What are Skin Rashes?  

Skin rashes are probably the most common problem encountered by many people. Some of them are easily treatable while some others are dangerous and need medical attention. Skin rashes are classified according to their causes and symptoms.

Skin rashes can be caused by a variety of different things and therefore, can present very differently depending on the cause.

For example, the most common type of rash is dermatitis, which is a general term used to describe inflammation of the skin. In some cases, people can also suffer from Psoriasis, Erythema, Hives, Shingles and many other skin conditions.

In this article, we will discuss common skin rashes and how you can help alleviate them with home remedies derived from nature.

Skin rashes are annoying and can be very painful. These rashes tend to appear in the form of red, itchy or blistering blotches that can appear anywhere on the body, but mostly on the face, neck, elbow creases, armpits, groin area and other areas that can be exposed to friction.

Skin rashes are usually caused by allergies, infections, stress and various other triggers that can all cause a different type of rash. Some of the most common types that you might have experienced yourself include rosacea, ringworm, contact dermatitis, allergic eczema, chickenpox, etc. 

Types of Skin Rashes

The skin protects us from the hazards of the environment such as dirt, bacteria, fungi, sunlight and chemical irritants. Some of these irritants can penetrate deep into the epidermis and dermis where they initiate local immune responses which manifest in the form of rashes.

On average, we develop almost 10 new, different rashes every year. Skin rashes are common health conditions characterized by red patches on the skin. 

Here are different types of skin rashes:

The first type is known as Urticaria or hives and is present as red and itchy. It may appear as a bigger patch of skin and tends to go away on its own. Medications can be taken to help relieve the itchiness, redness and swelling. 

The second type is eczema which causes patches of dry itchy skin. How you take care of the skin once you have this rash will prevent future rashes from coming back. There are many home remedies for eczema that you can try to get relief from inflammation.

The third type is cellulitis which causes enlarged lymph nodes and a red, warm feeling in the area of your body that it is affecting. The area may appear to be swollen and the rash is usually accompanied by a fever. All three types of rashes can be treated at home with proper treatment, but if left untreated they can result in more serious problems such as scarring, difficulty breathing, fluid buildup under the skin and even death depending on the severity of the case.

Other common types of skin rashes are contact rashes and allergic contact dermatitis. These types of rashes are caused by direct physical contact with an irritant or allergen, respectively.  

Contact rashes are the result of direct physical contact with an irritant, such as poison ivy, nickel, fragrance chemicals in cosmetics, cleaning products, insect bites and stings, and so forth. They usually develop within hours to days of exposure to the irritant. 

Allergic contact dermatitis is an immune-system response to an allergen. It usually develops within 24 to 48 hours after exposure to the allergen.

Treatment for Skin Rashes

The most important tip to treating skin rashes at home is prevention. Try to understand the cause of rashes to know how to avoid them in the future. 

Rashes are unsightly and can make you look like you had an allergic reaction. This is because rashes are often a result of infections or allergic reactions. In some cases, rashes may also be a symptom of a more serious health problem. There are several home remedies you can try to treat rashes.

According to recent research conducted by a team of dermatologists, a combination of a few natural remedies can prove to be of tremendous help in treating skin rashes of any kind effectively. 

These are some of the most effective remedies that can help you get rid of skin rashes. You can use these remedies even if you do not have any topical creams available at home.

Home remedies for rashes include applying apple cider vinegar on areas affected by rashes caused by bacterial skin infections. All you need to do is take some amount of vinegar and apply it to the affected area with the help of a cotton ball and leave it on for 10 minutes.

Apply OTC hydrocortisone cream to the affected area if the rash is very itchy and causing discomfort. You can also use calamine lotion to help relieve rashes from chickenpox, poison oak and poison ivy.

You can also take acetaminophen or ibuprofen in moderation for mild pain associated with skin rashes. Do not forget to consult your healthcare provider before taking these drugs and make sure to ask your healthcare provider regarding the usage of these drugs as well. You may not be able to take them if you are suffering from any liver or kidney-related issues.

How To Prevent Skin Rashes?

Rashes are the skin's reaction to an allergy. While taking good care of your skin can help prevent rashes, if you are sensitive to certain substances, you are at a higher risk of developing a rash.

The foremost reason behind the development of rashes is the usage of unhygienic material. However, there are several other reasons why you may face rashes. 

Here are the ways to prevent skin rashes:

Body Hair: If you do not groom your body hair then it may lead to irritation, discomfort and rashes. Therefore, if you need to get rid of the unwanted allergies in your body, you must get your body hair waxed or trimmed. 

Nails: Due to the poor hygiene of the nails, one may face numerous infections and rashes. Hence, one must ensure that their nails are properly clipped and cleaned on a regular basis. 

Orthopaedic Appliances: Devices like knee pads cause the problem of rashes after continuous usage. Numerous knee pads are available in the market that provide cushioned support while doing household chores or workouts. Furthermore, artificial parts like knee pads should be clean before wearing them for getting rid of any kind of rashes.

Quick Tips: Always use lukewarm water while showering and avoid using products that contain fragrance. This will help in minimizing irritation. Also, make sure to wear loose-fitting, cotton clothes.

Take Away

The skin is the largest organ in the human body and it protects the underlying tissues from physical and chemical injuries. It maintains homeostasis and regulates body temperature. The skin is also a sensory organ that detects touch, pressure, pain and temperature. While we can detect and sense these sensations, we often fail to realize that the skin is also a powerful immune organ that protects us from numerous infections, diseases and of course, rashes. 

It is important to remember that rashes on the skin could be the result of various problems which might include an allergic reaction to medicines, an impact of an external substance such as cosmetics or detergents on the skin, and many other such problems.