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Previous 1 of 12 Atopic dermatitisSkin rashes can occur from a variety of factors, including infections, heat, allergens, immune system disorders and medications. One of the most common skin disorders that causes a rash is atopic dermatitis (ay-TOP-ik dur-muh-TI-tis), also known as eczema.Atopic dermatitis is an ongoing (chronic) condition that makes skin red and itchy.
You can apply calamine lotion directly to your skin: Make sure you mix the lotion before using it by shaking the container. Put some calamine lotion on a cotton pad or cloth. Apply the pad or cloth. An itchy rash of small red spots first appears on the face and trunk, and then spreads across the body. Spots then develop blisters on top. After 48 hours, the blisters cloud and start to dry out.
Most often it appears as patches on the hands, feet, ankles, neck, upper body and limbs. It tends to flare up periodically and then subside for a time.At-home interventions can lessen symptoms and reduce the risk of flare-ups. Self-care habits include avoiding harsh soaps and other irritants and applying creams or lotions regularly.
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Medicated anti-itch creams or ointments also can ease the discomfort caused by symptoms. Bolognia JL, et al. Pruritus and dysesthesia. In: Dermatology. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. Accessed July 27, 2016. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds.
Atopic dermatitis. In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. Accessed July 28, 2016. Bolognia JL, et al. Protozoa and worms.
In: Dermatology. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. Accessed July 27, 2016. Shingles (Herpes zoster): Vaccination. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed July 28, 2016.
Habif TP. Acne, rosacea, and related disorders.
In: Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. Edinburgh, U.K.; New York, N.Y.: Mosby Elsevier; 2016. Accessed June 20, 2016. AskMayoExpert.
Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2015. Red, itchy rash? Get the skinny on dermatitis. NIH News in Health. Accessed July 28, 2016.
Bennett JE, et al., eds. Dermatophytosis (ringworm) and other superficial mycoses. In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases.
Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2015. Accessed June 29, 2016. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. Atopic dermatitis. In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. Accessed July 27, 2016.
Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. Pityriasis rosea. In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012.
Accessed July 27, 2016. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds.
Cutaneous reactions to drugs. In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. Accessed July 27, 2016. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. Lichen planus.
In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012.
Accessed July 27, 2016. Lichen planus. American Academy of Dermatology. Accessed July 29, 2016. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. Varicella and herpes zoster. In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine.
New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. Accessed July 27, 2016. Parasites: Cercarial dermatitis (also known as swimmer's itch). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed July 29, 2016. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. Irritant contact dermatitis.
In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. Accessed July 28, 2016. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. Allergic contact dermatitis.
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American Family Physician. 2014;89:569. Bolognia JL, et al. In: Dermatology. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012.
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Hives, also known as urticaria, are itchy, raised welts that are found on the skin. They are usually red, pink, or flesh-colored, and sometimes they sting or hurt.
In most cases, hives are caused by an allergic reaction to a medication or food or a reaction to an irritant in the environment.In many cases, hives are an acute (temporary) problem that may be alleviated with allergy medications. Most rashes go away on their own. However, chronic (ongoing) cases, as well as hives accompanied by a severe allergic reaction, are larger medical concerns. Hives are usually caused by an to something that you have encountered or swallowed. When you have an allergic reaction, your body begins to release histamines into your blood. Histamines are chemicals your body produces in an attempt to defend itself against infection and other outside intruders. Unfortunately, in some people, the histamines can cause swelling, itching, and many of the symptoms that are experienced with hives.
In terms of allergens, hives can be caused by factors such as pollen, medications, food, animal dander, and insect bites.Hives might also be caused by circumstances besides allergies. It’s not uncommon for people to experience hives as the result of stress, tight clothes, exercise, illnesses, or infections. It’s also possible to develop hives as the result of excessive exposure to hot or cold temperatures or from irritation due to excessive sweating. As there are several potential triggers, many times the actual cause of hives cannot be determined. The most noticeable symptom associated with hives is the welts that appear on the skin. Welts may be red, but can also be the same color as your skin. They can be small and round, ring-shaped, or large and of random shape.
Hives are itchy, and they tend to appear in batches on the affected part of the body. They can grow larger, change shape, and spread.Hives may disappear or reappear over the course of the outbreak.
Individual hives can last anywhere from half an hour to a day. Hives may turn white when pressed. Sometimes the hives may change shape or form together and create a larger, raised area.Hives can occur in a variety of places on the body.
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Call 911 or seek medical attention immediately if you develop a hive outbreak around your throat or on your tongue or have trouble breathing along with hives. Allergic ReactionsThe most common causes of hives are allergic reactions. These can be caused by any allergen you might be sensitive to, including:. foods (such as nuts, milk, and eggs). pet dander.
pollen. dust mites. insect bites or stings.
medications (primarily antibiotics, cancer drugs, and ibuprofen)Mild cases of hives caused by allergies are typically treated with long- or short-term allergy medications and avoidance of the trigger. Anaphylaxisis a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. In this condition, hives are often accompanied with breathing difficulties, nausea or vomiting, severe swelling, and dizziness. Call 911 immediately if you suspect anaphylaxis. Chronic hivesChronic hives are ongoing cases that don’t necessarily have an identifiable cause.
Also called chronic urticaria, this condition is marked by recurring hives that can interfere with your lifestyle. According to the, these can last between six weeks and several months or years.You may suspect chronic hives if you have welts that don’t go away within six weeks. While not life-threatening, this form of hives can be uncomfortable and difficult to treat. They may also be a symptom of an underlying health problem, such as:. celiac disease.
lupus. type 1 diabetes. rheumatoid arthritis.
thyroid diseaseDermatographismThis form of acute hives is considered mild. Excessive scratching or continuous pressure on the skin causes it. Usually clears up on its own in a short period of time without treatment. Temperature-induced hivesSometimes changes in temperature can induce hives in people who are sensitive to such changes.
Cold-induced hives may occur from cold water or air exposure, while body heat from physical activity may cause exercise-induced hives. Exposure to sunlight or tanning beds may also bring about solar hives in some people. Infection-induced hivesBoth can cause hives.
Common bacterial infections causing hives include urinary tract infections and strep throat. Viruses that cause infectious mononucleosis, hepatitis, and colds often cause hives. The first step in getting treatment is to figure out if you actually have hives. In most cases, your doctor will be able to determine if you have hives from a physical exam. Your skin will show signs of the welts that are associated with hives. Your doctor may also perform blood tests or skin tests to determine what may have caused your hives — especially if they were the result of an allergic reaction.You may not need prescription treatment if you’re experiencing a mild case of hives not related to allergies or other health conditions.
In these circumstances, your doctor might suggest that you seek temporary relief by:. taking antihistamines, such as or. avoiding irritating the area. avoiding hot water, which may aggravate the hives.
taking a cool or lukewarm bath with or baking sodaAnaphylaxis is a medical emergency that needs to be treated immediately by a physician.
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