skin rash and itch

Q: I’m outdoors a lot. What can I do to prevent a rash?

Sunlight can cause a lot of different skin reactions. The best way to prevent this is by wearing protective clothing and sunscreen. Plants that cause allergies, such as poison ivy, are commonly encountered by people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Stay away from plants you suspect could be poisonous, and wear gloves and protective clothing when gardening.

Dr. Lowell Goldsmith and Dr. Jeff Bernhard contributed their expertise on behalf of Logical Images for the above information.

Q: How can I get rid of the skin rash and itch of hives?

Hives is a prime example of a skin condition that responds extremely well to oral antihistamine treatment. A drug such as Benadryl®, Claritin®, or Zyrtec® can be very effective in relieving the rash and itch from hives. These drugs can also be obtained without a prescription.

Hives can sometimes form around the mouth and can be associated with breathing problems. In more serious cases, a visit to the emergency room and sometimes adrenalin shots are necessary.

For the Seventh Day of Dermatology, Skinsight has decided to give you interesting information about the skin infection called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly abbreviated and referred to as MRSA.

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.

If on the first day of Christmas you ended up with a rash from the wool sweater your grandmother sent you, here is some information on rashes just for you!

Learning new things is always good, especially when it involves one’s health. Your skin is a very visible indicator of your well-being, and many have come to our site to explore our picture database of different kinds of skin conditions. Here is the list for top 10 skin topics viewed on Skinsight.com this year¹.

Q: I have a red, itchy rash under my armpit. I work out a lot. Could it be from sweating?

It is difficult to say exactly what is causing the itching you are experiencing without seeing the rash in person. However, there are a few possibilities of what commonly cause an itchy rash in an individual’s armpits.

Q: Can antibiotics cause a rash?

Yes. Antibiotics, such as penicillin and doxycycline, can cause rash. These rashes are seen as a symmetrical outbreak of red, blotchy, slightly raised welts (wheals) and solid, raised spots (papules). This rash will typically begin on the trunk or back and spread to involve additional areas of the body. 

Q: How can I prevent scabies?

The only way to prevent scabies is to avoid contact with any persons who are infected with scabies. If you suspect a rash on your body may be scabies, see a physician who can identify the clinical pattern of scabies. A physician may attempt to scrape off the mite and look at it through a microscope to make a definite diagnosis. There is no blood test for scabies. Some drugs and medicines can also make people more susceptible to scabies.

Q: How can I tell if a skin rash is dangerous, or a sign of a dangerous condition?

If your rash is accompanied with fever or chills, you should see a physician. It may be something as simple as a 24-hour virus, or it could indicate something more serious. There are a number of dangerous conditions that are urgent, and then there are some serious skin conditions that are not necessarily urgent. This distinction may not be easy for a patient to make, so it is necessary to see a physician.

Some signs and symptoms that may indicate that a rash is dangerous include: