With the recent outbreak of Monkeypox, any rash or bump on the skin can be suspect. The term rash has no precise meaning but often is used to refer to a wide variety of red skin eruptions. A rash is any inflammatory condition of the skin. Dermatologists have developed various terms to describe skin rashes. The first requirement is to identify a primary, most frequent feature. The configuration of the rash is then described using adjectives such as “circular,” “ring-shaped,” “linear,” and “snake-like.” Other characteristics of the rash that are noted include density, color, size, consistency, tenderness, shape, and even temperature.
RELATED: Eczema: How To Treat Winter Flare Ups
Finally, the distribution of the rash on the body can be very useful in diagnosis since many skin diseases have a predilection to appear in certain body areas. An accurate diagnosis of a skin rash often requires a doctor or other health care professional. Continue reading to learn about the most common skin rashes on black skin and their causes.
Common Skin Rashes on Black Skin
Here are some of the most common skin rashes and what may be causing them.
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, often called eczema, is a common disorder of childhood that produces red itchy, weeping rashes on the inner aspects of the elbows and in back of the knees as well as the cheeks, neck, wrists, and ankles. It is commonly found in patients who also have asthma and hay fever.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a rash that is brought on either by contact with a specific chemical to which the patient is uniquely allergic or with a substance that directly irritates the skin. Some chemicals are both irritants and allergens. This rash is tends to be weepy and oozy and affects the parts of the skin which have come in direct contact with the offending substance. Common examples of allergic contact dermatitis are poison ivy, poison sumac, poison oak (same chemical, different plant) and reactions to costume jewelry containing nickel.
READ THIS: What is Shingles?
Heat rash (miliaria)
This skin eruption is caused by the occlusion of sweat ducts during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is most common in infants who are kept too warm. Heat rash looks like a red cluster of acne or small blisters. It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in…