Skin Rashes
Skin Rashes
One of the most common skin disorders is the eruption of skin rashes which, whether malignant or harmless, are most certainly uncomfortable, and often painful. Marked by red eruption in either localized areas, or all over the skin leading to a change in the general color and texture of the skin, rashes may cause the skin to itch, become dry, scaled or bumpy, or even swell and blister.
A rash does not always signify any particular health problem. There are numerous types of skin rashes, and also a wide variety of conditions and situations that can lead to them. Certain cases are more severe than others, while some may be nothing more than a minor disturbance.
However more often than not, skin rashes are symptoms – manifestations of deeper disorders, rather than being diseases themselves. The causes, and therefore treatments for rashes, vary widely. Diagnosis thus depends upon the appearance of the rash, other symptoms accompanying it, environments to which the patient may have been exposed to, occupation, and occurrence in other members of the family.
Doctors have attributed anxiety, allergic reactions, irritants, bacterial or fungal infections, diseases like eczema or acne, and exposure to sun or heat as some of the most common causes of skin rashes. The itching that arises from the eruption often causes the patient to scratch the affected skin, doing which invariably increases the spread of the rash. A multitude of over-the-counter remedies like ointments or gels provide temporary relief to the symptoms, but for proper elimination of the underlying causes of skin rashes, a doctor or dermatologist must be consulted.
Rashes are definitely uncomfortable, and most of the times a nuisance, but are seldom dangerous. Life-threatening skin rashes rarely occur. However when they do, a prompt appointment with a doctor is a must. It is therefore extremely important to identify rashes, and know when to suspect malignancy.
Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), and Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSS) are five potentially life-threatening disorders that have skin rash as the primary symptom. One common feature of all of these diseases is the fact that the rash affects the entire body, or most of it.
Not just the skin, in malignant rashes, look for affected areas in the mucous membranes (the moist linings of the mouth, nose, and eyes). In such cases, skin rashes often have blisters on top of them. Blisters that accompany a serious rash usually have features like swelling of the thin outer layer of the skin affecting large parts of the body. This may mean several small blisters about 1 cm across or a few very large blisters several centimeters wide. Blisters are tense (full of fluid) at first, and then may become loose before breaking open. When they do rupture, the skin underneath is moist and usually painful. The underlying skin surface then dries up and crusts over.
Pressing on a tense blister or scratching the skin next to a blister in case of such malignant skin rashes will extend the blister and make it larger. Such blisters can involve any or all of the mucous membranes. Blisters in these areas may not be noticeable because they rupture easily, especially in the mouth, but this symptom is usually accompanied by a burning sensation, especially while taking food. Blisters on the mucous membranes that rupture may be very painful.
Staying on the alert for alarming symptoms, and taking immediate counteractive steps often provide instant relief to skin rashes. If the symptoms do not change within 24 hours of taking remedial measures, it is usually advisable to contact a doctor or a dermatologist.
