Causes of skin rashes in adults on the body, face and limbs. Skin diseases accompanied by itching and pimples. Itchy rash

A rash on the body of an adult is caused by diseases of infectious and non-infectious origin, as well as allergic reactions of the body to an external irritant. A visual examination can only suggest the nature of the rash, but detailed diagnostics are needed to make an accurate diagnosis. This article is for informational purposes only. Photos with explanations will show how the appearance of the skin changes pathologically.

Rashes of various origins differ in structure, shape, color and location. The main types of rashes in adults include:

  1. Spots (macula)- formations that are at the same level with the skin. The spots can be white (vitiligo), red (roseola) and brown (areas of limited pigmentation). Maculae also include subcutaneous hemorrhages - hematomas (large accumulations of blood), ecchymosis (more than 1 cm) and petechiae (up to 1 cm in size).
  2. Papules- stripless elements with a dense or soft structure, similar to nodules located in the thickness of the skin.
  3. Blisters- dense rashes above the level of healthy skin.
  4. Bubbles- cavities in the skin filled with serous fluid. The blisters can be large (bullas) or small (vesicles).
  5. Pustules- blisters with purulent contents. This group is divided into superficial pustules - phlyctenes - blisters surrounded by an inflamed rim; ecthyma - begins with inflammation located deep in the skin, followed by the formation of a bubble on the surface; follicles are pustules that are localized around the hair follicle. Follicles can be superficial, covering only the epidermal layer of the skin, or deep, affecting the dermis (carbuncles, boils).
  6. Ulcers and erosions- suppurating or inflamed violations of the integrity of the skin, of various sizes and depths.

We list the most common diseases, the symptom of which is a rash.

Infectious diseases

The most common cause of rashes is viral, bacterial and fungal infections. In addition to changes in the skin, there are other signs: fever, cough, loss of appetite, pain of various locations and other indicators. What can cause skin rashes in adults?

Syphilis

Rashes appear in the secondary period of the disease, when the infection spreads throughout the body. Syphilitic rashes are varied: at the beginning of the secondary period, the body is abundantly covered with bright, symmetrically located spots. After 2 months, the spots disappear, but after some time they appear again. This time the color of the elements is less bright; the rash is localized in the groin, between the buttocks, under the breasts, in the area of ​​the forearm and wound tissue damage.

Herpes simplex

An infection that belongs to herpes type 1. It manifests itself in the form of grouped transparent bubbles located on the face or lips. After 2-3 days, the bubbles become cloudy, then dry out, forming brown or dirty yellow crusts. Before the rash, a person feels a burning sensation of the skin, itching, and sometimes general malaise.

This disease belongs to herpes type 3. Transparent bubbles, up to 0.5 cm in diameter, are located on one side of the lower back, abdomen, chest, shoulder or back of the head. The rash is accompanied by pain. After the blisters dry out and the crusts peel off, scars or pigmented spots remain on the skin.

Ringworm

A fungal infection that manifests itself as a rash on the skin in the form of pimples located around a red spot. It can spread throughout the body, and when located on the head, it affects the hair roots and causes baldness. The infection is accompanied by itching

Scabies

Simple warts

Dense multiple papules with a rough surface, caused by the papilloma virus. They are usually localized on the arms and legs. Warts are transmitted by contact. These formations are safe, although unpleasant in appearance. Their appearance indicates a weak functioning of the immune system.

Fungal damage to the epidermis, usually in the area of ​​the groin folds. First, a rash appears between the legs in the form of small round pink spots. Later, the spots merge, forming a large lesion covered with blisters, erosions and crusts. Also, the disease can affect the buttocks and armpit area.

Candidiasis

Yeast diaper rash in the area of ​​skin folds. Obese people often experience a similar rash on the abdomen. At the initial stage, the appearance of small pimples in the form of vesicles and pustules is noted. When they open up, they form wet erosions of a dark red color, which can merge with each other. A visual inspection of the folds reveals small cracks and a dirty white mushy mass.

Photo: candidiasis in the breast area of ​​a woman.

Condylomas acuminata

The cause of formations on the skin is the papilloma virus. Genital warts look like warts. They are located mainly in the genital area. Sometimes the elements merge with each other, forming a growth reminiscent of cauliflower. Condylomas are flesh-colored, but sometimes become red or pigmented.

Photo: genital warts on the skin.

