… elbow creases. Treatment involves moving the individual to a cooler environment.
Rashes not caused by infectious organisms like heat rashes, can be treated with over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream for a week or so prior to seeking medical attention. Over-the-counter oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax) can be helpful in controlling the itching sensation.
Stasis dermatitis
This is a weepy, oozy dermatitis that occurs on the lower legs of individuals who have chronic swelling because of poor circulation in veins.
Psoriasis
This bumpy scaling eruption which does not weep or ooze. Psoriasis tends to occur on the scalp, elbows, and knees. The skin condition produces silvery flakes of skin that scale and fall off.
Hives
These red itchy bumps come on in a sudden fashion and then resolve in about eight hours. They tend to recur frequently. If hives are caused by a drug, that drug should be avoided in the future.
Nummular eczema
This is a weepy, oozy dermatitis that tends to occur as coin-shaped plaques in the wintertime and is associated with very dry skin.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is the single most common rash affecting adults. It produces a red scaling often itchy eruption that characteristically affects the scalp, forehead, brows, cheeks, and external ears. In infants, it may involve and scalp (cradle cap) and diaper area.
Drug eruptions
Don’t rule out that certain prescriptions could be making you break out as well. Certain drugs (like antibiotics) can produce a skin rash as an unwanted side effect. The common appearance is similar to rashes produced by certain common viral infections. On the other hand, drugs may produce a wide variety of other types of rashes.
ALSO READ: What Is Eczema?
Perfumes and Fragrances: Unwanted Scents
If you don’t have any of the above, perfumes and fragrances may be to blame. This type of allergy is on the rise. But it’s not just the stuff you use to smell good. Fragrances that may cause an allergic reaction are found in hundreds of products, including shampoos, soaps, body washes, and household products like room sprays, cleaners, laundry detergents, and dryer sheets. Even products labeled “unscented” can cause contact dermatitis because they may contain a fragrance designed to block unwanted scents. Research has shown that natural oils can also cause allergic reactions. If you’re prone to fragrance allergies, look for fragrance-free products.