What An Itchy Skin Rash Can Mean

Bumpy, scaly, red and irritating, itchy skin rashes are a pain – literally. There’s a good reason for this, since bumps, scales, and itching let you know your body isn’t happy, and that you’d better do something about it. Fortunately, skin rashes and the itching they can bring are easy to treat, and seldom a cause for great concern. Various forms of dermatitis or eczema are often to blame for an itchy skin rash. Dermatitis can be caused by genetics, an underlying allergy to substances like food, fragrances, and certain metals, or coming into contact with an irritant. Any parent will be familiar with common baby rashes, including diaper rash. While some infant rashes cause no itching, diaper rash can leave your baby quite uncomfortable – and rubbing or scratching will make it worse. In other cases, your itchy skin rash can be blamed on the weather. In the wintertime, extremely dry skin can lead to xerosis, which can take the form of scaly red patches or rough, cracked skin. During the summer, people in humid climates can experience uncomfortable prickly heat. An itchy skin rash can also indicate the presence of a disease. Common childhood culprits include chicken pox and measles. Other times, this discomfort is one of several symptoms of a more serious condition. Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever both cause uncomfortable skin rashes, although they are generally accompanied by other warning signs such as a very high fever.Thyroid disorders also can produce rashes, but again, other symptoms will alert you that something more serious is wrong. If you are feeling very unwell in addition to having an itchy skin rash, it’s time to head to the doctor. If your itchy skin rash is simply the cause of irritated skin, you can bring yourself relief in several ways. Keep a baby with diaper rash comfortable with frequent changings, a mild baby powder, and allowing the little one to go bare-bottomed whenever possible. Rashes caused by allergic reactions are often treated with a soothing hydrocortisone cream – and by avoiding the allergen. You also may find a mild but nourishing moisturizer, like shea butter, can soothe eczema. This method also will help treat itchy skin rashes caused by dry skin, by providing much-needed moisture.