While we have our skin to thank for helping to regulate our body temperature and of course protecting our vital organs, bones, and muscle, it's also susceptible to rashes that sometimes seem to appear out of nowhere. A rash is a general term for any area of irritated or swollen skin. Rashes are often red, itchy, and painful. Some rashes can also lead to blisters or scaly skin. No matter how mild, skin rashes can be a daily nuisance, especially if it's affecting a conspicuous area of your body like your face, or can get easily irritated throughout the day like your hands or feet. We've gathered the five most common skin rashes and their symptoms so you can identify which type you have as well as tips for managing them below.

Remember that a skilled dermatologist will be able to most quickly identify and treat the type of rash you have so you can get back to healthy, comfortable, and clear skin.

1. Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. This rash is a chronic skin condition that most commonly appears on the neck, upper body, hands, ankles, and feet. Although infants and children most commonly suffer from this form of eczema, atopic dermatitis can sometimes continue into adulthood or even develop later in life. Unfortunately, the exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown, which can make managing this rash difficult.

Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis include:

• Redness
• Dry skin
• Moderate to severe itching
• Inflamed skin
• Thickened skin
• Swelling
• Cracking or scaly texture

Tips for Managing Atopic Dermatitis:

• Try switching to mild soaps and body washes, moisturizing the skin at least twice a day, and using a humidifier to fight dry air.
• Above all, remember not to itch, which will only worsen symptoms.
• Practice healthy habits that reduce stress such as making sure to get enough sleep, regular exercise, and healthy eating.
• Visit a dermatologist to receive prescriptions for a topical medication and recommended lifestyle changes that will help you manage your atopic dermatitis and prevent future flare-ups.

 

2. Contact Dermatitis

While similar in name, contact dermatitis shouldn't be confused with atopic dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is the reaction skin has to a certain substance that irritates it or that causes an allergic reaction. These substances can vary from soaps, certain cosmetics and fragrances, plants, and even jewelry. The rash can develop within minutes to hours of being exposed to the offending substance. With contact dermatitis, skin will stay clear and rash-free as long as you identify and avoid touching the substance.

Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis include:

• Redness
• Moderate to severe itching
• Bumps or blisters (sometimes with oozing and crusting)
• Dry, cracked or scaly skin
• Swelling and burning

Tips for Managing Contact Dermatitis:

• Identify the offending substance and try to limit contact altogether. Symptoms should clear in 2-4 weeks.
• Apply a cool, wet compress to decrease inflammation and itching.
• Avoid scratching, as this can exacerbate symptoms.
• Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist who will be able to provide a topical cream to heal and relieve your symptoms.

 

3. Intertrigo

Intertrigo is a skin rash that isn't contracted from outside substances but instead caused by skin-to-skin friction from one's own body. This kind of irritation occurs in warm areas of the body that are hard to keep dry such as the groin, between folds of skin on the abdomen or under the breasts, under the arms, and between toes. Unfortunately, a bacterial or fungal infection can develop on the affected area as well. If this occurs, it's recommended that you seek additional medical attention from a skilled dermatologist to help heal the skin.

Symptoms of Intertrigo Include:

• Redness
• Burning or itching
• Sensitivity or pain
• Severe symptoms can include cracked or oozing skin or bleeding

Tips for Managing Intertrigo:

• Keep the affected area as clean and dry as possible.
• Prevent future flare-ups by applying a lubricated ointment to the affected area before physical activity.
• For those struggling with obesity, weight reduction can limit the skin folds entirely, which would then prevent intertrigo.

 

4. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is another common, chronic skin rash that like eczema, has several different types. And also like eczema, even the most mild forms is a lifelong nuisance that unfortunately cannot be cured. This skin rash occurs when the life cycle of skin cells rapidly increases, causing an accumulation of rough, scaly skin that most commonly develops on the elbows, knees, face, scalp, palms, and feet. Psoriasis can be managed by identifying key causes of flare-ups (cold weather, stress, alcohol, certain foods) and doing your best to avoid them along with a topical medication prescribed by a dermatologist.

Symptoms of Psoriasis Include:

• Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
• Dry, cracked skin
• Itching or burning and soreness

Tips for Managing Psoriasis:

• Keep your skin moisturized with a heavy, fragrance-free moisturizer.
• Try a warm bath to soothe skin and help gently remove dry skin.
• Avoid itching, which could make symptoms worse.
• Reduce stress by eating healthy, working out regularly, and getting plenty of sleep.
• Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to best receive the care for your specific type of psoriasis so you can soothe and heal active psoriasis and avoid future flare-ups.

If you're struggling to determine the difference between eczema and psoriasis, read our article here.

 

5. Shingles (herpes zoster)

If you thought you were done with chickenpox for good, you may be in for a surprise. Even after beating chickenpox, the virus may live in a person's nervous system and reactive later as shingles. Like chickenpox, shingles may cause symptoms beyond just a skin rash such as a fever, chills, and fatigue. Shingles, or herpes zoster, commonly appears on one side of the body, typically on the torso, face, or neck.

Symptoms of Shingles Include:

• Red patches
• Small clusters of fluid-filled blisters
• Pain and burning

Tips for Managing Shingles:

• Visit a dermatologist as soon as possible to receive medication that will control the infection and reduce inflammation.
• Treat the rash with a cool compress to reduce itching and inflammation.
• Cover the rash with a bandage to limit friction and contact.
• Wear loose-fitting, soft clothing to avoid contact with the painful areas.

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We understand that going about your daily life with a skin rash can be challenging, especially when your condition doesn't seem to have a cause. The most important step towards beating your skin rash is by first accurately identifying which type you have. Remember that an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist is your quickest way to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment so you can be well on your way back to clear, healthy skin. If you live in the Long Beach, California area, dermatologist Dr. Robert Miller is ready to help you along your journey to avoiding flare-ups for good. Dr. Robert M. Miller has been recognized as a Top Doctor by FindaTopDoc.com and has been awarded the Patient's Choice Award. He is also featured as one of the top Long Beach Dermatology Practices by OpenCare.com. Make an appointment today by clicking here.