Itchy rashes can make going about one’s day, quite difficult. The following article will cover some skin conditions that burn, along with ways on how to soothe itchy skin.
Inflammation of the skin leads to a rash on the body. Skin rashes come in a variety of textures and colors, depending on the site of the rash. They can be localized or may spread throughout the body, if left untreated.
Painful Skin Rashes
They have characteristic traits. These rashes that itch are red in color and cause swollen and crusty sores. In some cases, these sores form pus with bleeding, and may lead to blisters or scarring. They are extremely uncomfortable and irritating. Some of them can be contagious and spread to others on contact.
Atopic Eczema
The most common type of skin rash is atopic eczema. This condition is characterized by rashes that itch and burn. There is a formation of blisters, filled with pus-like fluid. If untreated, it may lead to a secondary bacterial infection.
Heat Rash
A heat rash can turn into an intense and painful skin condition. The affected skin patch feels itchy, burns, and may form superficial blisters. These blisters are deep red in color where skin bumps go away on their own. Sweating aggravates a heat rash, because of the irritation caused by salt present in it. You need to take a nice cool bath or use a cold compress to get rid of a heat rash.
Dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin is called dermatitis. When the skin comes in direct contact with an irritant it develops a skin rash. The symptoms include skin redness, itchiness, and a burning sensation. Detergents, cosmetics, latex rubber, and industrial solvents are common irritants that cause dermatitis.
Jock Itch
A jock itch is a fungal infection that causes a rash near the genital area. This condition is caused by many factors like poor hygiene, wearing nylon clothes/undergarments, an imbalanced diet, taking certain antibiotics, etc. You can apply tea tree oil or honey on the affected area to help soothe persistent symptoms.
Pityriasis Rosea
This skin rash is very itchy and causes a single oval lesion on the trunk area. Scaling lesions and peripheral collarette scaling is noticed, with a clear patch amidst the lesion. These lesions are very itchy and have a salmon-like color in people with light skin. Those with darker skin tones have a hyperpigmented rash.
Cercarial Dermatitis
Swimmer’s itch or cercarial dermatitis is a rash that is caused by a waterborne allergic reaction. It occurs due to a parasite that burrows itself into the upper layer of the skin. These rashes appear as tiny blisters. Although it is not a serious reaction, the sensitivity of a person increases every time he/she comes in contact with infected water. Home remedies include applying a baking soda mix or taking colloidal oatmeal baths.
Intertrigo
Skin inflammation that occurs due to skin-to-skin friction is called intertrigo. It occurs near warm, moist areas of the body, like where the skin tends to fold (armpits, inner thighs, and the like). The skin becomes very sensitive and painful. In severe cases, one observes cracked skin, bleeding, and even oozing sores. It can be treated by keeping the area clean and dry. One should wear loose-fitting clothes and visit a doctor for an appropriate medication or ointment.
Skin Rashes on Legs
Staphylococcal folliculitis
This is a bacterial infection of the hair follicles. Staphylococcus aureus infects the hair follicles causing red or pus-filled protrusions where hair is present. These bumps look like acne and appear on the legs, thighs, trunk, and face. These bumps are very itchy and cause intense burning.
Cholinergic Urticaria
Cholinergic urticaria is a condition that is caused by sweating, commonly known as hives. This condition causes itching on one’s legs, arms, or any area that is subjected to excessive sweat. It causes small bumps on skin that persist for 1 to 2 hours, as brought on by a cutaneous inflammation. This condition is said to occur because the person is allergic to his own sweat, where the condition is aggravated if it is left untreated.
Pants Paresthesia Syndrome
Itchy pants syndrome or pants paresthesia syndrome is a condition that mostly affects middle-aged men. It occurs when one wears new pants or pants made of a synthetic material. This causes skin irritation, dermatitis, and a skin rash that itches and burns. It usually happens when new clothes (or in this case, pants) are worn, causing a case of itchy rashes that can appear on one’s arms and back too.
Stasis Eczema
This is a condition that occurs due to deep vein thrombosis. When blood cannot be pumped efficiently from the leg’s veins, it causes fluid to collect in the lower leg tissues (varicose veins). The symptoms include swollen legs that develop cracks, scaling, and itchiness. Treating deep vein thrombosis will help get rid of this condition.
Psoriasis
One of the most common skin disorders is psoriasis. This genetic condition is characterized by silvery scales, and red skin patches that itch and burn. Psoriasis is commonly seen on the elbows and knees. Other areas affected by this incurable condition are arms, torso, scalp and legs. Treatment is available to help lessen the persistence of symptoms, but there is no cure as of now. A treatment method worth looking into called infliximab therapy, can help rid the body of patchy, red lesions and rashes.
Skin Rashes in Children
Are you worried about the itchy rashes that may affect your child? These rashes that itch cause a lot of irritation and discomfort in little ones, making any parent worry. Let’s take a look at some of the common cases of itchy, burning skin rashes.
Baby Acne
This is condition that affects the cheek and forehead of children. In some cases, tiny white pimples appear on the chin. The baby acne is surrounded by red skin and is present at birth or occurs between 2 to 4 weeks from birth.
Chickenpox
Varicella zoster is a very contagious disease and affects anyone who comes into contact (who’ve never had chickenpox before). The condition lasts for about 2 weeks where the child remains restless due to the constant itching and burning. Some children develop a fever and become very weak. The rash develops superficial blisters that rupture to form a crust. There is no therapy for chickenpox, but you can prevent this skin rash that itches and burns, by giving your child a chickenpox vaccine.
Scabies
Scabies is an itchy skin condition that is caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites infect the skin and rapidly multiply. They are spread upon skin contact and cause intense redness and itching.
Urticaria
Urticaria or hives is a common skin condition that causes itchy, pink, and red bumps on the skin. This usually occurs due to an allergic reaction and lasts for about a few hours. During the duration of this condition (also known as hives, nettle rash, or welts), the child suffers from intense itchiness. Antihistamines are usually prescribed for ongoing cases, including corticosteroids for severe cases. Those suffering long-term hives are usually met by a dermatologist.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
A child developing an allergy to a substance like nickel, chromates, cobalt, thimerosal, gold, topical steroids etc., suffers from allergic contact dermatitis. The allergy occurs within 48 to 72 hours from exposure to the allergen.
Poison Ivy
This allergy is caused by one being in contact with poison ivy; causes red, itchy skin with raised blisters. The doctor may advise a prescription cream to help cope with the reaction.
Diaper Rash
Children who wear diapers develop a rash around their thighs, buttocks, and genitals. The rash becomes deep red in color and a bit puffy in appearance. It causes intense itch and a burning sensation that causes the infant and toddler to cry a lot.
There are plenty of other dermatological conditions that cause itching. If you suffer from intense itching that does not subside in a few hours, visit a doctor immediately. It is very important to seek treatment for skin rashes, before it turns into a serious skin disorder.
