Where does a rash on the body come from and what to do about it

A rash on the body is common. More often than not, it does not harmRash 101 in adults: When to seek medical treatment health: small red spots, pimples, blisters spoil the appearance, itch, but quickly disappear by themselves.

However, sometimes rashes can be symptoms of serious and even life-threatening disorders.

When to see a doctor urgently

Go to your GP, dermatologist, nearest emergency room, or call an ambulance as soon as possible ifRash 101 in adults: When to seek medical treatment:

• The rash has spread all over the body.
• The rash is accompanied by a fever. A temperature above 38.3 ° C indicates an acute inflammatory process.
• The rash on the body appeared suddenly and is getting thicker. This could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction that is at risk of developing into Quincke's edema or even anaphylactic shock. Take special care if a rash appears in the face and neck area. If you notice that it becomes difficult to breathe, immediately dial 103 or 112.
• The rash is blistering. That is, in place of numerous red spots, bubbles filled with liquid begin to appear.
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• It hurts to touch the rashes.
• The rash on the body is very itchy, and you easily comb it until it bleeds. In this case, there is a risk of introducing infection into the wounds and getting blood poisoning.

If there are no threatening symptoms, breathe out. Most likely, nothing terrible happens to you.

What are the causes of body rashes

It is often difficult to determine on the fly where the rash came from. Here are some of the most common options.What is causing my rash?.

Insect bites

The bite of a mosquito or, say, a bee is easy to recognize: in its place there is a round, dense swelling that itches or hurts. Such damage to the skin cannot be confused with a rash. But there are insects whose bites are like rashes. These are, for example, fleas - bed or sand.

If you find itchy red spots on your skin in the morning or after the beach, you may have been bitten.

Photoallergy

She's an allergic reactionSun allergy for ultraviolet light ("solar poisoning"). The rash can be different:

• minor itchy redness;
• flesh-colored pimples that feel like sandpaper;
• blisters;
• spots of distinct red color, tending to merge into a single whole.

Most often, an allergy to the sun arises due to the fact that during sunburn, some harmful substance - cream, lotion, medicine, plant juice - and ultraviolet light turned it into allergen. Another option: you accept medicinedue to which the skin has become sensitive to the sun.

Contact dermatitis

It occurs when some toxic substance (allergen) gets on the skin and the epidermis responds with irritation and rashes. Allergens are often:

• The juice or pollen of some plantssuch as poison ivy or nettle. Skin reactions to nettle pollen are so common that the characteristic rash on the skin is called hives.
• Latex.
• Some metals that can be found in jewelry, hairpins, key chains. Most often, an allergy occurs to nickel, cobalt, chromium, copper.
• Various cosmetic products - from creams to eau de toilette.
• Dyes in cheap clothes.

Allergy to medicines

Rashes and itching can be a side effect of certain medications, such as antibiotics. If you have recently started taking a new medicine, see the instructions. At the same time, check if there is any mention of the drug has a photosensitizing (that is, increasing sensitivity to sunlight) effect.

Hay fever

He - pollen allergy. This option can be suspected if the rash appears against the background of other signs of an allergic reaction:

• runny nose;
• watery eyes;
• obsessive coughing or sneezing.

Food allergy

It can manifest itself as hives, appearing on different parts of the body, and scarlet rashes on the cheeks (this symptom is more typical for young children).

The most common food allergens areFood Allergies:

• eggs;
• milk;
• peanuts and hazelnuts;
• fish and crustaceans;
• wheat;
• soy.

Skin infections

A rash can appear due to bacteria, fungi, viruses that attack the epidermis.

For example, ringworm develops round, itchy patches with a bright border. This fungal infection, contrary to stereotypes, can attack not only the scalp, but any other area of ​​the skin.

An example of a viral infection is molluscum contagiosum. This disease makes itself felt with convex reddish-brown and, importantly, hard tubercles with a diameter of 1–5 mm, which can appear anywhere on the body. Despite the name, no shellfish lives under the skin. This is a skin reaction to a virus.

What to do if a rash appears on the body

Symptoms for which you need to see a doctor as soon as possible are described above. If you don't have them, you can try managing your rash at home.What is causing my rash?.

• Keep your skin clean. In the morning, evening, and as it gets dirty, gently wash it with warm water and mild, odorless soap. Until the rash subsides, stop using harsh washcloths and brushes.
• Wear soft and breathable fabrics. The irritated skin must breathe.
• Control humidity air in the room where you are. The optimal value is 40-60%.
• Eliminate foods that are potential allergens from your diet.
• If the rash occurs after you start using new makeup, stop using it for a while. And monitor your condition.
• Moisturize your skin. This will reduce itching and help the epidermis heal faster. It is best to apply moisturizers right after showering or bathing. Use only hypoallergenic creams, lotions or gels.

If the itching is so severe that you cannot forget about it, consult a dermatologist or therapist. Your doctor will recommend antihistamines or over-the-counter ointments to help reduce discomfort.

You should also see a doctor if the rash does not decrease after a day or two, or if you think it is unusual, inexplicable, or causes concern. The doctor will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the most effective treatment.