Skin Rashes

How to treat your skin rash

Almost everyone, at some point in their lives, will develop a skin rash. Usually, they disappear as quickly as they came, without the need to consult a doctor. For others, a skin rash is a recurring problem—they may be treated by their doctor for many years, with a variety of different creams, to no avail.

Common skin rashes

There are a number of common skin rashes that can be developed by anyone. By far the most common is eczema, which is typified by an itchy skin rash, often red and cracked. It may only appear in small patches, usually in the inside of elbows and knees, although in small children it can first appear as a dry skin rash on the cheeks.

A second common type of rash is contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction to things like soap and jewellery that are in contact with the skin. When someone comes in contact with something that triggers their allergies, skin rash and itching commonly follow. This kind of rash is patchy and occurs at the contact point, as well as possibly on the hands and face. It may develop into pustules that blister, and it generally lasts about two weeks.

Other rashes

Adults often remember developing chicken pox when they were younger; this is a form of viral skin rash, and in later years, susceptible people may develop a secondary form of chicken pox called shingles. The rash in adults becomes clusters of red blisters, which eventually scab over. The whole process takes about 3 weeks.

Other forms of rash include psoriasis, usually appearing as dry patches of skin. Although generally harmless, if uncomfortable, it can cause a version of arthritis which severely limits the sufferers' movements.

Due to the similarity in appearance of all these rashes—mostly dry and flaky with itching—it may be difficult to get a reliable skin rash diagnosis from a general practitioner. People wishing to know more about a rash they have developed can always ask their doctor for a referral to a dermatologist.