By: Aysha Schurman
With so many different types of skin rashes around, it seems a wonder anyone ever has healthy skin. Rashes can develop for many reasons, from allergies to poison, but always results in some form of skin irritation. In fact, the word rash means skin irritation.
Rashes can be broken up into two main category: local and viral. A local rash only affects one small area of skin. A viral rash is the type that spread over your entire skin. Whatever the type, rashes usually itch, sting or feel sensitive.
- Christmas Tree Rash, also known as pityriasis rosea, is an itchy rash known for its sweeping pattern. It usually goes away without treatment.
- Contact Dermatitis occurs when your skin reacts to an irritant, such as a laundry soap you're allergic to. Red, itchy patches occur and can be treated by eliminating the substance that caused the irritation.
- Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, can make your skin inflamed and/or irritated with itchy red blisters. It can be due to a variety of causes and can be controlled with treatment.
- Granuloma Annulare appears as tiny, dark red, firm bumps on the skin. The bumps usually appear in a ring. There is no treatment needed for the rash, as it will go away on its own.
- Heat Rash, also known as miliaria, is an itching or stinging rash that can result if the skin stays hot and wet or is chafed for an extended period of time. Two types of heat rash are sweat and diaper rash. Keeping the skin cool and dry is the only treatment needed.
- Hives, also known as urticaria, can have many causes. Hives are red and itchy bumps that appear on the skin. The treatment for hives depends on the exact cause, but they can usually be cared for at home.
- Psoriasis is an itchy rash caused by an overproduction of skin cells. It can be treated with care and medical attention, depending on the severity. Psoriasis cannot be cured.
- Ringworm, also known as tinea corporis, is actually caused by a fungus, not a worm. The itchy rash will appear in a ring form. The rash is contagious and needs medical treatment.
- Rosacea is a rash that occurs on the face. Tiny, itchy, red bumps appear, often in cycles of varying severity. There is no cure for the rash but there are ways to treat it.
- Swimmers Itch is caused by parasites that live in water. The parasites burrow into skin, and as they die, they cause an itchy rash to appear. As long as you keep the skin clean, the rash usually goes away without treatment.
