Most common in summer months,a significant number of people suffer from skin rashes,many of which can be attributed to allergies. Different types of skin rashes can sometimes be diagnosed by their visual appearance. For example,those which are itchy and manifest in scaly patches are often referred to as eczema but even then,there are a number of different types of eczema as well! The point here is that there are so many different types of skin rashes that a proper diagnosis is needed before even attempting to treat them.
Some types of skin rashes are genetically predisposed. Again,eczema is one type of skin rash that seems to run in families,especially those with a family history of allergies both food and airborne. There is a definite link to individuals and families who suffer from the hay fever family of allergies and those who suffer from periodic bouts of eczema. Although these may be easily treated with corticosteroids and/or antihistamine creams,they are the most difficult in the respect that there really is no cure.
When rashes manifest in patches of skin that may also have angry red pustules,there is a very good possibility that an infection is present. The rash itself may be the result of an infection or the infection may be the result of scratching an itchy rash! In cases like this there are a number of antibiotic creams and salves which can be used to kill the infection but it may also be necessary to reduce the inflammation with an anti-inflammatory cream such as a cortisone based cream.
The odd thing about the different types of skin rashes is that sometimes they could be systemic while other times they could be acute. Eczema,of example,is almost always systemic as the predisposition of getting it is hereditary and it is brought about by allergies in many cases. Acute skin rashes such as those which would develop after exposure to poison ivy and caused by an external irritant come on quite quickly and may even be more difficult to diagnose if the source of the irritant is unknown.
Simply because there are so many different types of skin rashes it is important to keep in mind that the layperson should probably not try to self-diagnose. Some skin rashes could be indicative of some more serious condition while others could simply be a case of ‘heat rash’ or an allergy to soap. This is even more important with children as there are so many childhood ailments that are accompanied by a rash. Everything from measles and chicken pox to poison ivy will at some point or other infect a child and sometimes without a fever! The best course of action is to see a doctor immediately if a rash suddenly develops because it may necessitate a prescription pharmaceutical. Always err on the side of safety.