Skin Rashes that Itch

Skin rash is almost an all pervasive term for any aberration or bump on the skin. It brings about a change in the color, texture and appearance of the skin. It can be really painful at times and can either be localized or spread all over the skin. The appearance and severity of the rash determines whether or not, there are any serious health concerns associated with the condition. Most of these are skin rashes that itch but there are skin rashes that burn as well. Except for very serious reasons, normally skin rashes are superficial and do not have any health implications, except that they might look real bad. Following is an overview of different types of skin rashes.

Skin Rashes That Itch and Burn

Poison Ivy: Also called Rhus Dermatitis, poison ivy is caused by exposure to urushiol. Urushiol is a resin found in a specific type of plant. This skin rash is red, has blisters and has a circular or linear pattern. It can create skin rashes that itch on legs and skin rashes that itch on hands. Needless to say, this rash causes itching and inflammation. There are several treatments for this skin rash like ointments, cold compress, antihistamines and washing the affected part. Even if it is not treated, the rash dies down in three weeks. It is a type of contact dermatitis, where the substance you are allergic to, is manifested through a reaction on the skin when exposed. To know more on poison ivy treatment, read how to get rid of Poison Ivy rash.

Rosacea: One of the skin rashes that itch, on face is rosacea. Rosacea is manifested on the face in the form of tiny, itching red bumps on the face. Basically, it is harmless but in some cases it can lead to red gritty eyes, semi-permanent redness, dilation of superficial blood vessels on the face and so on. It is also one of the skin rashes that burn.

Psoriasis: This is the ultimate skin rashes that itch. Psoriasis is a chronic dermatological disorder. It typically leads to timely flaring up of red patches covered with silvery and flaky scales on the exterior and the scalp. This is as itchy as it can get and is caused by a specific type of overactive white blood cell. It is not cured, it can only be kept in check. So, there is no time span for it to die down.

Pityriasis Rosea: A very itchy skin rash, pityriasis rosea begins with a single oval lesion, mostly targeting the trunk. A fine scale, resembling a tissue is attached to the border of this lesion. Depending upon the severity, it can last between 6 weeks to 6 months. These lesions are especially itchy. On people who have light skin, this rash has salmon color and those who have dark complexion, this rash is hyper-pigmented. Rosea also has some atypical forms, which lead to skin rashes that itch in children and skin rashes that itch, during pregnancy.

Eczema: Eczema is closely related to allergies and is a result of abnormal response to the immune system of the body. Its appearance is different depending on the person's age. For instance eczema skin rashes that itch in babies is mostly on trunk, extensor surfaces and skin. There is no time span for the healing of this itchy rash. The only good part is that the rash can be prevented and if it all it occurs, it can be managed.

Ringworm: This rash is induced by a fungal or in medical terms, dermatophyte infection. It is medically called ringworm tinea. It looks like a spot of skin has been encircled with a raised red border and itches. The enclosed area of the skin looks somewhat normal although, it has fine scales. The most crucial thing is that this infection is contagious, so it needs immediate medical treatment.

Scabies: A tiny mite burrowing under the skin is responsible for a terrible manifestation of a skin rash called scabies. Scabies rash is bumpy, itchy and often occurs between fingers, in armpits, on the wrist and around the waist. This rash can last up to a month even after that mite is dead.

Hives: Urticaria or wheal or hive, refers to a red, spongy lesion which changes rapidly. Surrounded by a flare, hives are a result of dilation of capillaries which let fluid to leak out in the nearby tissue, that is the epidermis. It is also one of the skin rashes that itch because it causes swelling. It is classified into acute or chronic depending on the seriousness and the duration of its existence i.e., either less or more than six weeks respectively.

Chickenpox: I am sure most of us who are adults have surely taken a vaccination against chickenpox. This is one of the most common skin rash ever known. Caused by varicella virus, this rash is very itchy and burns as well. Beginning at the trunk, this rash spreads to the face and extremities. Children are most affected by chickenpox and thus, they are asked to avoid public places as it is contagious. But the good news is that it dies down with corresponding treatment.

There are some more skin rashes that itch like athlete's foot, heat rash, swimmer's itch, granuloma annulare, etc. But I would rather not describe them, for the simple fact that after reading about so many itchy rashes, you would be itching away to get this reading over with.

So I sign off here, not to itch you more! Take care!