Rubella

The infection manifests itself as rashes in the form of red spots. First, the rash covers the face and neck, then, within 2-6 hours, spreads throughout the body. After three days, the spots disappear. Rubella is dangerous for pregnant women, as the infection can harm the unborn baby.

Other known diseases with rash are measles, scarlet fever, and chicken pox.

Non-communicable diseases

Non-infectious rashes occur with some chronic diseases, as well as allergic reactions. Let's list some of them.

Seborrheic dermatitis

An inflammatory process involving a yeast-like fungus that develops in areas rich in sebaceous glands. This could be the scalp, face, nasolabial folds, or behind the ear area. Less commonly, the rash can be localized on the back, between the shoulder blades, and the chest. The epidermis is covered with yellow-red spots and papules of various sizes. The surface of the elements peels off, sticky greasy crusts form, as well as cracks. The patient experiences severe itching, but scratching only worsens the condition.

Photo: seborrheic dermatitis in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle.

Contact dermatitis

An allergic rash that occurs after contact of the dermis with an irritating substance. An inflammatory reaction can be caused by plants, clothing, household chemicals, acids and much more. After contact with the allergen, red spots and slight swelling appear on the skin. The affected area itches, then bubbles with clear liquid pop up. Afterwards, erosion forms in place of the damaged and burst bubbles. When the inflammatory process subsides, crusts remain on the skin.

Senile keratoma

One or more yellow-brown spots that are benign. The pigmented plaque tends to increase in size. Over time, the spots become covered with layers of keratinized epithelium. Keratomas are located on the face, neck, forearms and hands.

Vitiligo

With this disease, the body is covered with white spots of various shapes and sizes. The elements can merge with each other, forming a large depigmented area of ​​skin.

Eczema

Inflammation of the skin of an allergic nature with the appearance of blisters, pustules and scales. The rash most often appears on the arms and legs, but can affect other areas of the body. The rash is accompanied by itching. Eczema occurs in both children and adults.

Hemorrhagic vasculitis

Aseptic inflammation of blood vessels, which, among other symptoms, is manifested by hemorrhages and blisters. The rash is localized on the legs, thighs and buttocks, and less commonly, it affects the upper part of the body. In severe cases of vasculitis, necrotic ulcers form in place of some elements. After the inflammatory process is completed, pigmented areas remain on the body. With frequent relapses of the disease, peeling of the skin occurs.

Photo: hemorrhagic vasculitis of the lower extremities.

Some types of rash go away on their own, leaving no trace. In most cases, the presence of rashes is a reason to consult a doctor. Let us remind you that only a specialist can determine the cause of the pathology and establish the correct diagnosis. Do not self-medicate and be healthy!

Causes of itchy rash

A rash accompanied by itching occurred at least once in everyone.

Itchy skin significantly impairs the quality of life, leading to anxiety, sleep disturbances and impaired ability to work. Itchy skin makes you want to scratch it, and this leads to scratching and suppuration, through which infection can enter the bloodstream.

Itching in itself is not a disease, it is just one of the symptoms of a skin disease or malfunction of internal organs.

How does the rash appear?

The most common types of rashes on the human body are:

  • In the form of spots. In this case, the rashes do not rise above the skin, but are at the same level with it.
  • Blisters. The rashes rise above the skin level, their surface is rough and uniform.
  • Bubbles. This is a cavity filled with liquid.
  • Nodules.
  • Crusts.

Causes of itchy rashes

The causes of a rash accompanied by itching can be:

  1. Allergy to medications, food, or in contact with a substance that causes such a strong reaction.
  2. Insect bites (mosquitoes, bees, wasps, ants).
  3. Skin diseases (scabies, pediculosis, various dermatitis, prickly heat, lichen planus, eczema and others).
  4. Nerve disorder.
  5. Infectious diseases.

Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Allergy

Symptoms:

Itchy skin with a rash can be caused by intolerance to a certain group of foods or medications, or contact with substances that irritate the skin (cream, perfume, washing powder, etc.).

Manifests:

Small rash or spots, swelling on the skin, severe itching.

Help measures:

  • Try not to scratch itchy areas,
  • Take an antiallergic drug prescribed by your doctor.
  • You can apply a compress with baking soda diluted in water.
  • For large areas of rashes, take a bath with a solution of baking soda.

Insect bites

Help:

Lubricate the bite with a special ointment (for example, Fenistil gel).

