Rashes

Rashes manifest for numerous reasons, making it sometimes challenging to diagnose their exact cause. Here are some common types:

Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin reacts to an irritating substance. The irritant could be a chemical, such as cleaning products or soaps, or an allergen like latex, perfumes, dyes, or animal dander. Some individuals may also develop rashes after contact with plants like poison ivy or after insect bites.

Allergic Rashes
Allergic rashes develop when the body reacts to allergens ingested or inhaled. Common culprits include certain foods or medications, leading to hives or other types of rashes in those who are sensitive.

Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis presents as red, scaly patches that are often oily or flaky. It is most common on the face and scalp, where it is referred to as dandruff or cradle cap, but it can also affect areas like the outer ears, eyebrows, or chest.

Viral and Bacterial Rashes
Viral or bacterial infections can also cause skin rashes. Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, impetigo, and pityriasis rosea may present with distinct rashes. Diagnosis often depends on the appearance, pattern, and location of the rash.

Rashes from Systemic Diseases
Certain systemic diseases are known to cause rashes as part of their symptom profile. These can include childhood illnesses like measles, chickenpox, and rubella, as well as conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and sexually transmitted infections like syphilis.

Heat and Sun-Induced Rashes
Heat rash, often seen in infants but possible at any age, occurs when sweat ducts become blocked, causing small, itchy red bumps. Overexposure to the sun or ultraviolet light, such as from tanning beds, may cause polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), sometimes called “sun poisoning.”

Stress Rashes
In some cases, stress can be enough to trigger a rash without any external or internal factors, leading to red, itchy patches that may resolve once the stress is managed.