A pimply rash on your body can appear unsightly, which can make you self-conscious about your appearance. If the rash itches, you might scratch at it and cause a skin infection. Treating a rash with the wrong medications can often make it worse, so it is important to find out the cause before putting anything on your skin. Since it can be difficult to differentiate between a heat rash and more serious skin conditions, it is important to consult your primary care provider so that he can evaluate your rash and make treatment recommendations.
Types
Medline Plus indicates that contact dermatitis is a common cause of a pimply rash on your body. This rash often occurs when your skin comes into direct contact with an irritant or allergy-causing substance, such as cosmetics, soaps, medications, rubber or latex, plants -- including poison ivy and sumac, fragrances or perfumes and solvents. In hot or humid weather, heat rash can occur due to blocked pores that trap sweat under your skin. This can cause a red, pimply rash to appear in your skin folds and in places where your clothing causes friction. Other causes of a pimply rash include scabies and viral rashes, which occur most often in children and usually have other symptoms, such as fever.
Identification
In order to identify the cause of your rash, your doctor will need to examine the appearance of your rash. He will also gather background information on the rash by asking when it appeared, if it spread and whether any other symptoms, such as itching or pain, accompany the rash. If he diagnoses you with contact dermatitis, he might conduct a skin patch test to identify the allergens causing the rash. The American Academy of Dermatology provides reassurance that patch testing is a safe, minimally invasive way to diagnose contact allergies.
Considerations
Scabies, a skin condition caused by microscopic mites, can sometimes masquerade as contact dermatitis. One of the first signs of a scabies infestation is small, red bumps that look like pimples or hives. Intense itching, especially in the evening hours, usually accompanies the rash. The most common locations of the itching and rash include the wrist, elbow, penis, between the fingers, waist, buttocks, nipple and shoulder blades.
Prevention/Solution
The best way to prevent irritation from heat rash is to keep your skin clean, cool and sweat-free. Wipe the affected area down with a washcloth and remove any clothing covering your skin so that it can air out. MayoClinic.com suggests staying in air-conditioned areas as much as possible on hot and humid days. When you cannot stay in the air conditioning, use fans to circulate the air, wear loose, lightweight, "breathable" clothing and avoid strenuous physical activity.
Warning
If your doctor prescribes a corticosteroid skin cream or ointment to reduce the inflammation and irritation from your rash, it is important to follow the instructions for the medication's use. Medline Plus cautions that over-use of these products can lead to troublesome skin conditions, such as thinning of the skin and infection.