Skin diseases

A consultation with a dermatologist is necessary. Especially if:

  • The rash does not go away within a few days.
  • The rash covers more than half of the body.
  • Causes severe inconvenience.
  • In addition to the rash, other symptoms include fatigue, fever, and changes in urine or stool.

Nerve disorder

One of the forms of allergies. It is also sometimes called urticaria due to its similarity to the rash from a nettle burn. There are acute (up to 30 days) and chronic (more than 30 days).

  1. Most often it appears as a small red rash, less often as blisters.
  2. If you are very nervous and have a small rash, it is advisable to take a sedative.
  3. In any case, you should consult a doctor, especially if the rash and itching do not go away within a few days.

Infectious diseases

Itching with a rash is often a sign of an infectious disease.

Most often, the rash appears throughout the body, including the head and legs. It is acne on the extremities of an adult that becomes one of the main signs of most diseases. Therefore, if a rash appears there, you should immediately consult a doctor.

And he will make a diagnosis based on the appearance of the rash and prescribe treatment.

When should you urgently call a doctor?

  • If after taking the medicine a rash appears and you feel very unwell and itchy.
  • If after the appearance of itchy pimples the temperature rises.
  • If the usual red rash has turned into blisters or blisters that itch unbearably.
  • If another member of your family has the same acne.
  • If the rash has an irregular shape in the form of hemorrhages, spreads to the legs and buttocks, and is accompanied by high fever. These are signs of a terrible disease - meningitis.
  • If the rash appears for no apparent reason, you feel severe itching, which prevents you from leading a normal life.

What can you do to relieve the itching?

  1. You can smear the affected areas with hydrocortisone ointment (if there are no signs of an infectious disease).
  2. Make soda baths (in an aqueous solution of baking soda).
  3. If you are sure that it is an allergy, take an anti-allergy drug prescribed by your doctor.
  4. Sometimes it is recommended to use a solution of fucorcin. It dries out pimples and relieves itching.

In any case, if the itching and rash do not go away within a week, do not self-medicate, consult a dermatologist.

Skin rashes appear as a sudden appearance on the skin in any area of ​​the body. The rash is characterized by changes in the skin, redness or blanching, and itching. A symptom can form as a local reaction to external provoking factors or manifest itself as a sign of the development of a pathological process. There are quite a lot of diseases that manifest themselves in the form of skin rashes, therefore the etiology of the symptom is varied.

Etiology

Skin rashes in adults and children can be formed under the influence of the following factors:

  • infections;
  • allergy;
  • disease of the blood and blood vessels.

The most common cause of symptoms is considered to be infectious infection. Doctors include such diseases as -, etc. These diseases manifest themselves in a characteristic rash, which is accompanied by, in the head, throat and abdomen, and stool disturbances.

Allergic skin rashes are also often diagnosed by doctors. This form of symptom development can be recognized by the absence of signs of infectious infection, as well as contact with the allergen. Very often, parents can notice a similar reaction on the child’s body. Provoking factors include food, animals, chemicals, and drugs.

If blood circulation is impaired and vascular disease, the patient may experience a rash for the following reasons:

  • decreased number or impaired functionality of platelets;
  • impaired vascular permeability.

Sometimes a symptom develops in non-infectious diseases, these include:

  • senile keratoma;
  • chloasma;
  • flat warts;
  • intertrigo;

Skin rashes form due to liver disease. If the organ's functioning is disrupted, the patient's skin tone changes and a rash appears.

Characteristic red rashes can be from insect bites, acne, psoriasis, fungal diseases and scabies. Also, redness on the skin can be caused by prickly heat.

Classification

Clinicians have determined that the types of rashes can include the following manifestations:

  • spots – there are red, brown, white macules;
  • blisters - appear as a dense and rough formation on the skin;
  • papules - an element that looks like nodules in the thickness of the skin;
  • blisters - they can be large or small, formed in the skin cavity with a clear liquid;
  • erosions and ulcers – when formed, the integrity of the skin is compromised;
  • crusts - appear on the site of former blisters, pustules, ulcers.

All of the listed types of rashes on the body are divided into primary and secondary. The first type includes nodules, blisters, ulcers, and blisters. And the second group of types of rash consists of the appearance of peeling, erosion, abrasions, and crusts.

