Rashes affect people of all ages, ranging from the diaper rashes in babies to bed sore rashes among geriatric patients and everybody in between. Treatment for the rashes depends upon the cause of the rash and can ranges from topical cortisone creams to antibiotics to oral prednisone. Folks who experience rashes should call their doctors promptly because relief from the worry may be close at hand.
Impetigo
Symptoms of impetigo are a cluster of small red sores on the skin. These first appear as pimples but usually crust over within a few days. Impetigo is common in small children and occasionally in college students. MedlinePlus reports that it is caused by both Staphylococcal and Streptococcal bacteria. Impetigo usually goes away quickly when treated with antibiotics.
Eczema
According to MayoClinic.com, eczema involves an itchy inflammation of your skin. It is often associated with asthma, hay fever and other diseases. It tends to behave much like many other immunologically-mediated diseases, as it tends to flare up periodically and then resolve. Unlike impetigo, eczema is not contagious. Temporary relief can be found using over-the-counter anti-item remedies such as cortisone creams. Checking with a doctor before using them is wise, because long-term use can cause skin thinning and other adverse side effects.
Christmas Tree Rash
Christmas tree rash is also known as pityriasis rosea. Like eczema, this is suspected to be immunologically mediated. An April 2010 "Clinical and Experimental Dermatology" study confirms that it is associated with lack of natural killer cell and B-cell activity. Christmas tree rash first appears as "herald patches," which are red, circular rings. This is followed by a larger red rash that can last several weeks. MayoClinic.com reports that this rash gets its name because it usually appear on the central line of the body and takes a shape that looks like a drooping pine tree.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is the general name for any rash that arises from any local irritant, be it poison ivy, jewelry or laundry soap. Treatment is focused on identifying and eliminating the irritant. Usually this is sufficient, but in some cases--particularly those involving poison ivy or poison oak--stronger measures such as oral steroids are occasionally necessary.
