Showing posts with label rashes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rashes. Show all posts
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.
SKIN RASHES ALLERT: SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
Everyone, at one time or another, breaks out with some kind of rash. Rashes can be caused by many different kinds of things and many of them are very distinguishing. Read on to find out the most common, and how to identify and treat them.
The skin, like our cardiovascular or gastrointestinal, is a body system. It is known as the integumentary system and it is your body's first line of defense against disease. It is the body's largest organ and it serves this function of defense. The skin also controls the temperature of the body. The skin is made up of three layers, the top layer, the epidermis, the middle layer, the dermis and the bottom layer is called subcutaneous tissue. There are many things that can occur on the skin, one of which is a rash.
Everyone, at one time or another breaks out with some kind of rash. Rashes can be caused by many different kinds of things and many of them are very distinguishing. A rash can be defined as any spots or red markings that appear on the skin, which is often itchy. There are many different types of skin rashes. People develop rashes for different reasons, but usually it is due to an allergic reaction to something, either by direct contact or by ingesting something that the person in allergic to. Also rashes can be symptoms of certain diseases, such as chicken pox, measles or scarletina.
One such is known as dermatitis. Dermatitis is a form of skin inflammation or swelling. Symptoms of dermatitis include redness and inflammation of the skin, usually localized. The red area may form tiny blisters that leak clear fluid, and then become crusty. There is also severe itching. This is probably the worst part about a rash. There are actually many different kinds of dermatitis. Exposure to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac is an example of contact dermatitis because a rash due to an allergic reaction develops as a result of direct contact to the skin. Other common causes of contact dermatitis include allergic reaction to wearing certain jewelry such as nickel, wearing certain perfumes, using certain makeups, shampoos, detergents for your clothes, household cleaners or solvents,etc. It is important for you to know what you are allergic to and best dealt with by avoiding the things that you are allergic to. Sometimes someone doesn't know they are allergic to something until they develop the rash, and stumble upon it by accident. It can take up to a day or two to develop the rash, so remember what you have been exposed to. Contact dermatitis can usually be treated at home with antihistamines, such as benadryl, orally and topically, such as hydrocortisone creams. Use as directed. If it gets worse or doesn't' clear up, see your doctor.
Atopic dermatitis is a general rash that is caused by ingesting certain foods, such as, eggs, fish, peanuts, seafood, or milk. If you think a rash is caused by a certain food, try taking it out of the diet until the rash is cleared then slowly reintroduce it. If the rash develops again, chances are, it is a food allergy.
Other things that can cause a rash are medications. If rash develops after taking a certain medicine, such as a prescribed antibiotic, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Allergies to insect stings can also cause rashes and swelling. Once you have an allergic reaction to an insect sting, such as a hornet, it is possible to become even more sensitive to the sting, making the next sting you get even worse to where it could cause more swelling, even generalized swelling and possibly breathing difficulty. Talk to your doctor about wearing a medical alert bracelet and possibly the need for premeasured syringes of epinephrine that can be self-injected for emergencies.
Treatment of most rashes can be done at home. Often a person goes to the doctor with an unidentifiable rash and the doctor may prescribe mild steroidal treatment, such as prednisone. The most important thing is not to scratch, as hard as that may be. Also keeping the skin slightly moisturized with a mild hypoallergenic moisturizer, that is fragrance and odor free. Avoid hot showers and baths, as this tends to aggrivate the rash and make it itch more. Use mild soaps and nonabrasive sponges. Avoid scratchy or itchy or overly warm clothing. Dress cool and light in breathable fabrics like cotton.
Complications can occur with rashes, such as a mosquito bite being scratched and bacteria can invade it, causing imetigo, also known in layman's terms as indian fire. If blisters or pus forms, the rash gets worse instead of better, or if fever develops, see your doctor. There is probably a secondary bacterial infection such as staph, and you may require antibiotic treatment.
Other rashes or diseases that involve a rash include the following:
-Impetigo: is a very contagious bacterial, streptococcal infection that needs antibiotic treatment from a doctor. There is a rash that has small-crusted sores.
-Hives: also known medically as Urticaria. Hives are very itcy. They are small red round disc-like areas over the body. They range in size from a dime to a saucer. Hives are a result of an allergic reaction to just about anything such as certain foods, sunlight, medicine, insect bite or sting, heat and more, depending on the person. Some common triggers are chocolate, seafood, and strawberries.
-Psoriasis: the cause unknown but it is hereditary and can occur at any age. It causes thick scaled-over pinkish or purplish areas on the elbows, neck, knees, scalp or back. Stress and illness can make them reappear or worsen. Sometimes arthritis in the rash areas can occur. There is no cure.
-Prickly Heat: this occurs when sweat glands get blocked and sweat is trapped under the skin. Symptoms are itching, redness of the skin and tiny blisters. It's most common in hot humid weather. Anyone can develop it and it usually only lasts a few days. When the skin is cool and dry, it will disappear.