Symptoms

If skin rashes in children and adults develop against the background of deteriorating liver function, then characteristic symptoms may indicate this:

  • yellow tint of the skin;
  • foul odor;
  • heavy sweating;
  • pain in the liver area;
  • itchy rashes on the body;
  • sudden weight loss;
  • broken stool;
  • brown tongue;
  • bitter taste in the mouth;
  • the appearance of cracks in the tongue;
  • venous pattern on the abdomen.

If the cause is an infectious disease, then a person’s skin rashes can begin on the skin of the hands, move to the face, legs, and gradually affect the whole body. With rubella, the patient is first overcome by a rash on the face and spreads throughout the skin. The first foci of inflammation are localized in places where the surface of the limbs is most often bent, near the joints, on the back and buttocks. All rashes can be of different shades - pink, red, pale, brown.

Infectious pathologies often manifest themselves not only in rashes, but also in other signs. The disease can be established in more detail using the following clinical picture:

  • elevated temperature;
  • malaise;
  • painful attacks;
  • certain areas on the patient’s body become inflamed, for example, eyes, tonsils, etc.;
  • May be ;
  • rapid heartbeat;
  • burning.

Rashes on the skin in the form of red spots are characteristic of the development of such infectious diseases as chickenpox, rubella, measles, scarlet fever.

Diagnostics

If any manifestations of the above symptoms are detected, the patient should urgently seek the help of a doctor. You can consult about rashes on the skin at,. After an initial physical examination and minimal testing, the doctor will refer the patient to another specialist if the cause of the illness is not inflammation, allergy or infection.

Treatment

Treatment of allergic skin rashes is prescribed by a doctor only after diagnosis has been made. Therapy is based on eliminating the etiological factor, so the drugs must be selected accordingly.

If a person develops a rash from mechanical damage or prickly heat, then there is nothing wrong with such a manifestation. At home, you can anoint the inflamed area with cream or oil to slightly relieve swelling and itching. Over time, the symptom will disappear. You can also eliminate the symptoms of the disease at home with the following advice from doctors:

  • wear things made of natural cotton to avoid irritation;
  • wash the body with baby soap or shower gel;
  • Eliminate from life all things that can cause skin rashes.

If the patient’s symptoms are more pronounced, have characteristic indicators, and cause discomfort to the patient, then a consultation with a dermatologist is necessary.

If the disease is caused by an allergy, then it is important for the doctor to identify this allergen using a test and then prescribe treatment. The patient must move away from this item or remove the product from the diet. This symptom can also be cured with antihistamine ointments and tablets.

If an external sign, namely a rash, has developed from a virus, and the symptoms of the disease are supplemented by fever, then the patient can be given antipyretic medications. When the disease becomes more complicated, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed.

Skin itching is a specific uncomfortable sensation in the upper layers of the epidermis that occurs in response to irritation of nerve receptors. Itching occurs in response to external or internal irritants and, according to some scientists, is a type of pain. Our article will tell you why itching may occur and what to do in such cases.

There are many criteria for assessing itching: by localization, intensity and nature of occurrence. For proper diagnosis and treatment, it is also very important to determine the accompanying symptoms: rash, peeling, hair loss in this area of ​​the body, as well as the formation of cracks and wounds.

Itching is divided into the following categories:

  • Localized when a certain place itches. This can be the scalp, elbow and groin folds, the anus (anal itching), perineum and other parts of the body.
  • Generalized, in which itching occurs throughout the entire body at once. May indicate the presence of tumors, diseases of internal organs, hormonal imbalance, allergies and mental disorders.

The frequency of occurrence of itching of any location is also important. Usually, with constant itching, other alarming symptoms occur: insomnia, irritability, soreness and hypersensitivity of the skin. If your body itches, there is a high risk of scratching and infection in the wounds.

You should definitely visit a dermatologist, even if the itching occurs without rashes or redness. The doctor can recommend local painkillers, and, if necessary, schedule a consultation with more specialized specialists: an allergist, immunologist or endocrinologist.

Causes of itching without rashes

Most dermatological diseases manifest themselves as rashes of various types. At the same time, there is a certain category of diseases in which there are no skin rashes or they manifest themselves only slightly. Usually the skin on the body itches under the influence of the accumulation of toxins and histamines in the upper layers of the epidermis, and there may be several reasons for such phenomena.

