Skin problems health centre

Skin conditions: Common rashes

A rash indicates an abnormal change in skin colour or texture. Rashes are usually caused by skin irritation, which can have many causes.

There are many types of rashes, including eczema, granuloma annulare, lichen planus, and pityriasis rosea.

Eczema

Eczema is a general term that describes several conditions in which skin is inflamed, red, dry, and itchy. Eczema is a common skin condition, and atopic dermatitis (also called atopic eczema) is one of the most common forms of eczema.

Eczema can occur in adults or children. The condition is not contagious.

What causes eczema?

The cause of eczema is not known, but the condition often affects people with a family history of allergies. Many individuals with eczema also have hayfever and/or asthma or have family members with those conditions.

Some factors can trigger a flare-up of eczema or make eczema worse, but they do not cause the condition. Eczema triggers include stress, skin irritants (including soaps, skin care products or some fabrics), allergens, and climate/environment.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

The appearance of eczema can vary from person to person. In adults, eczema occurs most frequently on the hands and elbows, and in bending areas such as the inside of the elbows and back of the knees. In young children, eczema is often seen on the elbows, knees, face, neck, and scalp. Symptoms of eczema include:

• Itchiness
• Skin redness
• Dry, scaly, or crusted skin that might become thick and leathery from long-term scratching
• The formation of small, fluid-filled blisters that might ooze when scratched
• Infection of the areas where the skin has been broken

How is eczema diagnosed?

Eczema is usually diagnosed with an analysis of a person's history of symptoms and an examination of the skin. A doctor might test an area of scaly or crusted skin to rule out other skin diseases or infections.

How is eczema treated?

Avoiding eczema triggers is very important as is keeping the skin well moisturised.

Eczema can be treated with medications, including over-the-counter creams and ointments containing the steroid hydrocortisone. These products may help control the itching, swelling and redness associated with eczema. Prescription-strength steroid containing products are available for more severe cases of eczema.

For people with moderate eczema, topical immunomodulators (TIMs) can help. TIMs - such as Tacrolimus and Primecolimus - work by altering the body's immune response to allergens, treating flare-ups. They can only be used as a second-line treatment when other treatments have not been successful.

Other medications that might be used for patients with eczema include antibiotics (to treat infected skin) and antihistamines (to help control itching).

Phototherapy is another treatment that helps some people with severe eczema.

This uses ultraviolet light, either ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB), from special lamps. The risks incurred include burning (usually resembling mild sunburn), dry or itchy skin, freckling, and possible premature ageing of the skin.