What is a skin rash?!
A rash is a change of the skin which affects its color, appearance or texture. A rash may be localized in one part of the body, or affect all the skin. Rashes may cause the skin to change color, itch, become warm, bumpy, dry, cracked or blistered, swell and may be painful. The causes, and therefore treatments for rashes, vary widely. Diagnosis must take into account such things as the appearance of the rash, other symptoms, what the patient may have been exposed to, occupation, and occurrence in family members. The diagnosis may confirm any number of conditions.
The presence of a rash may aid associated signs and symptoms are diagnostic of certain diseases. For example, the rash in measles is an erythematous, maculopapular rash that begins a few days after the fever starts. It classically starts at the head and spreads downwards.
Symptoms & Signs
Doctors use specific terms to describe rashes. A macular rash refers to flat, small red patches on the skin, while a papular rash refers to small raised red bumps. If both are present, a rash is called maculopapular. Scaling, blister formation, or ulceration of the skin may be present with a rash. A rash with accompanying blisters is termed a vesicular rash. Itching (pruritus) may or may not accompany a rash.
Treatment
In most cases, heat rash will clear up on its own in a few days if the affected area is kept cool and dry. So cool your body in an air-conditioned room or with a fan, or take a cool shower or bath and let your skin air-dry.
If you can’t cool down right away and you continue to sweat, don’t add any antiperspirant, lotion, insect repellent, or powder to your skin; these may trap more sweat, making your symptoms worse.
If cooling down does not work, then once the skin is cool and dry again, apply calamine lotion or an over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching. Don’t use any type of oil-based product, which might block your sweat glands. If it does not go away within a few days, or if you develop an infection where the bumps have burst, you may need medication, so call your doctor.
Poison Ivy-Oak: Contact Dermatitis Treatment
1. Poison ivy, oak, or sumac rashes usually begin erupting within 48 hours following contact.
2. If you are exposed, wash areas immediately with cool soap and water for 10-25 minutes.
3. Apply RashRx (see below) to affected areas if rash redness, or blistering occurs.
4. If necessary, take over-the-counter medication to control rash swelling or itching.
5. Apply wet compresses or soak in cool water to relieve symptoms.
6. Re-apply RashRx to affected areas as needed to control symptoms.
7. If rash symptoms are severe or persist contact a physician.
8. Creams, gels or ointment me be used to reduce dryness.
Eczema, Psoriasis Treatment
1. For dry and flaky skin use high quality moisturizers to hydrate skin.
2. Attempt to identify skin allergies and attempt to avoid them.
3. Humidify dry air to prevent drying out of skin.
4. Avoid scratching and keep hands and body parts from excessive moisture.
5. Stop the use of harsh detergents, soaps, fragrances, or other irritating substances.
6. Apply RashRx (see below) to affected areas.
7. Monitor skin rashes for increased spread or infection.
8. Seek medical attention if skin becomes bloody or infected.
9. Re-apply RashRx to affected areas to control symptoms.