Inflammation of the skin is known as a rash, or dermatitis. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that various causes can lead to skin rash conditions, with symptoms including blisters, oozing of sores and itchiness. Allergic reactions contribute to some common skin rashes; however, the majority of cases of dermatitis have an unknown cause. MayoClinic.com notes that most rashes are bothersome, but not life threatening. In the event of a skin rash, seek medical treatment to determine need for intervention, or as a means for alleviating the discomfort and pain.
Step 1
Look at the area of inflammation. Check for redness with mild swelling, dry and itchy patches, as well as skin blisters or thickness of the skin. If these symptoms appear, recall if you had contact with different brands of soaps, new perfumes or detergents that are not normally used. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that if the symptoms exist from contact with these substances, or from contact with allergens, such as cosmetics or poison ivy plants, then you may have the most common type of rash referred to as contact dermatitis. Wash the skin immediately and get rid of the source of irritation. Use a cold compress to ease the inflammation and contact your physician if severe symptoms occur.
Step 2
Read the instructions on any medications your are taking to see if there are warnings for possible rash side effects. Medication can cause an allergic reaction or drug rash. MayoClinic.com notes that antibiotics, diuretics and antiseizure medicines are known to have rash as a side effect. Look for red spots or raised blotches that spread and cover large areas of the body. Note when you began taking the medication because drug rashes typically occur within the first week of using the medication. A drug rash can be serious and requires physician evaluation to determine intervention need.
Step 3
Examine facial rash symptoms. Some rashes only appear on the face area, such as rosacea. FamilyDoctor.org indicates that this condition begins as a redness or blushing across the nose, cheeks and forehead. Pimples and puss-filled bumps also accompany this type of rash, and in some cases, the eyes become inflamed and irritated. Rosacea symptoms worsen when untreated, and medication is used to improve the pimples and bumps that accompany this rash. Rosacea is more common in individuals with fair skin and initially appears like acne. However, the redness in the face does not go away after the pimples subside.
Step 4
Look for blistering around skin not covered by swimwear if you were in water that may be contaminated. A rash referred to as swimmer's itch results from skin exposure to water with parasitic contamination. MayoClinic.com explains that uncovered skin exposed to the parasite organism causes redness, itching and raised areas or blisters. Reaction to parasite contamination ranges from mild to severe and usually resolves without medical treatment.
Step 5
Record your rash symptoms to determine if intermittent irritation occurs on specific areas of the body. Psoriasis is a skin rash that happens intermittently, as a result of immune system disruptions, notes FamilyDoctor.org. Symptoms commonly appear around the knees or elbows and include raised, scaly patches of red or pink skin, skin dryness with flaking or cracking, and a burning sensation with itching in the location of the rash. Psoriasis is a chronic non-contagious condition requiring topical aids to decrease skin dryness. Dryness irritates the rash site and increases the risk of additional symptoms occurring.
Tips and Warnings
- Itching or rubbing the rash area can increase the risk of complications and skin scarring, notes MedlinePlus. Consult your physician about use of topical creams to prevent itching. Heat rash occurs after engaging in activities, or being in hot temperatures wearing clothing that irritates the skin, notes MayoClinic.com. This is a mild skin condition appearing as small red bumps that sting. Heat rash subsides after cooling down and washing the irritated area.
- Certain skin rashes result as a symptom of underlying medical conditions such as cell carcinoma or skin cancer. In the event of recurring skin rash, seek medical evaluation to determine cause.
Things You'll Need
- Anti-itch topical cream
