
Itchy Rash on Arms
Itchy rash on arms or elsewhere should not be concerning if it resolves within a day or two. But if you think that the problem is getting worse with time, then you ought to know what's causing it.
Rajib Singha
Last Updated: Apr 9, 2018
In most cases, itchy skin rash appears to be mild initially. But depending on its underlying cause, it may become irritating and painful with time. The following lists some common medical conditions behind itchy skin rash and what their treatment plan comprise.
Lichen Planus - An itchy skin rash that mostly occurs on arms is caused by the chronic inflammatory skin condition called lichen planus. The condition mostly affects the inner forearm and inner wrist. Lichen planus is not infectious. The rash may be accompanied by:
» Lesions or groups of them
» Lesions may be purplish, flat-topped, and have vivid sharp borders
» Affected skin may become scaly or have a shiny appearance
» Lesions may be covered by white lines. These lines are called Wickham striae
» Lesions may be purplish, flat-topped, and have vivid sharp borders
» Affected skin may become scaly or have a shiny appearance
» Lesions may be covered by white lines. These lines are called Wickham striae
Treatment plan:
- Corticosteroids
- Retinoids
- Nonsteroidal creams or ointments
- Antihistamines
- Phototherapy
- Managing triggers
» Red bumps
» Scaly, thickened skin
» Blisters
» Pain and tenderness in the affected area
» Scaly, thickened skin
» Blisters
» Pain and tenderness in the affected area
Treatment plan:
- Avoiding substances that may act as irritants or allergens
- Topical medicines to relieve itching
- Oral drugs (in severe cases)
» Affected skin becomes red and irritated
» The rash feels raised
» Blisters
» Sores
» The rash feels raised
» Blisters
» Sores
Treatment plan:
- Topical antifungal medicines
- Oral antifungals
» Red or pink rash on skin
» Raised itchy spots
» The welts may cover a large area of skin
» Severe itching
» Burning or stinging sensation (rare)
» Raised itchy spots
» The welts may cover a large area of skin
» Severe itching
» Burning or stinging sensation (rare)
Treatment plan:
- Antihistamines
- Short course of steroid medicines (for severe cases)
Eczema - A long-lasting skin condition, eczema causes itchy inflammation of the skin. It is also known as atopic dermatitis. Although it may affect any area of the body, arms and areas behind the knee are mostly affected. The rash caused by this condition appear in the form of patches. Eczema is not contagious. Its symptoms are as follows:
» Red, dry, and cracked skin
» Itching tends to be severe at night
» Fluid-filled itchy bumps
» Skin becomes thick and swollen
» Secondary bacterial infections
» Itching tends to be severe at night
» Fluid-filled itchy bumps
» Skin becomes thick and swollen
» Secondary bacterial infections
Treatment plan:
- Antibiotics
- Corticosteroids (oral, injections)
- Oral antihistamines
- Light therapy
» Shortness of breath
» Red spots that seem to spread to the whole body
» Red skin discoloration
» Scaly or thickened skin
» Red spots that seem to spread to the whole body
» Red skin discoloration
» Scaly or thickened skin
Treatment plan:
- Discontinuing medicines that are causing the rash
- Antihistamines to relieve symptoms
» Pain
» Burning and tingling sensation
» Numbness in the affected area
» Fever (38 degree Celsius)
» Malaise
» Burning and tingling sensation
» Numbness in the affected area
» Fever (38 degree Celsius)
» Malaise
Treatment plan:
- Antivirals (to reduce risk of complications, and hasten recovery)
- Symptomatic treatment with anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, and numbing agents
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.