Rashes, Dermatitis and Eczema

RASHES

Many rashes that people get on their skin are minor and only slightly irritating. Virtually everyone has gotten a skin rash at one time or another.

A rash is usually very dry skin or an irritation on the skin that actually causes it to be broken. Overly dry skin can develop a rash, or they can be caused by exposure to chemicals or other irritants. Being in the cold air for long periods of time can also dry the skin to the point where a rash develops.

You're probably already well aware of how babies often get diaper rash; this is usually because of their skin being in close contact with a wet diaper for a prolonged period of time.

Rashes can also be symptoms of other conditions such as allergies or even asthma.

DERMATITIS

Dermatitis is a term that describes an inflammation of the skin. It's not contagious in any way and isn't life-threatening, but can be an annoyance to the sufferer to the point where he or she would seek medical treatment.

Types of dermatitis include:

• Contact dermatitis, a rash that results from either repeated contact with irritants or contact with allergy-producing substances, such as poison ivy
• Neurodermatitis, a chronic itchy skin condition localized to certain areas of the skin
• Seborrheic dermatitis, a common scalp condition that often causes dandruff
• Stasis dermatitis, a skin condition that's caused by a buildup of fluid under the skin of the legs
• Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema or atopic eczema, a chronic itchy rash that tends to come and go
• Perioral dermatitis, a bumpy rash around the mouth

Redness, swelling, and itching of the skin are common symptoms of dermatitis.

Very severe cases of dermatitis typically require a doctor's intervention and prescription creams or topical ointments. Sometimes this condition goes away on its own but typically flares up again on a regular basis. Most over the counter creams and ointments that you purchase at the pharmacy are not strong enough to treat severe dermatitis.

ECZEMA

Eczema is a very common form of severely dry skin that affects more people than they may realize. It's not unusual for someone to get small patches of eczema during the winter or when their skin has undergone a particular type of stress.

The symptoms of eczema include roughness, scaling, and flaking of the skin, or an eruption of redness in a particular area. Patients report severe itching or burning in the area of the eruption.

It is thought that eczema is hereditary and is often associated with asthma or allergies.

Severe cases of eczema typically require medical intervention and prescription medication to treat. It is not contagious but is very uncomfortable. Over the counter creams and ointments that one purchases from the pharmacy are usually not strong enough to treat severe eczema and many can even irritate the inflames area because of their ingredients.

Sufferers of eczema do well to avoid scratching the area no matter how tempted they may be. This only irritates the eruption and causes more damage. Keep the area out of the elements as wind and cold will also make the problem worse.

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