Itchy Rash on Back

Skin rash does not refer to any particular disease or disorder. It is nothing but the inflammation of the skin. It's an outbreak of bumps on the body that alters the texture and color of the affected area. Itchy rashes can be localized to a particular area or can be spread all across the body. When the skin rash occurs on the back, it is called itchy rash on the back. The rash may be red and may even have a stinging sensation, making it difficult to carry out regular activities in peace.

Occurrence of itchy rash on the back is a symptom common to many health conditions. Some of the causes of itchy rash on the back are as follows:

Heat Rash
Heat rash is a condition of skin irritation conduced by excessive sweating during humid and hot weather. Appearing like red pimples or blisters, these rashes first occur on the neck and upper chest and then affect the back.

Treatment
The itchy rash can be treated by providing less humid or cooler temperature. The affected area should also be kept dry by dusting some powder on the back and keeping it cool. Taking cool showers or sitting in air conditioned rooms will help get rid of the heat rash. Drink lots of water and try to stay indoors to avoid further irritation of the skin.

Ichthyosis vulgaris
This skin disorder is passed through the family genes and conduces to dry and scaly skin. The symptoms of this condition are drying of skin, possible skin thickening, scaly skin and mild itchy rashes on the back.

Treatment
The doctor recommends heavy duty moisturizers, ointments and creams to apply on the skin after a shower.

Mononucleosis
This is a viral infection that is commonly known by the name 'kissing disease'. This infection is often spread through salivary contact. The symptoms of this infection are headache, sore throat, drowsiness, fever, itchy rash on the back, muscle aches and loss of appetite. The rash usually develops if one is taking ampicillin or amoxicillin to treat sore throat.

Treatment
The treatment here would be to drink plenty of liquids and gargle salt water to treat the sore throat.

Dermatitis
Dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin. The skin get enveloped by red itchy rash. This rash can be caused due to brushing past some substances (like poison ivy, oak) that trigger allergic reaction. Rash can also occur as a result of poor circulation, wherein the leg veins fail to return blood to the heart effectively. This conduces to fluid retention and eruption of rash on the body.

Treatment
The treatment for itchy rash caused due to dermatitis would begin with eliminating the source of allergy. Corticosteroid creams can be applied to lessen the irritation and reduce itchiness. Sometimes antibiotics are also prescribed to reduce the itching.

Measles
Measles is a viral infection spread by inhalation of droplets sneezed or coughed out by the infected patient. Flat, discolored, red, itchy inflamed portions of the skin appear 4-5 days after inhalation of the virus. The rash usually starts from the head and then spreads across the body. Small, white spots are also seen inside the mouth.

Treatment
Humidified air, acetaminophen and plenty of bed rest is recommended for treating measles.

If you do not know what exactly has triggered the itchy rash on your back, just try this general home remedy. Pour a cup of uncooked oatmeal into the bathwater and dunk yourself in it. The oatmeal bath alleviates inflammation. You could also apply olive oil, aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil, chamomile tea or baking powder on the itching area. The rash will soon subside. If it doesn't then quickly consult your health care provider.