A rash is an area of ​​skin that is inflamed and irritated. The rash is characterized by redness, itching, certain swelling and characteristic skin lesions. Usually, the area of ​​the rash is warm and sensitive.

Most people are prone to developing a rash at some point in their lives, and in most cases the rash is not a threat to life, but rather a transient condition.

In rare cases, the rash may be an indication of a life-threatening condition.

Baby rashes are very common, and most cases of rashes are not of any health concern (diaper rash, rash in moist skin folds, etc.).

The rash may appear anywhere on the body. The rash may be localized or spread all over the body. It should be noted that the rash is widespread throughout the body, and is often the result of a viral infection or an allergic reaction (allergic reaction).

There are types of rashes that appear suddenly, and are most likely due to an allergic reaction, and there are types of rashes that appear gradually after the gradual exposure to irritants.

The main signs that may appear when a rash appears:
• Cracks in the skin
• skin dryness
• Various skin lesions of the skin (purulent lesions, raised skin lesions, blisters etc.)
• Scales appearing in the area of the rash
• Swollen skin
• Local heat
• Fluid secretion in the area of the rash

A rash that goes untreated is a breeding ground for a secondary viral and bacterial infection. It is worth noting that itching, exposure to heat and moisture make the rash worse.

There are additional signs of important medical conditions:
• Excessive sensitivity to touch in the affected area
• Noticeable swelling
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Shortness of breath
• Pain or a choking sensation in the larynx
• Red streaks spread from the area of the rash

Causes and risk factors of a rash
If one of the patient’s relatives suffers from allergies or asthma, this makes the patient more likely to develop a rash. In addition, people who spend a lot of time in open areas in nature are at risk of developing a rash, as a result of exposure to irritating plants (such as nettle) or insect stings.

Common causes of rashes:
• Allergic reaction (allergic to animals, sensitivity to various medicines or foods).
• A bacterial infection ( impetigo ).
• Side effects of various medicines.
• Excessive skin abrasion (as a result of doing an effortless activity while wearing inappropriate clothes, etc.).
• Fungal infection (athlete’s legs, fungal infection transmitted by cats and dogs).
• Insect bites (ticks, bugs, spiders, mosquitoes).
• Parasitic infection ( scabies ).
• Constant exposure to heat, moisture, and irritants (for example, diaper rash).

Diseases that cause rashes
Among the diseases that can cause a rash:
Acne (Acne) – often it appears in the face, neck and back.
Systemic lupus erthematosus – a butterfly-shaped rash in the cheeks and over the bridge of the nose.
Lyme disease – a disease with a distinct, circular rash that resembles a target’s disk (the term “bull’s eye” is often used to refer to this rash).
Psoriasis – specific areas with clear boundaries covered by scales called plaques.

Skin rash complications
There are cases in which you should consult a doctor:
• The rash does not respond to home remedies (hygiene, washing, and soothing ointments).
• When the rash has spread to large parts of the body and appears in areas such as: the groin, eyes and feet).
• When a child has a persistent urge to scratch.
• When signs of a local infection appear: redness, swelling, pain when touching the area, and local temperature.
• If it is satisfied that the rash occurred after taking a new medicine or being stung / bitten by an animal.
• When one of these symptoms appears: fever, difficulty breathing, or hearing wheezing when breathing.

Treating Rashes
The treatment of the rash is matched with the type of rash and the diagnosis reached.

The rash caused by a viral infection is transient, as it resolves on its own within a few days or a few weeks, without the need to provide drug treatment to the patient.

Antipruritic medications and aloe vera ointments can relieve itching. To reduce the phenomenon of scratching and to reduce the possibility of a secondary infection in the affected area, the hand hygiene, especially the hygiene of the nails, must be maintained.

In cases of rashes that are made worse by exposure to cold and dry air, moisturizing creams can be used. Sometimes medical ointments containing steroids must be used.

Infectious rash is treated with antibiotic ointments or by taking oral antibiotics (tablets) if needed. Fungal rash is treated with antifungal ointments.

If topical ointments fail to treat the rash, pills containing steroids are sometimes needed, which can relieve symptoms more effectively.

Prevention of Rashes
In order to prevent a simple rash, you should do the following:

• Maintain cleanliness
• Refrain from exposure to irritants
• Using hypoallergenic preparations