Skin Rashes That Could Be More Serious and How to Cope with Them

When you are dealing with inflammation or irritation of the skin, you might break out into an itchy rash. This can be caused by lots of different reasons, from something as simple as a bug bite to allergies to new skin products or something more serious like exposure to poison ivy.

However, while most of the time itchy rashes are a reaction to something you have a mild to moderate allergy to and will usually go away when the trigger is removed, they can also be the result of more serious inflammatory conditions or fungal skin infections.

You can usually get an over the counter treatment for most itchy rashes such as antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream. However, if the rash gets worse, doesn’t go away, or appears to be spreading, you should see your doctor. Get medical advice if you are experiencing any other symptoms alongside the rash, such as a fever.

Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that is chronic and for most people, it is a lifelong problem. It is hereditary and you are more likely to suffer from it if somebody in your family also has it. People with a history of food allergies are also at a higher risk.

An eczema flare-up can be itchy and uncomfortable. These can be triggered by a range of stimuli including certain foods, low humidity, dry skin, or coming into contact with certain fabrics. Most of the time, eczema will be diagnosed in childhood; however, it is a condition that can be developed at any point in adulthood.

If you have eczema, you can get a steroid-based cream prescribed by a dermatologist to apply to the affected area. You may also be advised to take an antihistamine to reduce itching and use unscented skin products like soaps and lotions to reduce flare-ups, along with moisturising regularly and taking shorter, lukewarm showers.

Ringworm

Ringworm appears as a red, itchy rash that has a circular pattern. They may also be scaly skin at the edges of the rash. This condition is caused by a fungal infection, and it can appear anywhere on the body. It is contracted from direct contact with somebody who has ringworm, or from touching objects that a person with ringworm has touched. You can also catch this fungus from pets.

The skin may be clearer in the middle and the rash is red and scaly. It can also be very itchy. To clear the rash, you can get over the counter antifungal creams like Lamisil.

If the rash has not cleared up after two weeks or is impacting your everyday life, speak to your doctor as you may need stronger prescription medication. If you have pets, it’s worth getting them checked at the vet as well.

Scabies

Scabies shows up as red bumps that are very itchy. The itch might last for longer than you have a rash, and it frequently affects around the wrist, between the fingers, and around the belly button. It is caused by the human itch mite and is a very contagious infestation.

Microscopic mites burrow in human skin, leading to a very itchy rash. If you think that you might have scabies, it’s best to speak to your doctor or a dermatologist. You will need to get a topical or oral anti-parasite medication to treat the condition, and your doctor might prescribe some steroid medication to help with the itching.

Post-scabietic dermatitis may occur, which is where the itch can last for some time after the mite and rash has been treated. As this is such a contagious condition, you should also advise anybody that you live with to get treatment and wash all your linens and clothing on a hot wash.

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when your immune system attacks your own organs and tissues. It leads to inflammation that can impact various systems in your body including the blood cells, lungs, heart, skin, joints, and kidneys. Some people are born at a higher risk of developing lupus, and the condition may be triggered by many things including certain drugs, infections, and even sunlight.

There is no cure for the condition, but you can get treatments to help control the symptoms. A rash in a butterfly shape on the face, covering the bridge of the nose and cheeks, is a common symptom of lupus. It may also cause other rashes to appear on the body. These will usually be accompanied by symptoms such as fever, fatigue, skin lesions, shortness of breath, dry eyes, chest pain, headaches, and joint stiffness and pain.

Check out Patient.info to learn more about lupus, who is at risk of it, what causes it, and more information about the symptoms in detail. Patient.info also provides more information on how lupus is diagnosed, what treatments are available, and how it affects the body.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a condition that leads to scaly, red plaques appearing on the skin. These may be itchy, and the condition can also cause painful joints. This is another autoimmune disease in which your immune system will attack your skin, and in some cases, your joints.

The rash will commonly appear on the knees and elbows, although it can show up anywhere on the body. It is characterised by a white-silver scale that may bleed if scratched or picked. A red, scaly rash on your scalp is another sign of psoriasis, along with brittle nails that might have oil spots, or appear stained. When accompanied by joint stiffness and pain, the condition is known as psoriatic arthritis. While there is no known exact cause of this condition, it is thought to be genetic since it tends to run in families.

Metabolic syndrome, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol consumption are some of the main risk factors. The condition is usually treated using phototherapy, topical steroid creams, or oral biologic medications to control the immune system. Patients may also find that reducing stress, weight loss, controlling blood sugar, and quitting smoking can help.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a condition that causes a red, itchy rash on the ankles and feet, and can lead to skin on the feet peeling or flaking. This is a common rash that may be more serious compared to other rashes as it is caused by a fungus invading the feet.

You can get it from public floors in indoor pools, gym mats, or locker rooms, which is why it is more commonly experienced by athletes and where it gets its name from. It can be very itchy and may cause toenail fungus along with red, scaly skin on the feet.

Most of the time, an over-the-counter antifungal cream will help to relieve this condition; however, you may need to get an oral antifungal medication prescribed by your doctor if the symptoms persist. Use a sanitiser on your shoes to prevent the infection from coming back since the fungus can live on shoes. To prevent athlete’s foot, it is a good idea to wear flip-flops or shower shoes when using shared spaces.

Most of the time, rashes show up on the skin due to an irritation or allergy and are not a serious concern. However, in some cases, rashes might be an indication of a more serious underlying condition, or an infection or fungus that will need treatment.

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