Common Rashes: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Poison Oak resembles Poison Ivy, but it does look more shrub-like. Its leaves also resemble those of an oak tree. The rash will appear as itchy, small, red bumps that will later develop into blisters. It is fairly common for the rash to ooze or form a crust. Unless there is a severe allergy, at home treatment with calamine lotion and a cool compress will cure the rash.

Poison Ivy usually has three almond-shaped, broad leaves, but it could possibly have more. It can grow as either a climbing vine on trees or low to the ground. The symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, and blisters. Like Poison Oak, you can treat a Poison Ivy rash at home with calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream, and a cool compress.

Poison Sumac has longer, thinner leaves than Poison Ivy, and it typically grows into a shrub that is 5-20 feet in height. This rash, like Poison Ivy and Poison Oak, is red, itchy, swollen, and may develop blisters. Since Poison Sumac, Ivy, and Oak all contain the same chemical (urushiol), you can treat them the same with calamine lotion and a cool compress.

Strep Rash, more commonly known as Scarlet Fever, is caused by a strain of the Streptococcus bacteria. You may have a sore throat along with the rash, but not always. Scarlet Fever symptoms include a red, blotchy rash that first appears on the neck, underarm, or groin, then may spread to other areas of the body. This rash is treated with antibiotics and antibiotic creams, usually from your physician.

Dermatitis is a general inflammation of the skin and can have many causes, including contact with certain soaps or jewelry that you may be sensitive towards. The rash is usually red and itchy, can form blisters or flake over, or cause moderate to severe pain. Treatment usually encompasses corticosteroid creams and exposure to controlled amounts of natural light (phototherapy).

Rosacea is simply a condition that causes the blood vessels in your face to become visibly red. Symptoms can also include small red bumps that could be mistaken for acne. There are many possible causes for rosacea, and your dermatologist can help prescribe you the proper treatment to help get rid of symptoms, although it is not curable. It is most common to happen to light-skinned, middle-aged women.

If you have had chicken pox, it is highly likely that you will have shingles later in life. The same virus that causes chicken pox lies dormant near your brain and spinal cord, and when it activates again, it shows up as shingles. Shingles appear usually as a line of blisters on one side of your torso. It can be prevented through vaccines and treated with antivirals, although it is not curable. It goes away usually within two to six weeks. Recurrence is unlikely, but it can reappear.

Depending on the severity of the allergy, the rash can be a mild red patch with bumps or you may develop itchy hives. An allergic reaction rash is usually accompanied by other symptoms, like sneezing or possibly wheezing. You can treat the rash at home with antihistamine creams, but you can also ask your physician to write a prescription for a stronger cream.

Olive oil works well to naturally treat rashes and provide relief for itching. Rub EVOO or a combination of equal parts olive oil and honey onto the rash three times daily until it disappears. Apple cider vinegar also naturally helps rashes heal, along with possibly helping fight the infection that’s causing the rash. Dip a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and place it on the affected area for 2-3 minutes, three times a day, and it should clear up within a few days.

Depending on the cause of your rash, your doctor will likely have a variety of treatment options available to you. Some treatments your doctor may prescribe are simply treatments for your symptoms, while others might cure your rash entirely. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions on the proper treatment for your rash so you can heal it quickly and effectively.