Your Guide To Types Of Skin Rashes – Forbes

A skin rash is an irritated or swollen area of skin and is often a symptom of other medical issues, such as allergies or substance intolerances. Affected areas may redden, itch, cause pain, blister or become raw. Skin rashes can appear quickly or over time, and while most will disappear quickly, some rashes may need long-term treatment if symptoms persist.

Though there are many types of skin rashes, below are some of the most common.

Eczema is a very common skin rash that causes swelling and may involve dryness, itching, scaly patches, infections and blisters. Eczema occurs in newborns, children and adults, and it affects more than 31 million people in the U.S., according to the National Eczema Association. This skin condition can present in many forms, including:

A number of factors contribute to eczema, among them being a persons environment and genetics. In most cases of eczema, an environmental factor triggers an immune response reaction, causing inflammation and eczema symptoms in the skin. This instance is often referred to as a flare up.

Atopic dermatitis is a common form of skin rash and the most common type of eczema. It can affect people of all age groups, from newborns to seniors. This type of skin rash is caused by an overreaction of the immune system to small irritants.

Atopic dermatitis is most common in children, with some reports saying close to 25% of children in the U.S. may have the disease, says Joshua Grosshandler, an Ohio-based dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. All races can be affected but, in the U.S., there seems to be a higher number of African Americans and Asians than Caucasians.

Dr. Grosshandler explains that atopic dermatitis typically affects those with an atopic diathesis, or a predisposition to seasonal allergies, asthma and food allergies. Atopic dermatitis is a complex disease and is not fully understood.

Research suggests that family history of atopic dermatitis, food allergies, seasonal allergies, asthma, the immune system and environment all likely have a role in causing atopic dermatitis, says Dr. Grosshandler. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic potential lifelong condition and cannot be cured, so the goal of treatment is to control the condition, which includes reducing flares, decreasing symptoms like itch and improving the appearance of the skin.

A variety of medications and skin care routines can be used to help control symptoms, according to Dr. Grosshandler, including:

If youve ever gone hiking only to come home itching and scratching around your ankles, elbows or arms, you may have experienced contact dermatitisirritation or inflammation caused by coming into contact with an allergen or substance like poison ivy, poison oak or another external factor.

Contact dermatitis refers to a group of skin conditions for which the rash is due to direct contact with a causative agent either resulting in the irritation of the skin or an allergic reaction, says Dr. Grosshandler. The two main types are allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis.

Allergic contact dermatitis refers to a skin rash that appears as a delayed allergic reaction. This type of rash may appear one to two days after the skin is exposed to an allergen, such as poison ivy.

Irritant contact dermatitis refers to when skin cells are damaged due to exposure to an irritating substance. These reactions make up nearly 80% of all contact dermatitis cases, according to the National Eczema Association.

Both types of contact dermatitis can develop in anyone, although there are some groups that have a higher risk, such as those with atopic dermatitis, adds Dr. Grosshandler. Some allergens known to cause the condition include nickel, urushiol (the oil in poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac), fragrance and latex.

Symptoms of contact dermatitis are often itchy, bumpy or flaky skin around the affected area. More severe cases can result in oozing blisters and heavy swelling. Symptoms may also cause disruptions in sleep and day-to-day activities due to discomfort.

To treat contact dermatitis:

Dermatologists may also prescribe steroids to help address itching and accompanying symptoms. In both allergic and irritant cases of contact dermatitis, its important to know and avoid the substance that causes the reaction. For severe allergic reactions, contact your health care provider.

Rosacea is very common in the U.S., with reports of 14 million people affected, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. It typically occurs in individuals between 30 and 50 years of age, with women being more likely to be affected than men.

There are four types of rosacea:

Fair-skinned individuals with light hair, light eyes and a Northern European ancestry have the classic background for rosacea, but it can affect those of all skin colors and genetic backgrounds, says Dr. Grosshandler.

The exact cause of rosacea is unknown, but there are multiple theories that involve genetics, environmental factors, vascular changes, inflammation and the immune system, explains Dr. Grosshandler. Sun exposure, for example, can cause the symptoms to intensify. Untreated rosacea tends to worsen over time.

While there isnt a cure for rosacea, there are different approaches to help manage the symptoms. Common rosacea triggers to consider avoiding include:

Medication can also be used to help treat rosacea. Prescription medications [to treat rosacea] include topical metronidazole, topical sodium sulfacetamide sulfur, topical ivermectin, topical azelaic acid, topical tetracycline, topical oxymetazoline, oral tetracycline antibiotics and vascular lasers such as the PDL, says Dr. Grosshandler. He also suggests implementing a consistent skin care routine with sunscreen, gentle cleansers and moisturizers to help manage outbreaks.

Psoriasisa type of rash identified by the itchy, red, scaly texture it creates on skinis thought to be caused by an autoimmune disorder, and it can follow a viral infection such as strep throat. However, the underlying cause of psoriasis is still unknown. If left untreated, psoriasis can worsen and become very painful.

Psoriasis is a common skin condition with approximately 2% of the population affected, says Dr. Grosshandler. Psoriasis can start at any age, but ages 15 to 25 and 50 to 60 are two peaks to see it present.

There are several types of psoriasis, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases.

Much like eczema, experts think psoriasis may be caused by a mixture of geneticspeople with the condition tend to have relatives who also suffer from psoriasisand environmental triggers. Mental health problems, being overweight, infection and some medications are also known triggers of psoriasis.

Medicinal treatment options for psoriasis include topical steroids, topical vitamin D creams, methotrexate (an immune suppressor used to slow the growth and division of cells), retinoids, biologic response monitors (injectable medications used to block, decrease or stop inflammation) Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors (used to suppress rapid cell turnover and inflammation) and immunosuppressants, among others.

Phototherapythe use of ultraviolet (UV) light on the affected area of skinis a treatment method typically used when large areas of the body are affected. This treatment can be offered in a doctors office or, if prescribed a proper UV light, at home.

While some rashes are not harmful and can be treated with gentle washing, others can be more severe and spread at rapid rates. If you experience skin rash symptoms, speak with your health care provider to discuss proper diagnosis and treatment.

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Your Guide To Types Of Skin Rashes - Forbes