Skin rashes are irritations to the skin, although the causes for rashes can be numerous and diverse. Rashes do not always require medical attention, although they sometimes can.
What Are Rashes?
Rashes appear when the skin and/or body has received some form of irritation. Skin rashes typically appear reddish or darker in hue, raised and swollen. They may by itchy, painful, dry, cracked or warm to the touch.
What Causes Rashes?
Skin rashes have numerous causes, including hormonal changes, allergies, skin friction, anxiety, exposure to heat or sun, illness and infection. Skin irritations such as acne and eczema may also resemble rashes.
When to Seek Treatment
If you've experienced pervasive and persistent skin rashes for an excess of one week or more, you may want to make an appointment with your physician or dermatologist to get prescription medication or ointment for treatment and to rule out more serious causes. Otherwise, you can treat your rashes with over-the-counter ointments. You can also attempt to identify and stop the behaviors that may have led to the rashes.
Rashes typically do not require medical attention, but you can rule out more serious conditions by seeking medical attention if the rash is consistent and widespread. Because rashes can be caused by so many different sources, it can be difficult to diagnosis the cause of the irritation yourself.
