skin rash and itch

Of all the common skin conditions caused by pregnancy, pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, or PUPPP, is probably the one that women find the most frustrating. Similar to linea nigra and striae (stretch marks), PUPPP is benign and harmless to the mother and unborn child. However, this fact doesn't lessen the discomfort and often annoying effects on the skin caused by PUPPP.

A balanced diet is crucial for overall health. But do certain foods also have specific benefits for managing psoriasis? Many people with the disease believe so. However, research has yielded mixed results. Here’s what’s known about diet and psoriasis—and what’s not.

What Causes Cellulitis?
Similar to impetigo, another common skin infection, cellulitis is often caused by Streptococcus (“strep”) or Staphylococcus (“staph”) bacteria. These bacteria usually live on the skin of healthy people but can enter the body through a break in the skin. Where impetigo is a superficial skin infection, cellulitis occurs when the bacteria get into the deeper tissue under the skin and overgrow. Unlike impetigo, cellulitis is not contagious.

Impetigo (em-pah-TY-go) is a common superficial bacterial infection of the skin that usually resolves itself within a matter of weeks. Often unsightly and itchy, it can be a miserable experience. Impetigo is more commonly associated with children (children 6 years old and younger are more likely to be infected), but it can occur in all ages.

What You See
There are two types of impetigo: blistering and non-blistering. Non-blistering impetigo is often characterized by:

Parenting.com published an article to help parents diagnose some common rashes that kids can pick up. Many rashes are harmless and clear up on their own or with simple home remedies. However, there are cases where parents should contact their child's pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist. For instance, common rashes like chickenpox and impetigo are extremely contagious and should be treated or monitored with the help of a physician.

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I’m forty years old and was diagnosed with psoriasis five months ago. Despite my late diagnosis, psoriasis has always been a part of my life and has taught me valuable lessons in empathy and self-confidence.

Q: Is the scabies rash contagious?

The rash itself is not contagious, but the mites that cause scabies can be transferred from person to person. Passing scabies to another person requires skin-to-skin contact. There have been authentic cases of scabies being transferred through handshakes, but it typically takes longer, closer personal contact to transfer scabies. People living in crowded conditions and shelters during times of poverty are most at risk.

Can you prevent dry skin by using chemical-free skin care products? I worry about a buildup of chemicals on my skin causing acne, dry skin, or skin cancer.

Every winter my fingers and toes develop painful, red, swollen areas with a sensation that feels like a cross between a burn and a deep itch. These symptoms last several weeks until eventually the skin blisters and cracks. The cracked skin then becomes susceptible to infection and becoming extremely chapped.

How can I prevent ringworm?