Introduction

Healthy skin acts as a barrier. A rash indicates abnormal skin reaction.

Causes of rash

• Soap, detergents, shampoos, perfumes, cosmetics or lotions
• Jewelry, studs in jeans, bra straps etc
• Insecticides, pesticides and fertilizer
• Poisonous plants
• Exposure to insects or parasites such as scabies mite
• Fabric
• New tools, toys, appliances or any objects which irritate the skin
• Latex

Other causes include :

• Skin infections such as herpes zoster (‘kayap’)
• Fungal infections and impetigo
• Insecticides, pesticides and fertilizer
• Sexually transmitted diseases such as Syphilis
• Chronic skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis
• Dry, cold weather, extremely hot weather (heat rash)
• Emotional stress
• Liver, kidney disease and cancer.

Treatment

• Usually mild and may disappear with home treatment
• Wash the contact area with large amounts of water
• Use gentle soap and water sparingly
• Leave the rash exposed to the air whenever possible
• Do not scratch the rash as it may worsen the lesion
• Keep the itchy area cool and moist (remember, repeated wetting and drying will dry your skin)
• Calamine lotion is helpful for contact dermatitis
• Try Medication for itchiness such as antihistamine

Prevention

• Avoid contact with the substance that causes the allergy
• Use protective gloves
• Keep fingernails short to prevent skin damage from scratching
• Avoid contact with affected person who has skin infections
• Avoid excessive bathing as it depletes skin moisture
• Use moisturizer frequently to restore skin texture
• Avoid scratching or rubbing vigorously
• Practice good hygiene
• Learn to handle stress

When to see a doctor?

• Rash persists or gets worse despite home treatment
• Unable to tolerate the itchiness
• Blistering lesions, cracked and painful
• Fever
• Rapid swelling of the throat, tongue, lips, eyelids or face
• Lesion in the mouth associated with drooling or inability to swallow
• Previous history of allergy to the same agent
• Drowsy
• Blood spots under the skin (petechiae)
• Joint pain or swelling
• Sore in the genital area and discharge

FAQ’s

Are all skin rashes contagious?

• Most of the skin rashes are not contagious, except those caused by infection such as fungal infection and scabies.

Do rashes come back after treatment?

• Most of them will go away if the causative agents are avoided and you practice the suggested preventive measures.