How Do I Identify A Rash?
Rashes are a type of skin disease that is defined as a general outbreak of skin lesions. Rashes differ drastically from one another in terms of appearance. The appearance and its symptoms are some of the main ways to identify a rash. Rashes are generally non-lethal, but they should not be left untreated. So, you must identify rashes by their symptoms and go for treatment with either over the counter medication or proper dermatological help.
Rashes can be caused by various factors such as contact dermatitis, allergic reaction to food and drugs, fungal, viral, and other types of infections. Rashes are generally distinguished based on their appearance. Some of the factors considered for determining different rashes are dryness or moisty, bumpy or smooth, blistered or cracked, and if they are painful, itchy or both. In rare cases, it has been noticed that rashes also change colour in their course of infection.
Now that you know the different factors used for differentiating between rashes let’s find out how you can identify a rash and what steps you can take to cure them.
5 Types Of Rashes You Can Identify At Home
1. Fifth Disease
Description: The fifth disease is a type of rash that affects children especially. It affects the cheeks commonly with circular bright red rashes on them.
Symptoms: Along with the rashes on the cheeks, it can also cause fever, diarrhoea, nausea, and fatigue.
Treatment: These rashes are painful and more so because they commonly affect children. These rashes go away on their own in due time, but pain-relieving medication might be required to alleviate the pain.
Prevention: Maintaining proper hygiene with regular washing of hands with soap and water. Covering your face when sneezing or coughing and not touching your eyes, nose, and mouth in public.
2. Rosacea
Description: Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that infects a person for a long time. This rash goes through phases of disappearance and relapse. Rosacea also has four different subtypes, all of which have varying symptoms.
Symptoms: Rosacea comes with facial redness with red bumps on the skin and facial flushing, along with skin dryness and sensitivity.
Treatment: This skin condition is serious and should not be left untreated as it tends to get more serious over time. The go-to medication for this disease is antibiotics and anti-acne medication.
Prevention: Use proper sun protection by covering up and using sunscreen. You should also reduce your exposure to high temperatures.
3. Ringworm
Description: Ringworms are scaly in nature, and they are circular in shape with raised borders. The skin in the middle seems normal, and only the raised edges seem to spread outward. Ringworms can be very itchy in nature.
Symptoms: Circular rashes on the skin with raised red edges that are highly irritating and itchy.
Treatment: Ringworms are a type of fungal infection that does not go away on its own. You need to use treatment over the counter or medically prescribed anti-fungal medication.
Prevention: As it is a fungal infection, the best way to prevent it is to make sure you follow proper skin hygiene and keep your skin dry. Make sure to wear clean clothes and change your underwear every day.
4. Allergic Eczema
Description: Allergic eczema resembles a burn with blisters, scaly, and raw skin that ooze or become crusty. They are usually noticed on the hands and forearms of a person and are red and itchy in nature.
Symptoms: Scaly, raw, and itchy skin forms blisters and ooze out pus or becomes crusty on top. In terms of appearance, it may resemble a burn.
Treatment: Medical treatment for this condition includes using both over the counter and prescribed medications such as hydrocortisone cream to reduce the itching. You should also moisturize the affected area with fragrance-free moisturizers.
Prevention: Moisturizing is the key to preventing this condition. You should also avoid hot places that make you sweat a lot.
5. Psoriasis
Description: Psoriasis usually affects areas such as the knees, elbows, and lower back regions. It involves the skin turning silvery in colour, with very defined patches appearing on the skin. This infection also causes the affected skin to become scaly.
Symptoms: Itchy patches of skin that turn silvery in colour. This condition can also be asymptomatic, which means the appearance changes without any itching.
Treatment: Medical treatment for this condition includes using topical ointments and gels for relieving the symptoms. The treatment aims to reduce the cells from growing too fast.
Prevention: Properly moisturizing your skin is a must to prevent psoriasis. You should also maintain proper care and hygiene of your skin and scalp.
Skin diseases are common, and everyone suffers from them from time to time. The key is to identify it properly and treat it as soon as possible. If you are unable to identify the rash at home, be sure to get medical help. Untreated skin diseases can be problematic for you, so do not take them very lightly.