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A rash is seldom a sign of a serious condition, but they can be irritating. Fortunately, most rashes can be treated at home.
Red, bumpy, itchy rashes can be caused by a large number of conditions or external irritants. They can be uncomfortable, and if they are on your face or arms, they can be embarrassing, but they are seldom serious. Knowing what causes various rashes, how to treat them and when to see a doctor can be tricky. Small, red, even bumps in the folds of your body where sweat gathers is likely a heat rash, commonly referred to as prickly heat. Prickly heat is caused by blocked sweat ducts and heat. The rash is harmless, but it can cause itching or burning. Cornstarch dusting powder can cool the rash and prevent itching. Switching to cotton clothing in the summer months will help keep your skin cool and dry. A rash that is scaly, itchy or has greasy looking plaques is usually seborrheic dermatitis. While it is not life threatening, because it occurs on the nose, eyebrows, scalp and ears it can cause social embarrassment. The cause is unknown, but it is thought to be genetic. Shampoos or soaps containing coal tar (such as Neutrogena T-Gel Shampoo) can be useful in treating mild cases. Other over the counter medications are selenium sulfide (Selsen Blue) and zinc pyrithione (Head and Shoulders). If the rash does not go away with home treatment, a visit to a dermatologist for a prescription steroid or anti-fungal ointment is necessary. If the rash is bright red and smooth, candida yeast could be the culprit. Yeast lives on the skin, but for some people, the yeast overgrows and can cause an itchy painful rash, called intertrigo. The rash most commonly appears where skin folds meet, such as the underarms, under the breasts and in the groin. To help prevent candida rashes, keep the skin cool and dry. Dusting powder and antiperspirants can help reduce the frequency of the rashes. Over the counter yeast or athlete's foot creams can heal the rash, but they have a tendency to recur. After bathing, swimming or showering, take special care to dry skin folds well to help prevent outbreaks. A doctor can provide an anti-fungal cream that can clear up severe cases and can keep recurring infections at bay. Rashes are so common that people often overlook them until they become so severe that they require a doctor's care, but with a little knowledge and over the counter treatment, rashes can be prevented or controlled at home. If a rash does not go away with home treatment, or it gets worse, contact a dermatologist.
The copyright of the article Recognizing and Treating Rashes in Skin Disease is owned by Kari Livingston. Permission to republish Recognizing and Treating Rashes in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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