Rash

A temporary skin eruption due to inflammation of the skin, which may be caused by infection, allergy, chemical irritation, physical injury (such as sunburn, chafing), disorders of blood or blood vessels and nervous disorders. Rashes may be local (confined to a specific area) or general (occurring anywhere on the skin). In generalised rashes the cause is usually distributed by the bloodstream. Most rashes involve redness, with or without swelling, in spots or patches of varying shape and size. As well there may be itching, blistering, weeping, crusting, scabbing or peeling of the affected areas. Many rashes (for example those seen in infectious diseases such as chicken-pox, measles, scarlet fever) are characteristic of the cause, so that diagnosis can be made on the appearance and distribution of the rash. If any rash persists, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and headache, consult your doctor. The treatment of rashes is that of the underlying cause, plus measures to relieve itching.