Different Types of Skin Rashes

The skin is the largest organ of the body.  It covers the whole body protecting it from head to toe. In a normal adult the skin averages more than 2 square yards or 17,000 square centimeters and weighs about 9 pounds or 4 kilograms.  It is our first line of defense. It is exposed to all elements and therefore healthy skin, is a vital organ and must be treated kindly.

Being a front liner, the skin is exposed to a variety of maladies, ranging from inconsequential to serious and life-threatening. Rashes are the most common skin disorder that affects both children and adults. Rash means the growth of some red bumps on the skin caused by irritation. The skin may become swollen, itchy and bumpy.

Rashes in babies and children

Babies and young children are the most prone to rashes. They are sensitive because they are not yet immune to certain bacteria and viruses. The following are different types of skin rashes affecting babies and young children. 

Diaper rash is a red, puffy rash under and around the area covered by a diaper. Simple moisture, ammonia in urine or the acidic bowel movements are commonly the cause of this type of rash. The readily available disposable diapers and baby wipes sometimes cause diaper rash. Some baby soaps could also be a cause. The yeast called Candida may also be a factor.

Prickly heat rash is common among infants. These are small red dots appears on their head, neck, shoulders and back. This usually appears during hot weather or when babies are overdressed causing them to perspire a lot. Allowing the skin to breath is the solution.

Prickly heat rash goes away easily as soon as the condition is corrected.

Roseola is a common viral disease. Usually the child gets high fever at the start, and then a pink or red blotchy rash develops. It starts on the neck, chest and back. It then spreads to the legs, arms and face. The fever normally drops once the rash appears. Children affected are between 9 and 18 months in age.

Eczema is the most common type of skin inflammation. It is also called dermatitis and refers to several conditions that share a pattern of changes in the surface of the skin. The first episode is itching and redness of the skin with tiny bumps or blisters. Left untreated or with wrong management, it develops to long term condition or chronic eczema. With chronic eczema, skin thickens, develops flaking, dryness and color changes. Most eczema is related to allergies or contact with certain irritants like chemicals. It could also be associated with an underlying medical condition that cause edema or fluid retention in the legs.

Skin rash in adults are likewise triggered by external material such as dust, food, dry air, animal dander, certain fabrics, chemical and many more. Some skin rashes could also be due to dry skin condition. Skin allergies or Infection or maybe growth of fungus in the skin could also be the cause.

The following are common skin rash affecting adults:

Dry skin Rash

The most common skin rash among adults is the dry skin rash.  Having dry skin could cause one to develop skin rashes because of the dryness. Dry skin is easily irritated, especially during cold and dry seasons. However these are just triggering factors. Skin

becomes extremely itchy and inflamed, causing redness, swelling, cracking, weeping, crusting and scaling. This type of rash comes and goes, even with out medication. However when skin is subjected to too much scratching, skin may become infected.

Skin rash due to allergy

The people affected by this type of skin rash are those who already have certain allergies to chemicals, fabric, animal dander or other allergens.

Skin rash due to fungal infection

This type of skin rash is normally due to improper hygiene. Anti fungal Spray or crème is the answer to this type and obviously, proper hygiene can prevent the fungus that causes the skin rash to come back.

There is one rule that must be strictly followed when inflicted with skin rash - do not scratch.