Rashes are noticeable changes in the color and texture of one’s skin, leaving the affected areas itchy, bumpy, scaly, or irritated. These rashes can be local of several different forms and affect a body part or a larger area. Multiple factors can cause rashes, and these can appear cracked, dry, moist, smooth, blistered, or bumpy. Millions of people globally get a skin rash; while some need treatment, others go on their own.

1. Symptoms
Identifying rashes is pretty straightforward. But not every rash is the same. Typically, skin rashes have a different appearance, distribution, location, duration, and timing. Some of the most common symptoms of skin rashes are

• Flat red spots
• Small, solid, and raised bumps
• Combination of red spots and raised bumps
• Fluid-filled blisters
• Combination of scaly areas and papules

At times, rashes may come with additional symptoms like

• Swollen glands or lymph nodes
• Fever
• Anaphylaxis symptoms such as confusion, drop in blood pressure, hives, breathing difficulty, unconsciousness, abdominal cramps, and vomiting
• Lupus symptoms such as poor appetite, fatigue, joint swelling, and fever
• Dermatomyositis symptoms, such as violet discoloration or swelling of the eyelids, weak muscles, difficulty getting up after sitting

2. Causes
Skin rashes may develop because of a varying number of causes, such as diseases, allergies, medications, and skin reactions. Even parasitic, viral, fungal, or bacterial infections may cause rashes on the skin. The most prevalent causes of skin rashes include

Contact dermatitis
This prevalent rash occurs when one touches a certain surface, and the skin will subsequently react. Consequently, the skin might get inflamed and red, and the rash can appear oozy as well as weepy. Contact dermatitis may happen because of chemicals like rubber and latex, poisonous plants like sumac and poison ivy, beauty products, and dyes in clothes.

Certain treatment
At times, some oral treatments might cause skin rashes due to a side effect or an allergic reaction. Some antibiotics also cause photosensitivity, which heightens your vulnerability to sunlight. The photosensitivity reaction looks like a sunburn.

Infections
Infections by fungi, viruses, and bacteria can also lead to a skin rash. The skin rash will depend on the kind of infection. Anytime you suspect an infection, seeing a doctor is a must.

Autoimmune conditions
Some autoimmune conditions may also cause a skin rash. Lupus, for instance, results in a butterfly-shaped rash on the face.

3. Diagnosis
For diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a physical examination. Normally, the affected regions are checked closely for redness and other peculiar appearances. The doctor will ask the following common questions about the symptoms and your medical history:

• Since when has the rash appeared?
• Was an insect bite or a prick noticed?
• Is there a trigger that makes the rash worse?
• Which regions of the body have a rash or redness?
• Does having or applying anything make it better?
• Have any pills been taken since the rash?
• Was anything unusual eaten prior to the rash?
• Was any new cosmetic product, soap, lotion, or detergent used prior to the rash?
• Any other symptoms like scaling or itching?
• Any recent travels prior to the rash?
• Any prior medical issues like allergies or asthma?

Apart from asking these questions, one may have to undergo tests like a skin biopsy, allergy testing, skin scrapings, and blood tests. On the basis of diagnosis, the doctor will determine the treatment options.

Treatment
Using fragrance-free moisturizers containing ingredients like mineral oil, glycerin, and ceramides can help treat skin rashes. Creams and ointments with hydrocortisone can also help control the redness, swelling, and itching. Cortisone creams or cortisone shots and pills help with severe cases.

For mild to moderate cases, topical immunomodulators may help alter the immune system’s response to the allergens and avoid flare-ups. Children aged two or older may be given an ointment to cure mild to moderate rashes on their skin.

Injectable monoclonal antibodies can help patients suffering from moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Other doctor-recommended options include antibiotics and antihistamines.

Phototherapy can also help people with eczema. Phototherapy employs Ultraviolet A or B rays from dedicated lamps to provide relief from severe eczema. But certain side effects are commonly associated with phototherapies, such as mild burning, freckling, itchy skin, dry skin, and premature signs of aging.

Keeping all the know-how mentioned above in mind will help you manage skin rashes and treat them with the appropriate options. You can always have a word with your healthcare expert to find the best possible treatment for your skin rashes and get rid of them at the earliest.