Skin Rashes
There are many types of common skin rashes in young adults. Listed are a few of the most frequently seen.
Athlete's Foot
Symptoms: Athletes foot is caused by a common fungal infection. Symptoms include burning, tingling, itching between the toes, and blisters, cracked and peeling skin between the toes or on the soles of the feet.
Treatment: Use over-the-counter medications that contain terbinafine, clotrimazole, or miconazole. If the rash does not respond, see your healthcare provider.
Prevention: Keep your feet dry. Wear socks made from natural materials. Wear well ventilated shoes. Wear shower shoes or sandals in public places. Use anti-fungal powder if you are prone to athletes foot.
Mayo Clinic Information on Athlete's Foot
Eczema
Symptoms: Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that causes redness, swelling, scaling and itching of the skin. Genetics, allergies, stress and skin irritants can all cause eczema. Symptoms may vary based on the cause.
Treatment: Treatment generally includes the use of hydrocortisone creams and lotions for a limited time. Over-the-counter antihistamines may be useful to decrease itching.
Self-Care: Bathe less frequently, using warm (not hot) water. Use mild soaps such as Dove. Moisturize your skin frequently with creams or ointments. Don’t scratch and wear cotton clothing.
See your healthcare provider if your rash becomes tender, swollen, hot or has drainage.
Mayo Clinic Eczema Information
Impetigo
Symptoms: Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection which causes sores around the mouth that begin as fluid filled blisters which open and form a honey- colored crust.
Treatment: See a healthcare provider for a prescription of topical or oral antibiotics.
Self Care:
- Frequent hand-washing
- Avoid touching or scratching the infected area
- Wear gloves when applying ointment
- Contact sports are not allowed until the lesions have resolved
Mayo Clinic Impetigo Information
Molluscum Contagiosum
Symptoms: This is a common contagious, viral skin infection that causes small firm flesh colored bumps with indented centers. It can be spread person-to-person and with the use of contaminated objects. It can be found on the hands, feet, face, arms or legs. It can be spread sexually on the lower abdomen, genital area or the upper thighs.
Treatment: Molluscum will generally resolve on their own within 12-18 months. Because they spread easily, healthcare providers will often remove them by scraping, freezing or other methods.
Self-Care:
- Avoid touching the bumps or shaving the affected area
- Do not share clothing or towels with others
- Avoid sexual contact until bumps have resolved
Mayo Clinic Molluscum Contagiosum Information
Pityriasis
Pityriasis is a common skin condition that usually begins as one large spot on your chest, abdomen or back and spreads from the middle of the body outward in the shape of drooping pine-shaped branches. It usually clears up on its own within six to eight weeks.
Symptoms:
- Begins with large, slightly raised, scaly patch on back, chest or abdomen
- Pine-tree pattern occurs a few days to weeks after initial symptoms
- Color of rash is scaly and pink
- Half the people who develop pityriasis also have symptoms of:
- Upper respiratory infection – stuffy nose, cough, sore throat and/or congestion
Self-Care:
- Bath or shower in lukewarm water
- Zinc oxide cream or calamine lotion on the rash
- Take an oatmeal bath to relieve itching
Mayo Clinic Topic Overview
Web MD Topic Overview
Poison Ivy
Poison ivy causes a skin rash called allergic contact dermatitis when touched. It is the most common skin problem caused by plants.
Symptoms:
- Swelling
- Itching
- Redness
- Blisters
Self-Care:
- See a healthcare provider if the rash is extensive
- Over-the-counter corticosteroid creams such as hydrocortisone
- Calamine lotion
- Cool, wet compress for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day
- Creams containing menthol such as Sarna
- Colloidal oatmeal bath
- Antihistamines such as Benadryl
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/poison-ivy/DS00774
Web MD Topic Overview
Scabies
Scabies is a skin condition caused by a burrowing mite that leads to itching in the area of its burrows. Scabies is contagious and can spread quickly through close contact.
Symptoms:
- Itching, usually worse at night
- Thin, irregular marks that look like blisters or bumps most often found:
- Between fingers
- Armpits
- Insides of wrists
- Waist area
- Elbow
- Soles of feet
- Buttocks
- Shoulder blades
- Male genital area
- Knees
- Around breast
Self-Care:
- See a healthcare provider for a prescription cream or lotion
- Calamine lotion
- Over-the-counter antihistamines to relieve allergic symptoms
- Soaking in cool water
- Apply cool, wet washcloth to irritated areas
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/scabies/DS00451
Web MD Topic Overview