-Ringworm: is a circular rash with a raised border. It is usually just one and it is causes by a fungal infection, not by a worm. It can occur anywhere on the body and anyone can get one. Ringworm is contagious. Dogs and cats can be carriers. There are over-the-counter medications for ringworm, but see your doctor if it gets worse or spreads or occurs on the scalp which can cause hair loss.
-Rosacea: most common in women and people with fair complexions, appears as a flushed appearance on the face, almost like acne. It is also called adult acne. Some believe alcohol and spicy food aggrivate the condition. Vitamin deficiency or weakened immune system may also play a part. Treatment by your doctoc may include, antibiotics, prescribed soaps and washes and even new laser treatents.
-Fifth's disease: characterized by a bright red rash on the cheeks at first, then a lacy rash on the arm sand trunk later. Other symptoms include fatigue and low grade fever, sneezing and coughing, occurring primarily in small children. It starts with the rash and is caused by a respitory virus. It is contagious. It usually last about a week.
-Seborrhea: reddish scaling on the head and even on the face around the eyebrows. It is usually itchy. This is cradle cap in an infant. It's a form of dermatitis. There is no specific cause but may be hereditary. Selenium sulfide shampoo is used for treatment on the head. Prescription corticosteroid creams are used as well.
-Shingles: is caused by herpes zoster virus. It is very painful. It usually affects elderly or those with weakened immune systems. The rash follows a nerve path, usually around the abdomen or the ear. There is a red blistering rash in a line with intense burning and pain.
-Chicken pox: the symptoms of chicken pox are fever, cold symptoms, fatigue and a very itchy rash that looks like a bunch of pox or spots all over the body. They turn into blisters then burst and scab. The varicella zoster virus, the same one that causes shingles, causes it. It is highly contagious spread by droplets from the nose and mouth. Fever and aches appear a few days before the rash breaks out. Possible complications include pneumonia and encephalitis. Chicken pox occurs mostly in children although adults can who never had it as children can get it.
-measles: the symptoms of measles include cold-like symptoms, cough, sore throat, high fever, and a red rash starting on the face and moving down the body. It is a highly contageous viral infection. It begins with a fever and sore throat, then after about two to four days starts with the rash on the face.
-Scarlet fever or Scarletina: symptoms include sore throat, fever, and bright red rash that begins around the neck and trunk and spread over the body. After the illness is over, the skin flakes or desquamates. It is caused by the strep bacterium that first invades the tonsils causing sore throat and fever. The tongue becomes swollen and cherry red. Antibiotics are needed.
The skin, like our cardiovascular or gastrointestinal, is a body system. It is known as the integumentary system and it is your body's first line of defense against disease. It is the body's largest organ and it serves this function of defense. The skin also controls the temperature of the body. The skin is made up of three layers, the top layer, the epidermis, the middle layer, the dermis and the bottom layer is called subcutaneous tissue. There are many things that can occur on the skin, one of which is a rash.
Everyone, at one time or another breaks out with some kind of rash. Rashes can be caused by many different kinds of things and many of them are very distinguishing. A rash can be defined as any spots or red markings that appear on the skin, which is often itchy. There are many different types of skin rashes. People develop rashes for different reasons, but usually it is due to an allergic reaction to something, either by direct contact or by ingesting something that the person in allergic to. Also rashes can be symptoms of certain diseases, such as chicken pox, measles or scarletina.
One such is known as dermatitis. Dermatitis is a form of skin inflammation or swelling. Symptoms of dermatitis include redness and inflammation of the skin, usually localized. The red area may form tiny blisters that leak clear fluid, and then become crusty. There is also severe itching. This is probably the worst part about a rash. There are actually many different kinds of dermatitis. Exposure to poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac is an example of contact dermatitis because a rash due to an allergic reaction develops as a result of direct contact to the skin. Other common causes of contact dermatitis include allergic reaction to wearing certain jewelry such as nickel, wearing certain perfumes, using certain makeups, shampoos, detergents for your clothes, household cleaners or solvents,etc. It is important for you to know what you are allergic to and best dealt with by avoiding the things that you are allergic to. Sometimes someone doesn't know they are allergic to something until they develop the rash, and stumble upon it by accident. It can take up to a day or two to develop the rash, so remember what you have been exposed to. Contact dermatitis can usually be treated at home with antihistamines, such as benadryl, orally and topically, such as hydrocortisone creams. Use as directed. If it gets worse or doesn't' clear up, see your doctor.
Atopic dermatitis is a general rash that is caused by ingesting certain foods, such as, eggs, fish, peanuts, seafood, or milk. If you think a rash is caused by a certain food, try taking it out of the diet until the rash is cleared then slowly reintroduce it. If the rash develops again, chances are, it is a food allergy.
