Itchy rash

Skin rashes are a symptom that each of us has encountered at least once in a lifetime. The skin, which is the largest human organ, cannot but react to the pathological processes that occur in the body.

A rash on the skin can appear both in a child and in an adult for a variety of reasons. It may not cause any discomfort, except for aesthetic, and may be accompanied by burning and itching.

The itchy rash on the skin is particularly distressing. This symptom can be a manifestation of a variety of diseases, so do not delay a visit to the doctor.

Types of rash

Rashes on the body can manifest themselves in different ways. The rash can have different localization, the shape of the elements, color. Consider the most common types of skin rashes.

Spots (maculae) – rashes, the elements of which are located at the level of the skin and do not protrude above its surface. Depending on the color of the spots, roseola (red), vitiligo (white spots) and areas of limited pigmentation (brown spots) are distinguished.

Blisters are separate elements of the rash, raised above healthy skin. Their surface is thick and rough.

Papules in their appearance resemble nodules that are located in the thickness of the skin. They are solid formations that do not have an internal cavity. The size can vary from the head of a pin to a pea.

Blisters are cavities filled with liquid content that is usually colorless. Blisters are divided into vesicles (small) and bullae (large). In the event that the bladder contains pus, it is called a pustule.

Erosions are elements that differ in size and depth of damage. They are characterized by a violation of the integrity of the skin. In addition, there is a discharge, which can be both transparent and cloudy.

Plaques are large papules or a group of several papules.

Symptom etiology

The causes of the appearance of rashes, accompanied by severe itching, can be different.

First of all, an itchy rash can be a manifestation of an allergic reaction. It can be provoked by plant pollen, animal hair, components of household chemicals and cosmetics, food, and some medicines.

Insect bites, such as ants, mosquitoes, or bedbugs, can also cause a rash with itching. A similar symptom is also manifested in skin diseases: eczema, scabies, dermatitis, prickly heat, lichen, etc. An itchy rash can also indicate infectious diseases – for example, measles or herpes.

Sometimes an itchy rash occurs due to severe stress and chronic sleep deprivation, indicating emotional overstrain. Finally, rashes with itching can occur as a skin reaction to the sun’s rays.

Symptom Diagnosis

In order to find out the cause of the itchy rash and choose the appropriate treatment, you should seek the advice of a therapist or dermatologist. The specialist will conduct an initial examination and draw a conclusion based on several indicators.

1. Quantitative characteristics of the rash. The rash can be presented by one focus or several, rashes can be either scarce or plentiful.
2. Localization of rashes.
3. Symmetry or asymmetry of the skin reaction.
4. The shape, size, color, shape and surface of the lesions.
5. Morphological type of rash (pustules, spots, papules, etc.)
6. The general condition of the patient, the presence of other symptoms, for example, fever, swollen lymph nodes, etc.
7. Allergological history of the patient.

After the initial examination, the doctor may conduct a number of additional studies. This may be scraping, skin biopsy, bacteriological and virological tests.

Itchy rash: possible causes

As noted above, a rash, accompanied by itching and burning, may indicate a variety of diseases. Let’s consider the main ones.

Allergic reaction

An allergy is a reaction of the body to an antigen that the human immune system perceives as a threat. In other words, an allergy rash is a response to contact with allergens. The latter can be medicines, plant pollen, pet hair, food, mold and other factors.

In adults, an allergic rash is manifested by rashes called hives – small red blisters that resemble a nettle burn. Also, manifestations of eczema can signal individual intolerance.

Rashes of red color, accompanied by intense itching, are called toxicoderma or contact dermatitis. In addition to a rash, contact dermatitis is manifested by redness of the affected area of ​​the skin, its soreness, as well as a local increase in temperature. The rash at the same time resembles small bubbles or spots of red color, grouped into small areas. It is always accompanied by severe itching.

Many are interested in how to distinguish allergic rashes from other types of rashes. There are two factors that will help you with this.

1. First of all, allergic rashes always occur after direct contact with a certain allergen substance. As a rule, the connection between the interaction with the allergen and the appearance of a rash can be traced without problems.
2. In addition, with an allergic reaction, the rash usually appears as patches or blisters. It is never pustular and nodular.

However, this does not mean that an allergic rash is harmless. Separate elements of such eruptions can merge, capturing extremely large areas. This causes itching, pain and inflammation.

