The largest organ on the human body is the skin. The skin protects the body from bacteria and viruses. Since the skin is the external part of the body, it is susceptible to many of the bacteria and germs from which it protects the internal body.
It is common for most people to have some form of skin irritation throughout their lives. The cause of these skin irritations can stem from a number of reasons including allergies, bug bites and more serious conditions such as psoriasis and shingles. While many of these skin irritations are temporary and minor, they can cause pain and discomfort.
Rashes
Rashes are changes in the skin that affect its appearance, color or texture. A rash, which is often red and itchy, can appear on any part of the body and affect small or large areas of the skin. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, rashes can also become bumpy, warm, cracked, swollen, painful and even blistered.
The causes of rashes vary. They can stem from an allergic reaction, skin disorders or diseases such as measles. A health care specialist will be able to prescribe treatment for the skin rash based on its appearance, what the sufferer was exposed to and other combined symptoms.
Hives
Hives, or urticaria, are characterized by raised, itchy welts on the skin's surface. An outbreak of hives is caused by hypersensitivity to allergens as a manifestation of an inflammatory reaction in the body. The immune system releases histamines into the bloodstream, resulting in the leakage of tiny veins and capillaries. Hives can appear and disappear suddenly without an obvious cause.
According to the University of Oregon Health Center, hives normally appear on the face, throat, hands and feet. The welts may stay small or could spread enough that they connect. Several substances can trigger a hives outbreak, including food, medicine, stress, illness and irritants. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to sufferers.
Pimples
Pimples are a form of acne that result from excessive oil clogging the pores. Within the pores are sebaceous glands that produce sebum. Dead skin cells can stick together via the sebum and cause clogged pores. Pimples appear as small, red bumps that may contain pus, which the body creates to fight against infection.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, pimples are sometimes caused by stress, dirty skin or eating certain foods. Pimples can appear on any part of the body, although it is common for many people to have breakouts on the face because it is the part of the body most exposed to bacteria and pollutants.