The main factors influencing the appearance of itching:

  • Overdrying of the epidermis due to temperature fluctuations, lack of moisture, or under the influence of external negative factors.
  • Fungal infections of various localizations.
  • Liver and kidney diseases. In this case, the body is susceptible to intoxication by metabolic products.
  • Side effects after taking certain medications.
  • Negative reaction of the body to stress or deterioration of mental health.
  • Hormonal imbalance occurs especially often during pregnancy.
  • An allergic reaction of the body upon contact with plant pollen, chemicals or toxins.

On the mucous membranes, itching most often occurs with fungal infections (a common example is thrush in women), with some sexually transmitted diseases or bactericidal inflammation of the skin. In these cases, additional symptoms are added to the main symptom: mainly a rash, the nature of the itching (usually in the evening and at night), as well as fever, weakness and changes in blood counts. If itching appears without a rash, you should look for other causes.

What diseases does itchy body skin indicate?

Skin itching without the appearance of rashes may indicate a high content of toxic substances in the blood. These may be metabolic products that are not excreted from the body due to liver or kidney dysfunction. This kind of itching is often called toxic, and it will go away only after the main problem is eliminated.

During pregnancy, complaints of itchy skin are also common. This is due to hormonal changes in the body, stretching of the skin due to an enlarged abdomen, as well as purely psychological discomfort.

What diseases can cause severe itching:

After taking certain groups of medications, persistent itching may also occur. Usually, no specific treatment is required in this case; the unpleasant symptom will go away after stopping the drug. Most often, medications based on the hormone estrogen (including contraceptives), erythromycin, opium drugs, anabolic steroids, acetylsalicylic acid and its derivatives can boast of such an effect.

In what cases should you consult a doctor?

Itching is not the most uncomfortable symptom, but it may indicate more serious problems in the body. For any pathologies, you should consult a doctor, but in some cases this may even become vital.

See a doctor urgently:

  • Against the background of itching, rashes or purulent wounds appeared.
  • The temperature has risen.
  • Itching is accompanied by swelling and star-shaped spots on the body.
  • There is a mental disorder and behavior changes.
  • Breathing is difficult, signs of anaphylactic shock appear.

Only a doctor can determine what this may be and the appropriate treatment. Itching is not a separate disease, but only a symptom, so the patient will not get better with temporary measures. If the problem is dry skin, using moisturizers will eliminate the problem, but most often constant itching is a sign of more serious pathologies.

How to help yourself if your whole body itches but there is no rash

Home methods for eliminating such discomfort can be used in extreme cases when, for some reason, seeing a doctor is temporarily unavailable.

To help relieve severe itching:

  1. A contrast shower will help relieve the itching for a while.
  2. A warm bath with medicinal herbs will also help relieve discomfort.
  3. If the itching area is small, you can apply an ice pack or a wet wipe.
  4. Cooling creams with menthol are also used, but only on areas without wounds or rashes.
  5. Mild sedatives (valerian, motherwort tincture) will help get rid of nighttime itching.
  6. To humidify the air in the room, use steam or a proven method - drying wet clothes on a radiator.
  7. If you experience night itching, you can wear soft gloves on your hands to avoid scratching the skin.

All these measures will help relieve itching if there is no rash. In case of skin reactions, you should definitely go to a dermatologist without self-medicating. For some diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, it is necessary to limit contact with water for a while, so a relaxing bath can only do harm.

Prevention measures

You can protect yourself from itching in advance. It is enough to follow the rules of hygiene, regularly change underwear and bed linen, choosing the most natural and hypoallergenic fabrics. In winter, it is very important to properly care for your skin, preventing it from drying out and chapping. Daily washing with a warm decoction of herbs, which soften and soothe inflamed skin, works well. Detergents should be chosen with the most non-allergenic composition.

It is also very important to follow the principles of a healthy diet, give up smoking and alcohol, as well as “harmful” foods: canned and smoked food, sweets with a chemical composition and carbonated drinks. Timely examination by specialists and control over existing diseases will help prevent the development of serious pathologies. In addition, it is imperative to avoid stressful situations and conflicts.

Itching in different places on the body is an unpleasant symptom. It can occur under the influence of various factors and be a sign of serious diseases. Most often, itching occurs due to irritation of nerve receptors in the skin. If the itching is constant or localized, you should definitely visit a doctor to determine the causes of this discomfort.

