Types of Skin Rashes

Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin characterized by itchy, red, swollen skin and may or may not be an allergic reaction. Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease in younger children and is mainly hereditary in nature. They may be triggered by environmental allergens and during periods of stress. They are easily recognizable as dry, uneven skin with small red swellings that bleed when scratched and may result in further thickening of the dermis. It is very common among whole groups of families due to its hereditary nature. Severe cases of eczema may be treatable with antihistamines, steroid creams and oral antibiotics.

Dermatitis with unknown causes includes localized scratch dermatitis, Nummular Dermatitis and Perioral Dermatitis. While the causes remain unknown, their treatments have been positive through antibiotics, corticosteroids and in severe cases, ultraviolet light therapy.

Contact Dermatitis is usually an allergen induced skin reaction through environmental factors. Soaps, specific types of food, lotions and perfumes may induce contact dermatitis. Treatments include the identification and total avoidance of the triggering allergens.

Exfoliative Dermatitis is a more severe form of dermatitis which is more physiological in nature. The exact cause remains unknown, although it has been observed to be a direct effect of some drug complications. Aside from the usual red, itchy skin it can also cause swelling of the lymph nodes, fever and may be a direct symptom of Lymphoma.

Seborrheic Dermatitis is a scaly condition of the topmost layer of skin which can be aggravated by extreme weather conditions and are usually hereditary. Infant Seborrheic dermatitis usually clears up on its own after a few months. Older patients may have recurring symptoms even after applied medical treatment.

Drug Rashes are caused by allergic reactions or side effect to medication. Acne most commonly appears on the face, neck and chest and is commonly caused by allergies to steroids, bromides and phenytoin. Hives, characterized by red bumps all over the body are common side effects of aspirin and penicillin in susceptible persons. Morbiliform rash and Purpuric Rashes, are also some of the kinds of rashes which are caused by medication.

Erythema Multiforme are chronic rashes caused by the Herpes Simplex virus and are dark red-purple patches of skin usually found all over the body, accompanied with cold sores, fever and joint pain. It usually clears up after a few weeks; however severe cases have proven to be fatal if left unmediated.

Erythema Nodosum is usually not a separate skin condition but is a symptom of a disease or side effect of a drug medication. The diseases which cause Erythema Nodosum may be an illness as simple as strep infections, inflammation of lymph nodes, leprosy, upper respiratory tract infections and pulmonary diseases as well as tuberculosis and ulcerative colitis. Sulfa based drugs, bromides, and some oral contraceptives have been known to cause Erythema Nodosum. The lymph nodes in the chest area undergo biopsy to determine exact diagnosis of the disease.

Granuloma Annulare is a chronic skin condition with unknown causes. It usually appears on hands and feet, but it usually clears up within days or a week and healing can be hastened with liberal applications of corticosteroid creams.