About
Rashes
A rash is an abnormal change in skin color or texture usually caused by skin inflammation. When an area of skin becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause discomfort and worry. There are many causes of skin rashes. These include hot weather, insect bites, allergens, immune system disorders, reactions to some medications, and infections. Infections that cause rashes may be fungal, bacterial, parasitic or viral.
Eczema
Eczema is a general term that describes a number of conditions in which skin is inflamed, red, scaly and itchy. Atopic dermatitis, also called atopic eczema, is one of the most common types of eczema. The condition creates rashes that appear on the face, neck, trunk, arms and legs. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that will flare up periodically and then recede for a while. Home remedies include avoiding harsh soaps and detergents or other irritants. Applying medicated creams or lotions can lessen symptoms or reduce the risk of flare-ups.
Other Skin Conditions
Chronic skin conditions such as eczema normally aren’t curable, but they can be managed using lifestyle changes and certain medications. Other common skin conditions are:
- Psoriasis – produces thick red plaques covered with silvery scales.
- Acne – largely seen in adolescents, about 20% of all cases occur in adults.
- Rosacea – mainly affects skin on the face causing redness on the nose, chin, cheeks and forehead.
Infections
Skin infections fall into three groups:
- Bacterial – carbuncles, staph infections, cellulitis, impetigo, boils
- Fungal – athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm and yeast infections
- Viral – shingles, chicken pox, herpes, cold sores
Diagnosis & Treatment
Rashes and skin infections can usually be diagnosed with an analysis of a person’s history of symptoms and with an examination of the skin. A test of an area of scaly or crusted skin can be used to rule out other skin diseases or infections. Medications can be used to treat eczema-related rashes. Bacterial infections may be treated with antibiotics. Your Sugar Land Physicians clinician has the experience to determine the proper treatment to get you healthy.
Resources:
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/common-rashes