Rashes: What are they?
There are many types of rashes that afflict humans. In general, rashes are defined as a breaking out of the skin. Common symptoms are a change in skin color, texture, or appearance. It can be localized or affect a large patch of skin and can cause it to become warm, chapped, dry or blistered. Most rashes are rarely lethal, but they are a source of discomfort.
Rashes with blistering are usually caused by the attack of connective proteins. When these proteins fail to work, skin comes apart, literally separating. Next, fluid fills the gaps, resulting in blisters.
Causes of rashes range from anxiety, contact with an irritant, skin diseases such as eczema, friction or chafing, allergic reactions to drugs, immune system disorders and byproducts of a fungal infection. Ringworm is one example of a fungal skin infection.
Common rashes include eczema, poison ivy, hives, heat rash, psoriasis, diaper rash, and viral rashes such as herpes or shingles.
How to Tell When Rashes are Serious
Rashes accompanied by high fever; dizziness or fainting; rapidly spreading pattern of blisters; red, inflamed eyes; peeling skin, and difficulty breathing can be very serious. Rashes on young infants can also be concerning. Other causes of worry are when the rash occurs after a flu-like illness or starts after new foods or medications are introduced.