Rashes can be a big concern, particularly if they’re painful. Not to mention, their unsightly appearance can make us feel insecure, and desperately wondering what the cause is. The good news is that by understanding the reason behind your rash, you can hopefully calm it down, and ideally eliminate it altogether. Most importantly, you can prevent it from happening again in the future. To help you, here are some likely reasons you may have developed your rash.
Allergic Reaction
Many people dismiss the idea of an allergic reaction immediately, since they assume they’ve never been allergic to something before. However, people can develop an allergy even in their adult years to something they never had a reaction to before. Essentially, your immune system will reject something that it typically interpreted as harmless and now sees it as a threat. It usually results in itching and swelling and requires a trip to the doctor. Your doctor will help you identify whether they believe your rash is contact dermatitis or not.
Infection
Believe it or not, there are some infections that can lead to a rash. Did you know that chicken pox is considered an infection? That’s right, chicken pox is an example of a viral infection, and also includes other infections like shingles and measles–– typically widespread rashes.
On the other hand, you can develop a bacterial infection like impetigo which results in blisters in one localized part of the body. Lastly, fungal infections are red itchy, and scaly, and usually develop in patches.
Heat Rash
Heat rash occurs when your body gets so hot that your sweat ducts get clogged. In other words, you’re literally trapping sweat under the skin, and resulting in itchy red painful bumps. If you notice that your rash is developing in areas that are prone to sweating, like your neck, inner thighs, or armpits, then it may be a result of overheating.
For some people, particularly those who are overweight, heat rash can be unavoidable during the hot months. The best you can do is apply cream as needed, and wear loose-fitting and breathable clothing whenever possible.
Eczema
Do you have itchy patches all over your body that are extremely inflamed and sometimes even painful? It may be a result of eczema, which can be triggered by a wide variety of factors. Some people’s eczema comes on as a result of stress, while other people’s eczema is a result of an allergy.
Usually, eczema occurs on the hands and face, however it can develop anywhere on the body. If you suspect your rash is due to eczema, you want to stop applying over-the-counter creams or perfumes immediately. Talk to your doctor about topical steroids, and avoid strong soaps until the rash calms down.
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