Allergy rash

Allergy rashes are quite common even among adults. If you have it, then do not worry – even though rashes are annoying and can sometimes get in the way of your lifestyle, there are plenty of treatment options available. The first thing to do when you see signs of allergy rashes is to consult your doctor. More often than not, you will just be prescribed a topical treatment medicine or some pills, if necessary. Still, avoid self-medicating.

Kinds of non infected allergy rashes

Allergy rashes come in three forms: non-infected scaly patches, fungal or bacterial scaly patches, and the most serious – itchy, red, pervasive patches or bumps all over the body. Here we discuss the most common and non contagious allergy rashes: atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis

Allergies not caused by infection come in two forms: atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is an allergy rash also known as eczema. This is a hereditary condition that usually starts to manifest at childhood – scaly scalp, chapped cheeks and scaly legs, arms, sometimes torso. In the case if adults, atopic dermatitis typically appears on the hands, the genitals, sometimes the eyelids. as well as on the body as a whole. If comes and goes (seasonal), often with no apparent stimulant. It usually worsens in the winter when the air is dry and cold. You can live with atopic dermatitis because it is usually not affected by food, skin products, nor detergents. It is not contagious.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is another type of non infected allergy rash that is often caused by contact with poisonous surfaces such as fake (costume) jewellery, poison ivy, sometimes even coins (particularly those with nickel). This kind of allergy rash is only affects the specific part of the skin that touched the poisonous material.

How do you treat contact dermatitis? You need to determine the cause, and stay away from it. Consult your doctor to find out what treatmet is best for you. You may be given topical steroids (such as creams with 1% hydrocortisone – you can buy them over the counter). If the allergy rash is extreme, your doctor may give you prescription-strength creams and/or recently discovered non-steroid medications like Protopic (tacrolimus) and Elidil (pimecrolimus).

There are many other types of scaly rashes, among the most common of which is psoriasis – a genetic skin condition that affects the knees and elbows. There is also pityriasis rosea, which manifests through scaly patches (usually on the back and chest). It usually heals in about a month.