A rash is an outbreak in an area of the body that changes the color and texture of the skin. Rashes can be localized, meaning confined to one area of the skin, or widespread. Rashes range from mild to severe, and may occur as a result of age, stress, fatigue, weather or in response to more serious medical conditions. Some rashes may appear wet and ooze with fluids, while others may appear as dry skin.
Eczema
Eczema, a form of dermatitis, describes a family of skin conditions most of which cause red, swollen, itchy, dry skin patches. The most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis, occurs as a result of an allergic reaction that makes the skin dry, red and itchy, according to MedlinePlus. Other types of eczema include hand dermatitis, nummular dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis. Although the exact cause often remains unknown, many factors contribute to the onset of eczema, including genetics, yeast or bacteria on the skin, stress, climate and overall health, as described by the American Academy of Dermatology. Doctors treat eczema with a combination of topical and systemic medications, and phototherapy in order to control itching, reduce inflammation, clear the infection and reduce new lesions.
Pityriasis Rosea
Pityriasis rosea describes a rash of unknown origin, but because doctors know this skin condition does not involve a fungus, bacteria or allergy, they believe it occurs due to a viral infection. Pityriasis rosea commonly affects people between the ages of 10 and 35, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The rash begins as a large, scaly, dry and pink skin patch known as the herald or mother patch that usually appears on the chest or back. From there it spreads across chest, back, arms and legs, often spreading in the pattern of a Christmas tree and causing mild to severe skin eruptions. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that approximately half of affected patients experience itching due to the dry skin irritations, but that the rash usually resolves on its own within 6 to 8 weeks.
Psoriasis
Doctors classify psoriasis as an autoimmune disease. This means that it occurs as a result of a defect in the immune system that causes the growth cycle of skin cells to increase. Approximately 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis and 80 percent experience a particular type of psoriasis known as plaque psoriasis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Plaque psoriasis causes a rash characterized by red, inflamed raised areas of the skin covered by white, scaly and dry patches. Doctors treat psoriasis with topical treatments such as creams, phototherapy and systemic medications.
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