Skin rashes
Skin rashes are a common symptom of various skin conditions and can manifest as redness, itching, swelling, bumps, blisters, or other changes in the skin’s appearance or texture. Rashes can be caused by a wide range of factors, including allergic reactions, infections, irritants, underlying medical conditions, or systemic diseases.
Some common types of skin rashes include:
- Contact dermatitis: This rash occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen, leading to localized inflammation and redness. It can be caused by substances like soaps, detergents, cosmetics, metals, or plants.
- Heat rash (prickly heat): This rash develops when sweat becomes trapped in the sweat ducts, leading to small red bumps or blisters, often in areas of friction or where clothing is tight.
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and red patches of skin. It can occur anywhere on the body and tends to flare up periodically.
- Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by the rapid turnover of skin cells, leading to the formation of thick, red, scaly patches on the skin. It can affect various parts of the body, including the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
- Fungal infections: Fungal infections such as ringworm or athlete’s foot can cause red, itchy, and sometimes circular rashes on the skin. These infections are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments.
- Viral infections: Certain viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus (which causes cold sores) or varicella-zoster virus (which causes chickenpox and shingles), can cause skin rashes with characteristic patterns or distributions.