Itchy Rash All Over Body

A skin rash scattered all over the body is the most annoying thing that one could have thought of. Ignoring it is next to impossible as it is not confined to a specific part of the body. Moreover, the persistent itching feeling can remind how irritating this skin problem can be. Itchy rash all over the body is frustrating and so if it does not go away on its own, seeking medical advice is essential to avert any complications.

All Over Body Rash

Heat Rash
Excessive sweating during summer is mainly responsible for the occurrence of skin rash. Prolonged exposure to heat increases the body temperature. In order to regulate body temperature, the body has to lose heat, which it does by releasing sweat on the superficial skin. As soon as the sweat evaporates, the body temperature decreases. Sweat glands that are located beneath the skin are assigned the task of carrying the sweat to the surface of the skin. However, too much sweating on the superficial skin blocks the opening of the sweat gland. Thus, the obstruction prevents the sweat gland from reaching the outermost layer of the skin. The blockage irritates the sweat gland, which eventually gives rise to small red blisters and bumps on the skin.

Hives
This is yet another type of skin rash that can drive the person crazy, as it is typically marked by raised, itchy bumps. The burning sensation associated with hives is sometimes simply unbearable. Hives manifest in patches that vary in size and shape. These patches made up of small itchy blisters are usually irregular in shape but can be considerably large when the rash is present all over the body. Red itchy bumps all over body diagnosed as hives is usually the result of allergic reactions from drugs like antibiotics, antacids and herbal supplements.

Harsh Skin Care Products
We often rush to the market after viewing advertisements that put tall claims to sell beauty skin care soaps or creams. However, using these 'so-called' gentle products can create havoc. There have been cases, where in the application of wrong products has led to the development of localized rash that eventually covered the entire body. Thus, itchy rash on legs, arms and stomach can occur as a consequence of choosing products that cannot be tolerated by the skin.

Tinea Versicolor
Non itchy rash all over body could mean the presence of tinea versicolor, a fungal infection that causes skin discoloration and is accompanied by formation of blisters. The discolored skin patches that are pale or brown in color generally appear on the back area but may eventually get scattered to different areas of the body. Oily skin and humid environment can cause overgrowth of tinea versicolor, leading to infection. Although the rash does not trigger any itching sensation, sweating after an intense exercise routine can make the skin itchy.

Shingles
The skin infection of the varicella-zoster virus is responsible for causing shingles. Usually, this type of skin problem causes a localized rash that remains restricted to certain areas of the body. However, a severe infection can spread over the entire body. The rash forms a band like pattern in the affected part of the body. It is observed that the onset of shingles is marked by painful sensation on the skin and is then followed by formation of rash. The burning pain starts a week before the skin starts showing signs and symptoms of shingles. The infection that makes its presence felt by showing itchy red blisters, usually lasts for a period of 3 weeks.

Keep in mind that not all types of rashes require treatment. For instance, heat rash does not require any medical intervention. It is just a matter of a few days before the heat rash vanishes. On the other hand antifungal creams may be used to treat infections of tinea versicolor. For patients suffering from shingles, anti-viral drugs may be prescribed. Its best not to ignore any kind of itchy rash all over the body, and get it treated soon.