Common Causes of Rashes on Your Skin

Rashes are common. But the itchy, red, and inflamed skin that they cause are never comfortable. Having a rash is no fun, it can make you self-conscious and uncomfortable, with itching, pain and discomfort all day. Understanding what causes rashes can help you treat your rashes when they develop, and help you prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are a few of the most common causes of skin rashes. 

Fungus

Fungus are small living organisms, typically molds and mildews. Fungi are all over, in the air and the water, and on your body. But some fungi are harmful to humans, and can cause a fungal infection that can make you develop a red, scaly, and itchy rash. But the good news is that most fungal rashes are treatable at home with over-the-counter creams and ointments. Fungal rashes are typically deeper colored around the edges, scaly around the border, and with defined lesions at the edges of the rash. Athlete’s foot is one of the most common fungal rashes that typically develops after walking barefoot in locker rooms or restrooms. Treating your fungal rash with an over-the-counter cream is typically enough to recover. 

Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that causes red, itchy, and inflamed rashes on people who have the skin condition. There are many different types of eczemas, with atopic dermatitis being the most common type of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition, with up to 80% of cases following you to adulthood. But the good news is that there are treatment options available. If you believe that you or a loved one has eczema, you should see your dermatologist to discuss your options. There are prescription creams, ointments, and other medications that can help relieve the worst symptoms of eczema and atopic dermatitis. 

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a rash that develops from direct contact with an irritant or an allergic reaction. There are two types of contact dermatitis, A and B. A dermatitis typically causes dry, scaly, and non-itchy rashes. B dermatitis causes very itchy and red rashes. These are the types of rash that develop from poison ivy. The best way to avoid these rashes is to avoid the things that irritate your skin. You can also use medicated lotions and creams to relieve the worst of the symptoms of contact dermatitis. 

Nobody likes having a rash. They are uncomfortable and unsightly, and put a damper on everything. But understanding the common causes of rashes can help you avoid and treat rashes when they come up. Do your research and find out what your irritants are to avoid rashes in the future.

Read this next: Anti-Aging Treatments That Can Help You Regain Your Confidence