At the same time, one should not assume that itching of the skin occurs only with allergic rashes. By itself, discomfort in the area of ​​​​the rash cannot be considered a sign that the symptom arose as a reaction to an allergen. The final diagnosis can be made only after conducting allergy tests, which will help to detect the allergen provocateur.

Rash with intestinal infections

Some bowel diseases can manifest as skin rashes. In particular, typhoid fever is accompanied by a very characteristic red rash. These rashes are called roseola. When you click on them, they disappear and then reappear.

Rashes can also appear with other intestinal infections. At the same time, they are accompanied by stool disorders and an increase in body temperature. A rash can also occur with helminthic infestations.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox or chickenpox is an acute viral disease that more often overtakes children than adults. It is characterized by the appearance of pink spots on the skin, which turn into small blisters after about a day. Later, these bubbles burst, tiny wounds appear, which then become covered with a crust. After a few weeks, the crusts completely dry out and fall off on their own.

Chickenpox rashes are accompanied by severe itching. At the same time, it is absolutely not necessary to comb them. This is due to the fact that the rash affects the top layer of the skin, therefore, after the papules dry, no traces will remain. If the wounds are combed, the deeper layers of the epidermis will be damaged, which will lead to the appearance of unaesthetic scars.

Chickenpox is treated with antihistamines. Rashes are treated with an antiseptic. When the temperature rises, antipyretic drugs are allowed.

Rubella

Rubella is a viral disease that mostly affects children. However, infection in adults is also possible. The most dangerous consequences of rubella can be in pregnant women, because in this case, infection of the fetus is possible, which is fraught with congenital malformations of the baby.

The symptom of rubella is a small reddish rash that appears on the body and on the face. Sometimes the inflammatory process can affect the mucous membranes. There may also be a slight increase in temperature and an increase in lymph nodes. The rash may be accompanied by slight itching. After the skin manifestations disappear, there is no scarring.

Measles

This disease provokes the measles virus, which is transmitted by airborne droplets. The initial stage of the disease with its symptoms resembles the usual SARS: patients complain of weakness, severe headache, fever, cough and runny nose. Then, against the background of high temperature, small reddish rashes appear on the skin, which merge, forming large spots. Initially, they appear on the cheeks and neck, and then move to other parts of the body. Characterized by stages of rashes.

Treatment for measles includes taking antihistamines, drinking plenty of fluids, and bed rest. Since patients develop photophobia, it is recommended to protect them from bright light.

Scarlet fever

With scarlet fever, the rash thickens on the inner thighs and in the popliteal folds, as well as on the abdomen and elbows. The diameter of the spots is 1-2 mm. A distinctive characteristic of the rash in scarlet fever is this: if you press the skin with the palm of your hand, the rash disappears. In most children, the rash is quite itchy.

Shingles

The first symptoms of this disease are similar to those of influenza or SARS. Patients complain of body aches, chills, headache, body temperature may be slightly elevated. After a few days, however, there may be a jump in temperature to 38,5-39 ° C and rashes appear on the skin. These are spots of a reddish-pink hue, which then turn into small bubbles filled with a clear liquid. The rash of shingles is very itchy. It is usually located on the face and in the chest area. Sometimes rashes can appear on the upper and lower extremities. The rash is localized along the nerve endings and is accompanied by severe pain.

As with chickenpox, the rash dries up after a while. In its place, itchy crusts form. Rashes with shingles are treated with antiviral agents, analgesics and antiseptics.

Herpes

Herpes is a viral disease, the main symptom of which is blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. It is noteworthy that about 90% of the population of our planet is infected with this virus, but for most people it is in a dormant state. The virus is activated due to hypothermia, stress, a decrease in the overall resistance of the body, lack of sleep, and overwork.

A rash with herpes is a blisters with a liquid cloudy content. The affected areas of the skin are very itchy, but in no case should you comb them. The fluid contained in herpes vesicles is extremely contagious, and therefore, if it comes into contact with healthy skin and mucous membranes, it infects them. Thus, herpes can get into the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. If significant areas are affected by herpes, the patient may have a fever

A skin rash with herpes is treated with special antiviral and antiherpes drugs, as well as analgesics. Alas, today there is no optimal method of therapy that could completely remove the virus from the human body. All remedies are solely aimed at reducing the frequency of exacerbations and their duration.

Pyoderma

Pyoderma is a disease caused by staphylococci and streptococci. In violation of the integrity of the skin, these bacteria affect the sweat and sebaceous glands, as well as hair follicles. Bubbles filled with a cloudy liquid appear on the affected area, which dry out after a certain time, forming a crust.

