Your skin is a remarkable organ, acting as a protective barrier while also serving as a window into your overall health. It’s not just there to keep your insides safe; it can also react to various irritants, making it prone to conditions like rashes, eczema, and psoriasis.
Rashes can feel alarming, but they’re often your skin’s way of communicating that something is off. From small patches to widespread lesions, rashes can appear anywhere and take on many forms, such as red, pink, or purple spots that are flat or bumpy, itchy, dry, or even pus-filled. While many rashes are harmless and resolve on their own, some may require medical attention.
Let’s explore the basics of rashes, their causes, the common types you might encounter, and when it’s advisable to visit your community pharmacist for advice and treatment.
What can cause skin reactions?
From environmental factors like pollen and dust to ingredients in skincare products, our skin can sometimes have a mind of its own. Common triggers for rashes and skin irritations include:
In children, rashes are frequently linked to common viral infections, making it crucial to monitor their symptoms, so it’s best to visit your community pharmacist sooner, rather than later.
Common types of skin conditions, rashes and their symptoms
Rashes and skin conditions can vary greatly in appearance and may even look different on various skin tones. Here are some common types of rashes to be aware of:
- Medicine allergies: These can cause a widespread rash featuring pink or red dots that may merge into larger patches, typically appearing within two weeks of starting a new medication.
- Contact dermatitis: This occurs when your skin comes into contact with an allergen, leading to red, swollen, blistered, or dry skin that is often itchy.
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Common in children, eczema results in patches of intensely itchy red skin, sometimes with blisters and weepy areas.
- Psoriasis: A chronic immune disorder, psoriasis manifests as red plaques with well-defined edges and silvery scales, ranging from a few millimetres to several centimetres across.
- Tinea (Ringworm): This fungal infection appears as a circular or oval patch, often looking like a red, scaly ring.
- Shingles: Reactivating the chickenpox virus, shingles start with skin pain or burning, followed by a rash of red raised bumps that blister and crust, typically confined to one area.
- Hives: These pink or red itchy raised spots can vary from pinhead size to the size of dinner plates. Hives may occur independently or as part of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which can also involve symptoms like difficulty breathing and swelling.
- Rosacea: This skin condition causes facial redness, primarily affecting the cheeks, chin, and nose.
How can your community pharmacist assist you?
Your community pharmacist is a valuable resource for skin health, and can now prescribe and manage treatment for a range of everyday health conditions too. Here’s how they can help:
Your community pharmacist can do more for you
Skin health matters, and it’s essential to know when to seek help. Don’t hesitate to visit your local community pharmacy for expert advice and support. Remember, your community pharmacist can do more for you than just dispense medications—they’re here to help you achieve your best skin health!
