Skin rashes, while usually not life-threatening, can be troublesome and painful according to MayoClinic.com. The skin is called the epidermis and it is considered an organ. It acts as a shield against many bad organisms and viruses that would otherwise invade the body. Skin is susceptible to various irritants and other causes of rashes.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a general term to describe an inflammatory response of the skin according to MayoClinic.com. There are multiple types of dermatitis and it can occur in different forms but usually involves red, swollen and itchy skin; dermatitis is not considered life-threatening. Causes of dermatitis include allergies, genetic factors, physical and mental stressors, and irritants. Contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to an allergen or irritant. Things such as soaps, cleaning agents, rubber, nickel, perfumes and poison ivy cause contact dermatitis. Stasis dermatitis occurs when fluid accumulates under the skin due to slow return of venous blood back to the heart. Typically these changes occur in the lower legs. Seborrheic dermatitis causes a red rash with oily scaling usually on the scalp. MayoClinic.com states that seborrhea is probably caused by hereditary factors
Rosacea
According to Rosacea.org, 16 million Americans are affected by this facial skin rash. As yet the reason why this occurs is unknown. Rosacea causes a red skin rash on the chin, cheeks, forehead and nose. Watery eyes and small visible blood vessels on the face are symptoms. Rosacea is sometimes mistaken for adult acne because of the pimple-like appearance on the face. Because of its acne-like appearance, rosacea causes significant psychological, occupational and social problems. According to Rosacea.org, 76 percent of rosacea patients state their condition has lowered their confidence and self esteem and adversely affected their professional interactions. There is as yet no cure for this condition.
Scabies
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, scabies is a rash caused by the human itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Scabies occurs when the itch mite burrows into the skin in order to lay its eggs. A rash develops as an allergic reaction to the proteins and feces of the mite according to the CDC. This rash is commonly found between the fingers but can also be found in the armpits, on the buttocks, wrists, elbows and penis, and causes intense itching. Scabies symptoms will appear approximately 4 to 6 weeks after a person has been exposed if they have never had scabies before. Otherwise, previously exposed patients will develop symptoms rapidly, within 1 to 4 days.
