|
|
|
Introduction
A rash
can also be called dermatitis, which is swelling or irritation
of the skin. It can be red, dry, scaly, and itchy. Rashes
also can include lumps, bumps, blisters, and even pimples.
Most people have had a rash or two.
But some
rashes, especially combined with a fever, can be signs of
serious illnesses. Hives, also called urticaria, also can
be serious because they can be a sign of an allergic reaction
and the person may need immediate medical attention.
Hives,
which are reddish or pale swellings, appear on a person's
body when a chemical called histamine is released in response
to an allergen. The trigger could be a certain food, medicine,
or bug bite. A virus also can cause hives.
Common
Types Of Rashes
-
Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis. It can cause dry,
chapped, bumpy areas around the elbows and knees or more
serious cases of red, scaly, and swollen skin all over the
body.
-
Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by contact with something
irritating, such as a chemical, soap, or detergent. It can
be red, swollen, and itchy.
-
Allergic contact dermatitis is a rash caused by contact
with an allergen. An allergen is something you are allergic
to, such as rubber, hair dye, or nickel, a metal found in
some jewelry. If you have nickel allergy, you might get
a red, scaly, crusty rash wherever the jewelry touched the
skin, like around your finger if you were wearing a ring.
A
Person With A Rash
Some rashes
form right away and others can take several days to occur.
When a rash appears, you usually know it because it will start
to bother you. If you develop a rash, tell a parent or another
adult as soon as you can.
Try not
to scratch. If you do, the rash may take longer to heal and
you will be more likely to develop an infection or scar.
A visit
to the doctor is a good idea if you have a rash. Although
all rashes may look alike to you, a skin doctor called a dermatologist
knows the difference. And knowing which kind of rash you have
can help the dermatologist choose the best treatment to heal
your rash.
For eczema,
the doctor may suggest special moisturizers called emollients.
It retain the water in your skin, keeping it soft and smooth
while soothing the itchy feeling.
For poison
ivy, the doctor may recommend cool showers and calamine lotion.
In more severe cases, a liquid or pill medicine called an
antihistamine might be needed.
For rashes
that are caused by an allergen, including hives, the doctor
will probably want more information. He or she will want to
find out which food, substance, medicine, or insect caused
your rash or hives. The doctor might recommend a medical test
to determine which allergens are causing you trouble.
It is
important to find this out because the best way to prevent
rashes and hives caused by allergens is to avoid the problem
food, substance, medicine, or bug.
Prevention
Prevention
is also has an important role. Here are some of these to enumerate:
-
If a poison plant is your problem, learn what the plant
looks like and avoid it.
-
If bugs bug you, apply some insect repellent when you will
be going outside.
-
For allergic dermatitis or irritant contact dermatitis,
try to avoid that substance.
-
With eczema, stay away from harsh soaps that might dry out
your skin. Also, make an effort to moisturize your skin
with creams or lotions. Short, cool showers are a good idea,
too, because hot showers and baths can further dry out your
skin.
-
When it comes to sun, you should always wear sunscreen to
avoid a red and itchy sunburn.
|
|
|
