RED RASH ON LEGS

A red rash is nothing but a skin rash that is red in color, that could occur on specific body parts as well as on the whole body. A rash is an immune response that appears on the surface of the skin due to a variety of reasons. Red rashes are, for most of the time, itchy, however, they could also be asymptomatic at times. Such rashes are common reactions to a variety of conditions, hence, they could be confused with a lot of diseases.

People who suffer from red rash on legs may also complain of itching and display a rash that is bumpy and swollen at times. Mostly though, they just appear after a brief summer stroll or a good session of hiking and trekking, where the person's leg may come in contact with a mildly poisonous bush or shrub. We will now discuss the possible reasons behind such sudden onslaughts of skin rashes on legs.

Causes of Red Rash on Legs

Here are some of the main reasons why people suffer from a red rash on legs.

Dermatitis
There are several forms of dermatitis that can cause a red rash on the legs. Atopic dermatitis is said to be one of the primary reasons behind such a rash that can be found on the legs of children, which is typically located behind the knees and thighs of the children and sometimes in adults as well. There is another sort of dermatitis known as contact dermatitis which occurs due to irritants like excessive bathing, remaining in soapy water for a longer period of time, and having allergic reactions to some cosmetics and soap solutions.

Eczema
Not very uncommon, eczema also contributes a lot to developing a red rash on one's legs. There are several types of eczema that affect only some specific regions of the leg, like varicose eczema, which is observed to be prevalent on the line of the varicose veins; this type of rash is swollen and itchy. Another type of eczema that causes this condition is venous eczema, which is also called gravitational dermatitis. It appears due to valvular damage to the leg's veins, like prolonged standing or too much walking.

Golfer's Vasculitis
It can be described as a heat rash that is provoked by prolonged walking, standing, or running. It is most often seen on the calf region and just above the sock line. This red patch is not itchy or inflammatory, and is observed in people above the age of 50, because they are more prone to getting this red rash on their legs. It is caused due to vein irritation that is caused by prolonged contact with heat and sunlight. Fortunately, this rash disappears just as quickly as it appears.

Skin Disorders
There are various skin disorders that can cause such a red rash on legs, which need to be properly evaluated if they don't fade within a few days of their occurrence. Tinea corporis (ringworm), folliculitis, psoriasis, prurigo nodularis, lichen simplex (neurodermatitis), edema, pretibial myxoedema, non-venous leg ulcers, necrobiosis lipoidica, capillaritis, panniculitis, cholinergic urticaria (hives), prickly heat or heat rash, and itchy legs syndrome, which is caused by excessive exercise, etc. are some of the skin disorders that can cause a red rash on legs.

Skin Allergies
There are chances that due to several allergies towards certain foreign factors, plants like poison ivy, poison oak, insect bites, bee bites, etc., can cause a red rash on the legs that differ in appearance as per the type of the rash. An allergic red rash on the legs is usually itchy, bumpy, irritating, and placed at the exact contact point of the irritant. If not treated on time, such rashes can turn into fluid filled blisters. There are chances of food allergies that can cause red rashes on leg as well as the entire body of the affected person. In such cases you have to get it examined in order to plot out a treatment schedule you need to follow.

Treatment for Red Rash on Legs

As I mentioned earlier, before deciding the path of the treatment, one must identify the exact reason behind the red rash on the legs or elsewhere on the body. On observing that the rash hasn't reduced within hours, it is always best to consult a skin care specialist and let him decide the reason behind the skin rash. A skin patch test and physical examinations are likely to be performed before he prescribes any medication.

A home remedy is also one of the better choices for curing red rashes on legs. Aloe vera, olive oil, cornstarch, oatmeal, several herbs, essential oils that have anti-inflammatory effects, and fruits and vegetables that are anti-inflammatory, are worth trying as remedies. Following the prescribed medication like antibiotics and other creams and lotions religiously with the mentioned home remedies, will show quick and positive effects.

So, this was all about a red rash on legs. This condition is not always a reason for worry as long as it disappears in a short time span. Usually if the rash happens to be indication of something serious, then it is normally accompanied by other symptoms as well that are hard to ignore. Hence, along with the rash as soon as you notice something amiss with your body, get yourself checked immediately.