Rash: causes and treatments

rash-causes-and-treatments

What are the causes of a rash? How does he express himself? And with what treatment options will I get rid of it? We will reveal that here!

Why is the rash coming?

A skin rash (“rash”) may indicate various diseases and be manifested by symptoms such as itching or wheals. In order to find the right treatment for the rash, the cause must first be determined. The particular form of the rash can provide hints.

Why can reactions occur on the skin?

Our skin is not only our largest organ, it also acts as a protection against external influences. It is not for nothing that we are seen at the tip of the nose with so many diseases: if we are not feeling well, the skin likes to turn pale or gray – or react with a rash. This can vary depending on the underlying disease. Often these forms occur:

  • Brownish, white or red spots
  • Stippchen or garlands
  • wheals
  • Purulent pustules
  • nodule
  • Bubbles filled with liquid
  • swelling

It is often said that the rash on the skin “blooms” or “sows”. Skin rash can occur almost anywhere on the body, especially on the hands and feet, joints (especially the elbows and knees), and the insides of the forearms and legs.

What are the symptoms of a rash?

Apart from external changes such as blemishes or wheals , itching is most common in skin rashes. But there are many other symptoms. These include:

  • Burning or stinging pain
  • sweat
  • difficulty breathing
  • fever
  • nausea
  • Cough or runny nose (allergy-related)
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Dry skin

What causes can the rash have?

In addition to an allergy as a cause , a rash can often be attributed to a skin disease (“eczema”), such as urticaria. The following general triggers are possible:

  • eczema 
  • Hives (urticaria)
  • psoriasis
  • insect bites 
  • acne
  • stress
  • Viral infections such as shingles, herpes, glandular fever, virus hepatitis
  • Bacterial infections such as scarlet fever or Lyme disease
  • Tropical diseases like dengue fever
  • Side effect of drugs
  • Allergic reaction or intolerance (eg hay fever or histamineintolerance )
  • Fungus or parasite infestation
  • Chickenpox, measles, rubella, three-day fever, hand-foot-mouth disease (in children)

But there are also rather harmless causes of stains, wheals and Co., for example, a new cream or scratchy clothes. As a rule, the complaints diminish, if one avoids the contact to corresponding triggers.

When do I have to go to the doctor?

If the rash comes on suddenly and violently, its cause is unclear, the affected area hurts strongly, concomitant symptoms occur or the rash changes, a doctor should clarify the causes. Due to the many possible triggers, it is not always easy to make the right diagnosis. Depending on the cause suspicion, an allergy test ( prick test ) can also be carried out.

Treatment: What to do about the rash?

The treatment depends on the particular cause. For bacterial infections, for example, antibiotics can be used for therapy in allergic triggers antihistamines. Fungal infections can be alleviated with certain fungicides. Cortisone for skin rash is also particularly common, for example in the form of ointments.