Rash is a general term used to indicate skin inflammation. The normal color and texture of the skin changes when rash is formed. Rashes can develop due to infection caused by bacteria or virus or fungus. Common problem caused by skin rash is moderate to severe itching which can be resolved by over the counter antihistamines. Some of the common types of rashes are eczema, dermatitis and heat rash.
Types :
Rashes can be non-infectious and restricted to particular area of the body. These types of rashes do not require any special treatment and it is enough if you treat them with hydrocortisone ointment.
Dermatitis :
It is the most common type of skin rash occurring in adults and children. There are many different kinds of dermatitis like seborrheic dermatitis (marked by red lesions and is formed on the forehead, scalp and cheeks), atopic dermatitis (marked by red colored itchy rash which is formed on the elbows, knees, cheeks and neck area) and contact dermatitis (allergic rash caused by chemical allergens and plants like poison ivy oak).
- Diaper rash is a type of dermatitis affecting infants and toddlers and occurs due to unhygienic practice.
- Statis dermatitis is another type of dermatitis affecting lower legs causing inflammation on the veins.
- Psoriasis is a type of skin rash that cause lesions or bumps oozing out pus like fluid which attacks scalp and elbows.
Diagnoses :
The doctor will examine the skin surface and look for the prominent presence of lesions, fluid filled bumps or scaly patches. He would also assess the size, color and shape of the lesions to identify its type. Next he will look for the area in which the rashes are distributed in the body to confirm his analysis.
Normally the fungal and bacterial infections are restricted to some parts of the skin surface. Scaly red patches found on the legs and arms can be of fungal infection like eczema or ringworm. It can be yeast infection if the skin folds are affected developing into armpit rash or Jock itch. Bacterial infection rashes can be impetigo or cellulitis.