A rash is a group of skin sores that appear all over the body. It is a medical term that covers a wide range of conditions. Rashes can have a wide range of appearances, and there are numerous possible causes. There is a vast range of treatment options as a result of the variation in skin rashes types.

A rash can be infected to a small area of the body or it can be widespread.

Rashes can appear on the body due to a variety of things, including contact dermatitis, body infections, and allergic reactions to medications. They can be dry, wet, bumpy, smooth, cracked, or blistered, as well as uncomfortable, itchy, and changing color.

Some common skin rashes are:

• Ringworm
• Impetigo
• Rosacea
• Fifth disease
• Contact dermatitis
• Allergic eczema
• Chickenpox
• Measles

What causes skin rashes

Skin rashes can occur from a wide variety of factors because the reasons for an infection can vary from one person to another.

1. Contact dermatitis

One of the most frequent types of rashes is contact dermatitis. When the skin comes into direct contact with a foreign material that induces an allergic reaction, the result is a rash. An itchy, red, or irritated rash may develop as a result. Contact dermatitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Touching toxic plants
• Allergic detergents
• Contact with certain chemicals like latex, elastic, rubber

2. Eczema 

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that mostly affects people who have asthma or allergies. The rash is typically irritating and scaly in appearance.

3. Psoriasis infection

It is a common skin condition that causes a scaly, itchy red rash to form on joints, scalp, and elbows.

4. Ringworm infection

Ringworm is a fungus that causes a ring-shaped rash on the skin. Jock itch and athlete’s foot are both caused by the same fungus that causes body and scalp ringworm infection.

5. Diaper rash 

This is a skin infection affecting infants as they wear diapers for a long period.

6. Medications

Taking certain medications can bring rashes to the skin as a side effect. People with certain allergies to specific medicines also get rashes due to medication.

Diseases like measles, chickenpox, fifth disease, and impetigo cause skin rashes in infants and toddlers.

7. Immune system disorders

Studies show that certain disorders in your immune system also can cause skin rashes.

How do I identify a rash?

You can identify rashes by their symptoms, few known symptoms are:

• Scratched dry, scaly, or crusted skin that can become thick and leathery
• Itching and redness of the skin
• Skin flaking
• When scraped, small, fluid-filled blisters may leak.
• Small lumps on the face, upper arms, and thighs caused by clogged hair follicles.
• The skin surrounding the eyes darkens.

How do I know if my rash is fungal or bacterial?

Rashes can be caused due to viral as well as fungal infections. Virus-caused skin infections commonly appear as red welts or blisters that are itchy and uncomfortable. Meanwhile, fungal infections are characterized by a red, scaly, itchy rash with pustules.

When to see a doctor?

It’s critical to see a doctor if you have a rash that includes the following symptoms:

• A painful throat pain and pain in joints 
• If you’ve recently been bitten by animals
• Red streaks near the rash tender regions near the rash 
• A significant accumulation of pus if you’ve recently been bitten by an animal or bug

If you experience any of these symptoms or even without these symptoms you feel you need assistance consult a doctor as soon as possible. Some rashes can be due to underlying conditions early diagnosing can get adequate treatments for it.

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