Bumpy, lumpy, scaly, red or itchy – a skin rash is hard to hide and hard to live with! There’s a reason that a rash is hard to ignore: it’s your skin telling you that something is wrong.
What causes a rash?
There are hundreds of conditions that can cause a rash – some of the most common would include:
- Allergies
- Infection
- Irritants, such as too much sun
- Poisonous plants
- Skin disorders, like psoriasis or eczema
- Autoimmune conditions, such as lupus
Rashes differ depending on their cause – some may contain raised or flat bumps, blisters, pimples, or flaky skin. They can also appear all over the body, or only on an isolated area. Most rashes should get better with treatment within one to 14 days – if it’s lasting longer than that, you need to see your doctor.
Rash relief!
Taking care of your skin can help ease discomfort and help the healing process – here are some tips:
- Wash with mild soap and water
- When you take a bath or shower, use warm, not hot water
- Don’t scrub your skin – rub gently!
- Pat your skin dry as rubbing removes natural oils
- Keep your skin moisturised
- Wear natural fibres such as cotton which allows air to circulate over affected areas
- Avoid exposure to irritants like the sun
When to see your doctor
See your doctor if the rash gets worse, if you experience any new symptoms like fever, headache, or if the rash doesn’t respond to treatment.
For more info, read http://www.hellodoctor.co.za/what-makes-your-skin-itch/