discomfort and incessant itch.
Skin Conditions
Sometimes, skin rashes and itchiness is a hereditary condition appearing as psoriasis or even acne, according to the familydoctor.org website. Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes itchy or sore patches of toughened, red skin often accompanied by silvery scales, Medline Plus says. Psoriasis symptoms require a trigger such as infection, weather or skin trauma to reveal itself, although the skin will still usually feel dry, skincarephysicians.com reports. Alternately, acne can appear as a rash on the skin, especially if confined to a certain region. Itchiness due to excessive dryness in response to a lack of sebum or oil can occur. If you suffer from these skin conditions it's best to seek the advice of your dermatologist to put you on the proper treatment.