Itchy skin rashes can have many causes and be caused by various factors. In total, experts distinguish about 10 primary changes in the skin, among which are:

  • Maculae (simple spots) - areas of skin with non-standard coloring up to 0.1 cm in diameter;
  • Erythema - spots of the same type, but more than 0.1 cm in diameter;
  • Papules - small elevations above the skin, nodules, up to 0.1 cm;
  • Plaques - papules larger than 0.1 cm or a group of papules;
  • A node is a formation inside the skin, often elevated, with a diameter of 5-10 mm. A node larger than 20 mm can be considered a tumor;
  • Vesicle (vesicle) - a formation containing serous exudate;
  • Bulla (bubble) - formation more than 5 mm in diameter;
  • Pustule (pustule) - can occur as a result of infection of blisters and blisters, has pus inside;
  • Urticaria (blister) is a quickly disappearing formation that is caused by local edema.

Not all skin rashes are accompanied by itching.

Drug allergies cause rashes and itching all over the body. The disease can appear immediately after administration of the drug (usually like urticaria), or after a few hours (measles-like manifestations or maculopapular rashes) when using sulfonamide or penicillin drugs. Acne-like rashes can occur after using bromides, iodides, and hydantoins. When the body reacts to phenophthalein, tetracycline, sulfonamide, clear purple geometrically regular rashes may appear, appearing in the same places each time after taking the drug.

If gold, thiazides are present in medications, or when antimalarial drugs are used, papules may form, which then merge into spots with itching and peeling. Treatment of drug allergies is prescribed individually by a doctor; preventive work can be aimed at cleaning the gastrointestinal tract and normalizing the functioning of the body as a whole.

Unpleasant sensations haunt those who suffer from eczema. For example, its nummular version is accompanied by coin-shaped rashes that crust over and then itch very much. The etiology of this disease has not yet been identified, but the appearance of the disease is often associated with increased dry skin, which manifests itself in adulthood.

Almost every child goes through this.

Almost every child experiences inflammation and itching of the skin due to household allergies. Especially often the cheeks “bloom” in the first six months of life, when the baby’s body “gets acquainted” with various new substances and develops defensive reactions to what it does not like.

It is believed that in babies who are breastfed, allergic reactions are less common (if the mother does not abuse chocolate, oranges, etc.) than in “artificial” babies. And the point is not so much that the formula may be of poor quality, but rather the fact that when a child is bottle-fed, he often eats more than he needs. This causes a lack of enzymes for digestion, hence the retention of food in the intestines, its rotting and the absorption of harmful substances into the blood, which give rise to allergic reactions.

Why shouldn't you overfeed allergy sufferers?

Therefore, allergic rashes occur more often in well-fed than in thin, undernourished children and adults. Treatment of household allergies consists of following a dietary regime, eliminating completely or partially allergenic products (food and household chemicals), observing temperature conditions (the air temperature in rooms for allergy sufferers should not be higher than 20°C) and taking personal and household hygiene measures.

A person wearing airtight, dirty clothes in hot weather can cause a phenomenon called heat rash (widespread in infants). In this case, small red blistering spots with transparent contents may appear on the neck, shoulders, and back, which are slightly itchy, but there is no fever or any other painful signs. Miliaria itself is not dangerous, but inflamed skin provides an opportunity for various microbes to enter the body. Therefore, in the heat, you need to take water treatments in a timely manner, use soda compresses (a teaspoon of soda per glass of boiled water) to reduce itching. For antiseptic treatment of prickly heat elements, a weak (slightly pink) solution of potassium permanganate is suitable.

Itching from insect bites

Insect bites also itch very badly, accompanied by one or another type of rash. This is due to the fact that during a bite, for example from a mosquito, a microdose of liquid is injected, which prevents the blood from clotting during the insect’s “lunch”. This substance contains a protein that is a strong allergen for humans, causing redness and itching. The use of ointments after infrequent bites is not always justified, so you can use traditional medicine.

The simplest remedy is to smear the affected areas with fermented milk products, tea tree oil or fish oil. A solution of baking soda (1 teaspoon per glass of water, applied as a compress) and a solution of ammonia (1 tablespoon per 3 tablespoons of water, applied with a tampon) have also proven themselves well.

Itching and spreading redness from a bee sting in combination with a pale face, convulsions, drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness are a sign of anaphylactic shock. In this case, you need to immediately call an ambulance, because shock can develop into swelling of all mucous membranes of the body and lead to serious consequences.

