Find the Cause of a Rash
Skin rashes without accompanying illness are very common and are usually not serious health issues, but they can be difficult to diagnose. There are several different types of rashes, but all involve a change in the color and texture of the skin. Using a little detective work and the following steps, you and your health care provider should be able to find the source of your rash.
Instructions
1. Determine when your rash first appeared. Many times the cause of a rash relates to a specific activity. Things you have touched cause contact dermatitis. Detergents, chemicals, latex and plants are some of the most common sources. Many of these rashes are mild, but sometimes they cause bumps, blisters and itching. If you have been in the woods, you may have been in contact with poison oak, sumac or some other variety of poison ivy.
2. Examine your body to find out how extensive your rash is and what it looks like. If a rash appears on only one part of your body, it is probably a contact dermatitis. However, if it appears all over your body and you have no other sign of illness, it may be due to something you have ingested, which is causing a generalized reaction. This type of rash is the identifying factor of Fifth disease, a childhood illness, and appears on the arms, legs and cheeks. The nature of the rash is often the clue to the cause.
3. Think about whether anything makes the rash better or worse. If the cause of the rash is something you are using, such as a new detergent, soap, or cosmetic, or if it is something you are eating, the rash will begin to clear up when you remove the irritant.
4. Review any new medications you may have started. Allergic reactions to new medications may cause a generalized rash, which will usually appear after you have taken a couple of doses. Notify your physician of all medications you are taking, including over the counter and herbal varieties.
5. Discuss any other symptoms you may be having. Aching joints, fever and fatigue accompanied by a rash are reasons to see your physician. There are several possibilities to consider, such as Lyme disease or tick fever. A rash associated with shingles is painful because of involvement of the underlying nerves. Early treatment for these illnesses is necessary to prevent further complications.
6. View pictures of different kinds of rashes. The most common cause of rashes are allergic reaction, bacterial infection, effects of medications, skin irritants, fungal infections, insect bites and parasitic infections. The descriptions and symptoms vary. Viewing pictures on the Mayo Clinic website, listed in the Resources section of this article, may help you determine what is causing your skin rash.
Tags: your body, your rash, Cause Rash, contact dermatitis, Find Cause