Rashes

Rash is a general term for a wide variety of skin conditions. A rash refers to an uncomfortable change in the color, texture or appearance of the skin.  Rashes can be triggered by environmental factors (exposure to sun, chemicals, and poisonous plants) or internal factors (exposure to allergens, medications, acne, etc.). Knowing your own skin is the first key to properly treating skin rashes.

Common Symptoms of a Rash

• Red bumps and radiating redness
• Itching, burning sensation, unusual accompanied by red bumps
• Cracked, scaly skin or blisters

Causes of a Rash

Many rashes are mild and can be treated effectively with topical medications. However, rashes can be a symptom for more significant skin problems requiring expert care.

The more prevalent of these are:

• Allergic reactions such as reactions to medications
• Atopic Dermatitis, the most common form of eczema
• Bacterial Infections, such as impetigo (common in children, this infection is from bacteria that live in the tip layers of the skin that appear as red sores     that turn into blisters, ooze, then crust over)
• Contact Dermatitis, a type of eczema caused by coming into contact with an allergen
• Chronic skin problems, such as acne, psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis
• Fungal Infections, such as ringworm and yeast infection
• Viral Infections, such as shingles (a painful blistered skin condition caused by the same virus as chickenpox)