The first thing to remember is that a “rash” is not a medical diagnosis: people use the world “rash” to describe many different skin conditions, but a diagnosis of the condition will use the more specific term.  In order to determine the best course for treatment and to make sure the rash does not return, it’s important for a doctor to determine exactly what kind of condition the rash signifies.  All rashes will be a kind of skin inflammation that changes the way the skin looks in some area, including often the color.  We often think of rashes as being red and bumpy and itchy, but not all rashes look this way, and it all depends on what is really going on.

Eczema

Eczema, also known as Atopic Dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes inflamed, itchy skin.  It will usually flare up now and then and then go away for a while, appearing in patches on various parts of the body.  Sometimes Eczema is linked with other conditions, and the resulting rashes are an effect of that condition.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact Dermatitis is generally an allergic reaction resulting from contact with the allergen.  For example, some people are allergic to the chemicals in certain cleaning products, and contact with those products will bring about a rash in the area of contact.  Other common allergens include latex and poison ivy.  The best treatment for these kinds of rashes is to avoid the allergen and allow the rash to heal, although certain medications can also help symptoms.

Heat Rash

A heat rash, also called Miliaria, occurs when the sweat glands in the skin are obstructed so that the sweat can’t flow out of the body normally.  This often occurs in very humid weather or with tight-fitted clothing that obstructs sweating.  These kinds of rashes will usually resolve themselves and aren’t usually serious.  Wearing loose-fitting clothing helps prevent heat rashes.

Drug Rash

A drug rash is a reaction to a certain kind of medication, usually as a side-effect of the drug or because of an allergy to some active ingredient.  Antibiotics, diuretics, and anti-seizure pills are common culprits.  Some medications will make rashes more common if the skin is exposed to sunlight.  These rashes will resolve once the course of medication is complete, but very rarely they can indicate a more serious allergic reaction that also affects other parts of the body.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a dry, flaky area of the skin and usually occurs on elbows, knees, or sometimes the scalp.  The outermost layer of skin is actually made up of a layer of dead skin cells that are linked together to form an impenetrable barrier.  These cells are continually replaced by new skin cells being formed beneath and rising to the surface, so the outer layer is continuously being shed.  However, psoriasis immensely exaggerates this process, causing the skin to build up much more quickly than normal.  For some people, it’s only a small irritation, while for others it can become more overwhelming.  Certain topical medications and other interventions can help treat flare-ups of psoriasis.

There are many other kinds of rashes, and ultimately it may take a doctor to determine what skin condition is affecting you.  Be sure to use IPALC’s physician directory at www.ipalc.org/find to find a doctor that will suit your needs.  You can also email IPALC directly at info@ipalc.org to get help with your search from our staff.