The rashes that appear with pyoderma are usually very itchy, which only worsens the patient’s condition. Treat the rash with antibiotics.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle due to infection by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Pathogenic microorganisms get into small wounds on the skin. With a decrease in the overall resistance of the body, a red spot appears on the skin around the hair, which then turns into an itchy abscess. With an untimely start of therapy, folliculitis can affect fairly large areas of the skin, provoking the appearance of boils and abscesses. Folliculitis is treated with antibiotics or antifungal drugs, depending on what caused the disease.

Peregrine lichen

Pityriasis versicolor is a fungal skin disease. It is considered relatively safe because it is not contagious and does not cause complications. The disease is characterized by the appearance of yellowish-brown dots on the skin, which then turn into spots with clear boundaries. These spots are covered with small scales and always provoke a slight itch. The disease is treated with antifungal drugs.

Scabies

It is a highly contagious skin disease that presents as small papules or blisters. The disease is caused by a microscopic parasite, the scabies mite.

Skin itching is the main symptom of scabies. At the same time, uncomfortable sensations intensify at night. Scabies most often affects the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, armpits, and abdomen.

Eczema

This is a non-contagious disease, the cause of which can be either external stimuli or malfunctions of the endocrine and nervous systems. Eczema is characterized by rashes accompanied by intense itching. The affected areas swell. The eczema rash resembles blisters that burst, releasing a clear liquid. Most often, foci of eczema occur on the limbs and face. When the weeping foci begin to dry out, crusts appear in their place, which also itch. Exacerbation of eczema usually occurs as a result of physical and, above all, emotional stress. To treat discomfort and rashes, sedatives, corticosteroid ointments, and antipruritic drugs are used.

Pink acne

Rosacea is the scientific name for the disease, which is popularly known as “rosacea”. This is a disease characterized by the appearance of rashes on the skin of the face. Outwardly, the rash resembles red tubercles and pustules. In the zone of rashes, the skin turns red, becomes denser, and a vascular network appears. Typically, rosacea affects the skin of the nose and cheeks, as well as the forehead and chin. Sometimes the rash can move to the neck, chest and back. The rosacea rash is itchy, and patients complain of a burning sensation. Some patients also suffer from eye damage, which is manifested by reddening of the whites, dryness, and a feeling of “sand” under the eyelids.

Doctors associate rosacea with improperly selected cosmetics, endocrine diseases, malfunctions of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, and also with an adverse reaction to certain medications. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat rosacea, as well as topical agents, including corticosteroid ointments.

When a visit to the doctor can not be delayed

Of course, an itchy rash can be just a manifestation of an allergy, and antihistamines and topical preparations will help solve this problem. However, in some cases, a visit to the doctor should not be delayed, since rashes and itching may indicate serious pathological processes in the body.

So, without fail, a medical consultation is necessary if the rashes and itching last longer than a week and the manifestations of the symptom do not become less intense. You should not postpone a visit to the doctor if the discomfort caused by skin manifestations is so strong that it interferes with sleep, and also if the disease gradually spreads, capturing healthy areas of the body.

You should immediately seek medical help if an itchy rash is accompanied by fever, increased fatigue, a change in the consistency of the stool, and also if rashes appear in your household.

How to relieve symptoms

To reduce the intensity of discomfort associated with an itchy rash, you should follow a few rules.

First of all, give up synthetic clothing. Opt for smooth natural fabrics.

Minimize skin contact with harsh chemicals. Household chemicals and cosmetics can provoke a deterioration in the condition. Switch to the use of cosmetics for sensitive skin – products that are free of fragrances and dyes.

Do not comb itchy places, otherwise inflammation and suppuration is inevitable. To avoid involuntary scratching of problem areas at night, trim your nails or wear thin cotton gloves before going to bed.

Pharmacies offer a wide range of products that will help relieve itching and moisturize the skin. They can be produced in different forms: creams, ointments, emulsions, gels. In the event that the rashes are on the face, it is best to use a gel that has a lighter structure. If the rash is on the neck or limbs, get an ointment or emulsion.

With an allergic rash, antihistamines will help solve the problem. Note that many of them are available in the form of ointments and gels. This option is preferable to conventional tablets, as it allows you to apply the product directly to the affected area.

If you notice symptoms, do not delay visiting a doctor. It may be necessary to take emergency measures. Otherwise, the disease can progress, or pass on to others.

Sources of