Rash is a general term used to describe different kinds of skin inflammation outbreaks that result in discoloration and changes how the skin feels and looks. Heat rash, poison ivy and eczema are common types of skin rashes, with viral, parasitic and bacterial infection the most common culprits. There are many kinds of rashes, with the following the most frequent.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

This is the most common skin rash among adults, characterized by red scaling that shows up on the external ears, cheeks, brows, forehead and scalp.

Atopic Dermatitis

Popularly known as eczema, this skin rash is very common among children and produces weeping, itchy red rashes. Eczema usually appears on the ankles, wrists, neck, cheeks, the back of the knees and elbows. Eczema is also frequent among patients who suffer from hay fever or asthma.

Contact Dermatitis

This skin rash is caused by contact with a chemical that the individual is allergic to, or a substance that causes skin irritation. The condition can also be attributed to chemicals that serve as allergens and irritants.

Contact dermatitis is often oozy and weepy and affects the part of the skin that made contact with the substance or chemical. The most common examples are skin reactions caused by wearing jewelry laden with nickel, poison oak or poison ivy.

Diaper Rash

Diaper rash affects infants when urine or feces in the diaper make skin contact for an extended period.

Stasis Dermatitis

This is a weepy, oozy skin rash that affects a person’s lower legs. It is due to poor circulation within the veins, and those with chronic swelling are the most susceptible.

Psoriasis

This rash is notable for its bumpy scaling eruption that usually occurs on the knees, elbows and scalp. Psoriasis doesn’t ooze or weep and is characterized by skin flakes that fall off.

Nummular Eczema

Nummular eczema is another oozy, weepy skin rash that usually appears as coin shaped plaques. It usually affects people with dry skin and frequently appears during winter.

Skin Rashes Caused by Drugs

Some drugs produce skin rashes as a side effect, and their effect and appearance are similar to rashes caused by viral infections. However, this isn’t always the case and sometimes these medications bring about other kinds of inflammation.

Viral Rash

Viral infections like shingles are localized in a particular area of the body, but most viral rashes spread and usually symmetrical. Individuals afflicted with viral rashes may also suffer from other symptoms like stomach upset, nausea, sneezing and coughing. Usually this condition goes away after a few days or a couple of weeks, although treatment may be prescribed for the itching.

Hives

Hives are itchy, reddish bumps that appear on the skin and disappear after a few hours. However, hives do recur.

Heat Rash

This is a skin eruption brought about by sweat ducts occlusion during hot weather. This can happen to anyone at any age, but statistics show that it usually strikes babies that are being kept warm. Like other skin inflammation, heat rash resembles small blisters or a group of pimples.

Heat rash usually appears on the upper chest and neck, but these can also manifest on the elbow creases, under the breasts and the groin area. There are several treatments that may be prescribed but the first step is to move the person to a cooler place. Because the condition is not due to an infectious organism, over the counter medication is usually given as treatment.

The majority of heat rash cases are treated with over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream for about a week or two. By that time the symptoms should dissipate and disappear, and if they don’t the person should get medical attention.

Treatments

Rashes are usually not serious and over the counter products may be used for treatment. However if the symptoms do not disappear after a few days one should see a doctor immediately. Medical attention is also required if the rashes get worse or cause physical pain.

Various kinds of treatments are available, depending on the rash. For shingles the doctor may prescribe Acyclovir, as this has proven to be an effective antiviral drug. Apart from shingles, acyclovir is also used to treat chickenpox and some cases of thyroid cancer as well.

Several nonprescription medications are available such as anti-itch creams with 1% hydrocortisone cream, and there are also oral antihistamines like hydroxyzine and diphenhydramine. Mild skin rash skin symptoms can be treated with moisturizing lotions, especially those with terbinafine, myconazole  or clotrimazole. However these are only effective for mild cases of rashes, because serious ones need the aid of a dermatologist or physician.

There are many other kinds of rashes, and it’s important that you see a doctor if the symptoms are severe or OTC medications don’t work. While it’s true that some skin rashes are easy to treat, they could develop complications if not handled properly.