Worried about the red patches on your skin? Some of you might have also experienced the itching and pain on certain areas of the body. You should not take these things lightly because these can indicate mild to severe conditions and can also occur in some serious, even life-threatening conditions. Some of the severe allergic reactions that include eczema, rosacea, ringworm, contact dermatitis, pityriasis, impetigo, actinic keratosis, rubia, versicolor, seborrhea and cellulitis. Most of these have no particular causes. However, some of these may occur due to genetics and sun exposure while some are caused by microorganisms too.
Most of these can be treated easily and are not considered to be fatal. So, check the symptoms and take proper care of your skin before the condition worsens. Here are 12 common skin irritants:
1. Ringworm
It is also called tinea corporis and is caused by a worm that is spread through skin contact from an infected person. It can also spread by sharing things like clothing, sports gear, towels etc. The area has circular ring like patches that are itchy too. Ringworm can occur in any part of the body. Doctors can identify it by taking a sample of your skin and testing it under the microscope. It can be easily cured with antifungal pills and creams.
2. Rosacea
This condition is more visible in fair skinned people and affects adults aged between 30-60. This condition occurs when the blood vessels on the face become dilated and stimulated. The skin becomes red too. The person with rosacea may also experience eye irritation, breakouts like acne, thickening of skin on the nose etc. To reduce the affects try to avoid sun exposure, spicy foods, hot drinks, vigorous exercise and cold weather. There are no particular tests for this condition. However, oral antibiotics, topical medications and laser treatment are used to cure it.
3. Eczema: This condition is also called as topic dermatitis and atopic eczema. It runs in families and is associated with hay fever and asthma. It causes itchy and dry skin with read and dry patches on the back of the knees, inside of the elbows etc. Eczema patients also experience flaky skin and dandruff on the body, hands and face. There are no specific tests for this disease. Doctors use medical history and skin examinations to diagnose. Doctors recommend the use of topical medications, moisturizing and avoiding triggers.
4. Contact dermatitis
It is a type of eczema. There are two forms of dermatitis, allergic and irritant. Most of the people suffer from irritant type. People who have the allergic form are usually allergic to various things like preservatives, latex, nickel etc. This is chronic and causes blisters that are fluid filled, dry skin, red and thickened skin and itchiness. Most common treatments include steroids and anti-itch lotions.
5. Impetigo
This condition is due to a bacterial infection and causes huge blisters and sores depending on the bacteria that cause this disease. It is usually caused by two types of bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or group A streptococcus. It is common in children and occurs near the nose and mouth. It is contagious and itchy. It can be treated by using antibiotic lotions or creams and oral antibiotics.
6. Seborrhea or dandruff
Seborrhea can affect the groin, skin and other areas with a lot of oil glands. It makes your skin look greasy and flaky and is similar to psoriasis. It is caused due to a fungus. The treatment usually depends on the age of the person and location affected. If the skin is affected, it can be treated with topical corticosteroid and antifungal creams. Adults with dandruff can use shampoos with salicylic acid. Babies can use non-medicated shampoos.
7. Pityriasis Rosea
This is a single patch that is oval or round shaped known as the herald patch which is followed by many other similar patches. The cause is suspected to be a virus. Treatments are carried out with topical cortisone and light therapy. The rashes go away after about two months.
8. Actinic keratosis
It is a condition caused due to sun exposure. The lesions on the skin are white, flat and scaly. They appear on areas that are often exposed to sun. It can affect areas like face, arms hands etc. People who had sunburns and children are prone to this disease. Treatment include cryotherapy, cautery or use of topical creams like 5-fluorouracil.
9. Tinea cruris
It is a kind of ringworm that accompanies athlete’s foot. It is very common in male athletes and found on moist areas like inner thighs, groin and buttocks. This disease is contagious but does not affect the scrotum or penis. The symptoms appear as blisters on the edges of a red color center. Drying powders, loose clothing and anti-fungal agents are recommended.
10. Tinea versicolor
Teenagers and people with oily skin are usually prone to this disease. Symptoms include flat, tiny dark spots on your back, upper chest and arms. This is less common on neck, face and upper thighs. Sometimes it may be itchy and create uneven color. Pregnant woman are also prone to this condition. Selsun Blue shampoo is used for the treatment.
11. Pityriasis rubra pilaris
This is a mild and itchy condition that looks like psoriasis. You can see orange-red colored scaling on palms, chest, feet etc., according to the type of organism that causes it. It can also lead to peeling skin and inflammation. Drugs like isotretinoin and methotrexate are used for treatment.
12. Cellulitis
It begins as a skin infection and leads to a tiny break on the skin. The condition can be serious if the bacteria get into the blood stream. It can occur anywhere on your body. It may cause chills and fever too. The condition suppresses your immune system. For mild forms oral antibiotics can be beneficial. If there is swelling in the area, raise the area above your heart level to reduce it.