COMMON SKIN RASHES Their Causes and Cures Dr. Stephanie Hill
Skin rashes are caused by many different things. They are frequently recognized by symptoms of blistering, dryness, itching, reddening, or scabbing of the skin. Some of the more common ailments that fall into the category of skin rashes are eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. This paper discusses these three common types of skin rashes.

ECZEMA

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, causes the skin to appear red and blotchy. The disease can occur at any age, from infants to adults, but it typically occurs from infancy to childhood. It affects about 3 percent of the United States population. There are two types of eczema—atopic eczema and hand eczema.

Atopic Eczema. Atopic eczema is caused by contact with woolen clothing, by heat, by detergents, by the house dust mite, and by stress.

Hand Eczema. Hand eczema is caused by detergents, grease, oils, sensitive skin, and too much exposure to wet work.

DERMATITIS

Dermatitis is often referred to as contact dermatitis. Some of the more common substances that cause dermatitis are cosmetics, jewelry, household and industrial chemicals, perfumes, plants, rubber, and soaps. Contact dermatitis is further classified as either allergic contact dermatitis or irritant contact dermatitis.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis. This skin rash occurs after contact is made with certain substances, called allergens. The rash occurs as a reaction of the body’s immune system to expel the allergen from the skin. Common allergens are often found in jewelry and cosmetics metals.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis. This skin rash does not require exposure to an allergen but can develop when you come in contact with substances such as detergents, oils, skin cleansers, and solvents.
PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by skin scaling and inflammation. This disease affects about 5.5 million people in the United States. It occurs in all age groups and affects both men and women. When psoriasis develops, patches of skin redden and become covered with scales. The skin then cracks and may cause severe irritation in places like the face, scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.

It is believed that psoriasis is a disorder of the immune system in which there are not enough white blood cells to help protect the body against infection and diseases of this type.