Rash Symptoms

Rashes can develop on any part of the body. There are rashes that are localized which means only one area of the body is affected and there are rashes that spread out to all parts of the body. Rashes that are widespread are caused by an allergic reaction or by a virus. There are rashes that develop all of a sudden (like allergic rashes) and there are rashes that gradually develop over a period of time because of constant exposure to harmful chemicals such as detergents.

The most common symptoms of rashes are:

• Itching – Itching often is a result of an insect sting or bite or it may be to contact dermatitis, other environmental allergens, hay fever or eczema.  Infants and children are more prone to the itching symptoms of rashes and will scratch their skin to attempt to relieve the itchiness.  Too much scratching can result in skin damage and thus can lead to infection, bleeding, oozing of fluid, discomfort, swelling, redness and inflammation of the skin.

• Hives – Hives are skin spots that are itchy, reddish in color and are raised on the skin. These rash symptoms often occur on the arms, hands, chest and face. Hives can be caused by chemical allergens as well as by animal dander and fur, hay fever and food allergies.

• Inflammation – Contact dermatitis, eczema and skin allergy often come with skin inflammation. Inflammation makes the skin swollen, tender, reddish and hot to the touch. Chemical allergens and pollen are the most common culprits that cause skin inflammation.

• Swelling – Raised or swollen skin often is a reaction to an allergen. It can also come from contact skin dermatitis and severe eczema. Skin swelling can worsen by persistent scratching irritated and itchy rashes. Skin swelling often is accompanied by discomfort, redness and inflammation.

• Dryness – This rash symptom can again be due to skin allergy and other skin diseases like contact dermatitis and eczema. Contact to chemical allergens can cause dryness symptom.

Other symptoms of skin rash can include:

• Oozing or weeping
• Warmth
• Scaling
• Lesions – wheals, pustules, papules and blisters
• Flaking
• Crusting
• Cracking

If rashes are allowed to remain untreated for a long time, the affected skin areas can be infected by viral infections and secondary infections. Exposure to moisture or heat, scratching and stress, can aggravate uncomplicated simple skin rashes.

Besides the aforementioned symptoms, other rash symptoms may signify a more serious health problem. They include the following:

• Reddish streaks in the skin
• Tightness or soreness of the throat
• Shortness of breath
• Joint pain
• Fever
• Serious swelling

Eastern Healing Solutions, LLC
10875 Grandview Dr #2250
Overland Park, KS 66210
Phone: (913) 549-4322
www.overlandparkacupuncturist.com