Rashes Last updated: Nov 05, 2009

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Contributing risk factors | Other conditions that may be present | Recommendations

 
 

The cause of a rash may be determined from its visible characteristics and other co-existing symptoms. However, the cause of many rashes is never determined.

Common causes include:

  • Contact dermatitis following exposure to:
    1. Dyes and other chemicals found in clothing
    2. Chemicals found in elastic and rubber products
    3. Cosmetics
    4. Feminine deodorants
    5. Poison ivy and poison oak
  • Eczema
  • Medications or insect bites that cause allergic reactions
  • Various diseases cause rashes, including:
    1. Measles
    2. Lupus erythematosus
    3. Roseola
    4. Hand-foot-mouth disease
    5. Fifth disease
    6. Juvenile arthritis
    7. Kawasaki disease
Most common rashes will improve with gentle skin care and avoidance of irritating substances. Avoid scrubbing the skin, minimize the use of soap (using gentle cleansers when possible), and moisturize frequently. Eliminate any newly added cosmetics or lotions. Hydrocortisone cream (1%) is available without prescription and may soothe many rashes.

Call your health care provider if home treatment is ineffective, or if symptoms persist or worsen and if other symptoms accompany the rash.

A dermatologist is most qualified to deal with skin disorders, though many primary care doctors are comfortable dealing with common rashes.

 
 

Risk factors for Rashes:
 
 
Autoimmune  Ulcerative Colitis
 Skin rashes may occur as a result of the presence of ulcerative colitis and disappear when the colitis is treated.

Environment / Toxicity
  Gulf War Illness

Infections
  Lyme Disease

Medications
  Birth Control Pill / Contraceptive Issues

Metabolic
  Aspartame Intolerance

Uro-Genital
  Consequences of Vasectomy
 
 

Rashes suggests the following may be present:
 
 
Infections  Lyme Disease
 
 

Recommendations for Rashes:
 
 
Botanical  Antiinflammatory Combination Products
 
 


KEY
Weak or unproven link
Strong or generally accepted link
May do some good







GLOSSARY

Arthritis:  Inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness, and resulting from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances, or other causes. It occurs in various forms, such as bacterial arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, is characterized by a gradual loss of cartilage and often an overgrowth of bone at the joints.

Colitis:  Inflammation of the colon.

Dermatitis:  A general term used to refer to eruptions or rashes on the skin.

Eczema:  Swelling of the outer skin of unknown cause. In the early stage it may be itchy, red, have small blisters, and be swollen, and weeping. Later it becomes crusted, scaly, and thickened.

Ulcerative Colitis:  (Colitis ulcerosa): Ulceration of the colon and rectum, usually long-term and characterized by rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, frequent urgent diarrhea/bowel movements each day, abdominal pain.