Skin rashes that can be uncomfortable and distressing are a prevalent dermatological concern worldwide among people of all age groups. There can be multiple causes like infections, allergies, autoimmune disorders and environmental irritants for various types of skin rashes.
Common causes of Skin Rashes
- Infections – These are the most common cause of a skin rash. Infections from various parasites cause different types of skin rashes. Bacterial infections lead to impetigo and cellulitis. Ringworm and Candidiasis are commonly observed skin rash resulting from fungal infections while scabies and lice infestations result from parasitic infections.
- Allergic Reactions – Allergens from various sources can lead to certain skin rashes which are generally acute and have the potential to cause severe systemic damage if left untreated. These include food allergies from nuts, dairy products, wheat, fish etc. Certain drugs like antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also lead to an acute hypersensitive reaction in the form of skin rashes. Contact dermatitis is the most commonly encountered skin rash caused as a result of reaction from soaps, detergents, cosmetics or plants like poison ivy.
- Environmental factors – Certain environmental factors like excessive heat and sweat causes sunburn and heat rash which are red, raised and highly irritable with a burning sensation. Other factors like exposure to harsh chemicals directly or indirectly like during pollution can also causes skin rash in hypersensitive individuals ranging in severity depending upon the extent of exposure.
- Autoimmune disorders– Skin rashes which are usually chronic and have either remitting – relapsing or progressive course of occurrence are caused due to autoimmune conditions causing an inflammatory reaction. These include Psoriasis, Eczema, Lupus and Dermatitis herpetiformis.
Types of Skin Rashes
- Maculopapular Rash – These are red, flat and raised patches which are commonly seen in viral infections.
- Urticarial Rash also known as hives are itchy, red welts caused by allergies through various sources.
- Blistering Rash characterized by fluid filed blisters are commonly seen in like shingles, herpes and burns.
- Scaling Rash like dry, flaky skin are commonly observed in psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
- Pustular Rash characterized by pus filed bumps are commonly seen in acne and folliculitis.
When to seek medical attention?
While some skin rashes resolve on their own, certain require specific medical intervention like in the following cases:
- Widespread rash accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing or swelling as in anaphylaxis.
- In cases of painful, rapidly spreading and pus oozing eruptions.
- If there is involvement of mucus membranes of eyes, mouth and genitals.
- Also, if the basic over the counter treatments fail to provide relief.
Management of Skin Rashes
Tips for Prevention
- Maintaining a good hygiene especially proper handwashing is of utmost importance.
- Use gentle, fragrance and paraben free skincare products.
- One should avoid scratching to prevent secondary infections.
- Wear protective clothing in order to combat the adverse effects of extreme weather conditions.
- Skin should be kept moisturized with natural oils to prevent scaly lesions.
How homeopathy works for skin rashes
Homeopathic medicines help in managing the skin rashes by acting on the root cause and identifying the individual causes taking into account of the constitution and triggers.
- Sulphur – It is the topmost remedy for dry and scaly skin rashes characterized by persistent itching and burning what worsens with warmth and scratching.
- Rhus Toxicodendron – Helps in cases of skin rash caused by poison ivy, herpes and allergic dermatitis characterized by red, blistering and intensely itchy rashes that worsens with rest and improve with movement.
- Apis Mellifica – It aids in relieving red, swollen and burning rashes with a stinging sensation typically due to hives, insect bites and allergic skin reactions.
- Graphites – It is used for thickened skin eruptions with oozing of sticky charges with crust formation as seen in eczema and dermatitis.
- Arsenicum Album – It is helpful for dry, scaly and burning rashes as seen in chronic eczema, urticaria and fungal infections due to Tinea species. The skin rashes that worsen at night and improve with warm application.
- Natrum Muriaticum– It is helpful in reducing skin rashes caused by sun exposure and emotional disturbances like stress and other hormonal imbalances. It acts well for dry, chapped skin with white scales.
- Mezereum– It is indicated for rashes observed in eczema, herpes and impetigo characterized by intense itching, blistering and rashes that ooze and crust over.
BJain’s wide range of homeopathic medicines for skin rashes
- Omeo Acne Care Drops – It is best suitable for unhealthy skin prone to itching eruptions and acne.
- Omeo Anti-Fungal Drops – It helps in aiding the fungal infection of the skin, irritation, itching, redness, swelling and scaly skin.
- Omeo Dermatitis Drops – Suitable for dryness of the skin, itching, redness, rashes, inflammation, skin allergies, eczema and psoriasis.
Dr Anusha Dewan
BHMS, MPH, MBA Healthcare Management, a RESEARCH OFFICER at BJain Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd holds degree from Nehru Homoeopathic Medical College, Delhi University and Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research. As a dedicated and result oriented public health consultant, she leverages to create innovative healthcare solutions for improved patient outcomes.