Body Rash
Definition:
Image result for Body Rash definition
A rash is a change of the skin which affects its color, appearance, or texture. A rash may be localized in one part of the body, or affect all the skin. Rashes may cause the skin to change color, itch, become warm, bumpy, chapped, dry, cracked or blistered, swell, and may be painful.
Signs & Symptoms:
The word “rash” means a change in the color and texture of skin that usually causes an outbreak of red patches or bumps on the skin. In common usage of the term, a “rash” can refer to many different skin conditions. A rash can be caused, directly or indirectly, by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Alternatively, a rash may be unrelated to an infectious organism, such as from an underlying medical illness. Medications, chronic medical conditions, and allergic reactions (hives) are among the multiple different causes of rash.
Doctors use specific terms to describe rashes. A macular rash refers to flat, small red patches on the skin, while a papular rash refers to small raised red bumps. If both rash symptoms and signs are present, a rash is called maculopapular. Scaling, blister formation, or ulceration of the skin may be present with a rash. A rash with accompanying blisters is termed a vesicular rash. Itching (pruritus) may or may not accompany a rash.
Cause:
A rash is a noticeable change in the texture or color of your skin. Your skin may become scaly, bumpy, itchy, or otherwise irritated. There are numerous causes for rashes, including:
allergies
medications
cosmetics
certain diseases, such as chickenpox and measles
Contact dermatitis is one of the most common causes of rashes. Contact rashes occur when the skin comes into direct contact with a foreign substance that causes an adverse reaction, leading to a rash. The resulting rash may be itchy, red, or inflamed. Possible causes of contact dermatitis include:
using beauty products, soaps, and laundry detergent
using dyes in clothing
being in contact with chemicals in rubber, elastic, or latex
touching poisonous plants, such as poison oak, poison ivy, or poison sumac
How To Cure:
- Oatmeal
Oatmeal is great for alleviating skin irritation and inflammation due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is excellent for rashes caused by poison ivy, eczema, sunburn, chicken pox and allergies.
Grind oatmeal in a blender, food processor or coffee grinder. Mix one cup of finely ground oatmeal in warm bath water. Soak in it for at least 15 or 20 minutes. Do this daily until the rash is gone.
Alternatively, combine one-half cup of oatmeal, one-quarter cup of milk powder and two teaspoons of honey. Put this mixture in a muslin cloth, tie it strongly with a string, ribbon or rubber band, and place it in a bath tub filled with warm water. Soak in the milky bath water for at least 15 minutes. Finally pat dry and moisturize your skin. Repeat daily for a few days.
For rashes on your face, apply a thick paste of equal amounts of oatmeal and plain yogurt mixed with a little honey. Leave it on for about half an hour before washing it off. Do this daily until you see improvement.
- Aloe Vera
Due to its anti-inflammatory, emollient, antibacterial and antifungal properties, aloe vera is excellent for treating a number of skin ailments including rashes. Apart from healing, it also soothes the skin, relieves itching and reduces redness.
Extract fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe leaf.
Apply it on the affected area.
Leave it on for at least 20 minutes, and then rinse it off.
Do this at least three times a day until the rash clears.
If you do not have fresh aloe vera gel, you can buy aloe vera gel or extract.
- Cold Compress
A cold compress can be beneficial in reducing rashes, especially those caused by heat, insect bites, poison ivy and shingles. It helps ease itching, swelling and inflammation, and can be particularly useful if a rash begins to develop into blisters.
Put ice cubes in a sealed plastic bag and place it on the affected area for a few minutes. Repeat a few times daily for a few days.
Alternatively, you can simply soak a clean washcloth in ice-cold water and place it on the rash for about 10 minutes.
Note: Do not put ice cubes directly on the skin.