Other things that can cause a rash are medications. If rash develops after taking a certain medicine, such as a prescribed antibiotic, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Allergies to insect stings can also cause rashes and swelling. Once you have an allergic reaction to an insect sting, such as a hornet, it is possible to become even more sensitive to the sting, making the next sting you get even worse to where it could cause more swelling, even generalized swelling and possibly breathing difficulty. Talk to your doctor about wearing a medical alert bracelet and possibly the need for premeasured syringes of epinephrine that can be self-injected for emergencies.
Treatment of most rashes can be done at home. Often a person goes to the doctor with an unidentifiable rash and the doctor may prescribe mild steroidal treatment, such as prednisone. The most important thing is not to scratch, as hard as that may be. Also keeping the skin slightly moisturized with a mild hypoallergenic moisturizer, that is fragrance and odor free. Avoid hot showers and baths, as this tends to aggrivate the rash and make it itch more. Use mild soaps and nonabrasive sponges. Avoid scratchy or itchy or overly warm clothing. Dress cool and light in breathable fabrics like cotton.
Complications can occur with rashes, such as a mosquito bite being scratched and bacteria can invade it, causing imetigo, also known in layman's terms as indian fire. If blisters or pus forms, the rash gets worse instead of better, or if fever develops, see your doctor. There is probably a secondary bacterial infection such as staph, and you may require antibiotic treatment.
Other rashes or diseases that involve a rash include the following:
-Impetigo: is a very contagious bacterial, streptococcal infection that needs antibiotic treatment from a doctor. There is a rash that has small-crusted sores.
-Hives: also known medically as Urticaria. Hives are very itcy. They are small red round disc-like areas over the body. They range in size from a dime to a saucer. Hives are a result of an allergic reaction to just about anything such as certain foods, sunlight, medicine, insect bite or sting, heat and more, depending on the person. Some common triggers are chocolate, seafood, and strawberries.
-Psoriasis: the cause unknown but it is hereditary and can occur at any age. It causes thick scaled-over pinkish or purplish areas on the elbows, neck, knees, scalp or back. Stress and illness can make them reappear or worsen. Sometimes arthritis in the rash areas can occur. There is no cure.
-Prickly Heat: this occurs when sweat glands get blocked and sweat is trapped under the skin. Symptoms are itching, redness of the skin and tiny blisters. It's most common in hot humid weather. Anyone can develop it and it usually only lasts a few days. When the skin is cool and dry, it will disappear.
-Ringworm: is a circular rash with a raised border. It is usually just one and it is causes by a fungal infection, not by a worm. It can occur anywhere on the body and anyone can get one. Ringworm is contagious. Dogs and cats can be carriers. There are over-the-counter medications for ringworm, but see your doctor if it gets worse or spreads or occurs on the scalp which can cause hair loss.
-Rosacea: most common in women and people with fair complexions, appears as a flushed appearance on the face, almost like acne. It is also called adult acne. Some believe alcohol and spicy food aggrivate the condition. Vitamin deficiency or weakened immune system may also play a part. Treatment by your doctoc may include, antibiotics, prescribed soaps and washes and even new laser treatents.
-Fifth's disease: characterized by a bright red rash on the cheeks at first, then a lacy rash on the arm sand trunk later. Other symptoms include fatigue and low grade fever, sneezing and coughing, occurring primarily in small children. It starts with the rash and is caused by a respitory virus. It is contagious. It usually last about a week.
-Seborrhea: reddish scaling on the head and even on the face around the eyebrows. It is usually itchy. This is cradle cap in an infant. It's a form of dermatitis. There is no specific cause but may be hereditary. Selenium sulfide shampoo is used for treatment on the head. Prescription corticosteroid creams are used as well.
-Shingles: is caused by herpes zoster virus. It is very painful. It usually affects elderly or those with weakened immune systems. The rash follows a nerve path, usually around the abdomen or the ear. There is a red blistering rash in a line with intense burning and pain.
-Chicken pox: the symptoms of chicken pox are fever, cold symptoms, fatigue and a very itchy rash that looks like a bunch of pox or spots all over the body. They turn into blisters then burst and scab. The varicella zoster virus, the same one that causes shingles, causes it. It is highly contagious spread by droplets from the nose and mouth. Fever and aches appear a few days before the rash breaks out. Possible complications include pneumonia and encephalitis. Chicken pox occurs mostly in children although adults can who never had it as children can get it.
-measles: the symptoms of measles include cold-like symptoms, cough, sore throat, high fever, and a red rash starting on the face and moving down the body. It is a highly contageous viral infection. It begins with a fever and sore throat, then after about two to four days starts with the rash on the face.
-Scarlet fever or Scarletina: symptoms include sore throat, fever, and bright red rash that begins around the neck and trunk and spread over the body. After the illness is over, the skin flakes or desquamates. It is caused by the strep bacterium that first invades the tonsils causing sore throat and fever. The tongue becomes swollen and cherry red. Antibiotics are needed.
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