Skin Rashes and Bumps

First things first, the term ‘rash’ can have a wide variety of meaning.  It can also refer to many different types of skin disorders or diseases.  So what exactly can the terms ’skin rashes’ and ‘bumps’ encompass in terms of specific skin conditions?  Here are some of the most common skin concerns associated with these symptoms:

Insect bites

Insect bites are some of the most common causes of skin rashes and bumps.  Insects are equipped with bodily fluids that can cause an irritation on the skin as a result of a bite.  Insect bites can appear as red or pink spots which can either be raised or flat.  They can be very itchy, while others can cause an allergic reaction.  In most cases, though, these types of skin rashes are localized, appearing only on the area bitten by the insect.

Skin infection

Most skin infections cause skin rashes and bumps to appear.  Acne, for example, frequently causes skin infection.  As a result, raised red bumps and rashes appear on the affected area.

Razor burn

Dull razors can very often cause skin rashes and bumps.  Because the blade is no longer efficient in cutting off the hair, the tendency of the user is to run the razor over the skin more times than is necessary.  The friction caused by the razor can irritate the skin and result to skin rashes.

As for the bumps, the main culprit could be an ingrown hair.  A hair follicle, instead of opening up to allow new growth of hair to appear, crusts over, so growing hair is trapped inside.  As a result, red, slightly painful bumps appear on the skin.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis refers to conditions that manifest as skin inflammation.  There are several types of dermatitis that frequently lead to skin rashes and bumps.  One, such as atopic dermatitis, often appears as scaly blotches of skin on the chest, back, legs, arms and scalp.

This type of eczema tends to run in families, can affect both children and adults and is often attributed to allergies.  In most cases, the treatment consists only of eliminating or minimizing the cause of allergy or irritation or alleviating the symptoms through the use of medicated creams.

Another type of dermatitis that causes skin rashes and bumps is contact dermatitis, caused by allergic reactions to certain materials and substances.  Nickel-plated jewelry, for example, is notorious for causing skin rashes and bumps.  Treatment usually involves only avoidance of the material that contains the allergen or the application of steroids on the affected area.

Allergic reaction to drugs

Some causes of skin rashes and bumps can be associated with the use of certain drugs and medications.  Patients who are unfamiliar with a new drug often experience allergic reactions, appearing as raised bumps on the skin surface.  If the use of a particular medication is suspected of causing the rash, a doctor may prescribe a different one.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a problematic skin disease that causes rashes and raised bumps.  It’s chronic, which means it tends to recur.  The rashes appear as patches of skin, irregular in shape, slightly raised and can range from pink to red to brownish red in color.  The topmost portions of the rashes are usually crusted with fine white scales that appear dry.  If they are removed, these scales peel off the underlying skin and can allow fluid or a little blood to seep through.  Psoriasis skin rashes often appear on the scalp, chest, elbows and knees.

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