The minimum set of actions in this case consists of the following steps: remove the sting so as not to damage the capsule with the poison (preferably with tweezers), rinse the bite site with running water, blot it and lubricate it with hydrocortisone ointment or hydrogen peroxide. You need to apply cold to the damaged area so that the bee venom slows down its spread, and give the patient an antihistamine.

Chickenpox, measles and scarlet fever

Almost everyone had chickenpox as a child. This disease is accompanied by high fever, headaches, sometimes vomiting, and diarrhea. The appearance of red tubercles is observed, which after a day turn into small bubbles. At the same time, it is a big problem for parents to ensure that the rashes are not scratched (to avoid infection) and to prevent contact with water.

Chickenpox is quite easily transmitted, so children need to be isolated from each other, as well as limit contact with adults who have not previously had this disease. Chickenpox goes away within 2-3 weeks, during this period the temperature normalizes, the blisters dry out and crumble. There are pink spots underneath, which will completely disappear in a couple of months. If you scratch the chickenpox rash, you can introduce streptococci, which will cause suppuration, the need for antibiotics, and scars after recovery. Recurrence of this disease is extremely rare.

Another “childhood” disease, measles, also gives successive rashes of the following nature: on the first day, spots appear on the face and neck, on the second day on the torso and arms, on the third day on the legs. At this time, the temperature rises (up to 40°C), whitish spots are noted on the mucous membrane of the cheeks, and the lymph nodes enlarge. The patient is predominantly prescribed antipyretics and the most comfortable conditions for treatment are created in terms of regimen. The rash can itch both during the course of the disease and during the period of resolution of the rash, when it peels off and the skin underneath becomes lighter.

With scarlet fever, itching appears simultaneously with rashes towards the end of the first day of illness. Skin reactions are represented by small dots that are localized on the bends of the limbs, lower abdomen and inner thighs. A white triangle is clearly visible in the nasolabial area (no rash is noted here). Red spots can last up to one week, after which the skin peels off in “plates.” The patient is prescribed antibacterial therapy and bed rest.

Rash and itching with erysipelas, lichen

With erysipelas, the desire to scratch the sore spot occurs in the first stages of the appearance of bright red erythema, which is accompanied by fever and signs of intoxication. The skin in the affected area is painful, tense, hot, and the lymph nodes are enlarged. Erysipelas is a serious infectious disease that occurs after streptococcus penetrates the injured skin. It is treated with antibiotics, ultraviolet irradiation, UHF (for local exposure), and weak electric shocks. In severe cases, long-acting antibiotics are prescribed, which prevent streptococcus from multiplying.

Severe itching with blistering and blistering rashes accompany a disease such as herpes zoster. It is caused by a virus of the herpes group (but not the one that causes herpes on the lips). The disease can appear in people who have had chickenpox, but the virus has not been completely inactivated. It can manifest itself decades later in the form of rashes, mainly in the area where the nerve endings exit. The disease goes away on its own within 2-4 weeks, although in some individuals the painful conditions can last for years. In this case, famciclovir, acyclovir (antiviral drugs), painkillers and corticosteroids (to relieve itching) may be used. The reason why the virus moves from a dormant state to an active phase has not yet been studied.

The cause of the appearance of another type of lichen accompanied by itching has not yet been fully studied - lichen planus. Some doctors believe that it is of a viral nature, others believe that it can arise from nervousness against the background of a general weakening of the body. Flat red spots appear most often on the elbows, shins, lower back, thighs, abdomen, and armpits.

They have a diameter of 1 cm or more and a rough surface. Treatment of the disease is carried out by external treatment of itchy surfaces (70% alcohol plus 1% hydrochloride plus subsequent treatment with glucocorticoid ointments), the appointment of radon and hydrogen sulfide baths. For neurotic reactions, drugs of valerian, bromine, and certain B vitamins are given. If infectious foci are pronounced, they are sanitized with antibiotics (macrolides, tetracycline) for 1-2 weeks.

Boils are itchy at the initial stage

With furunculosis, itching on the skin appears before the furunculosis units “come to the surface”; this period of development of the disease takes about 3 days. This disease is mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and can develop anywhere on the skin, but boils on the face (especially in children) are considered the most dangerous. After several days of maturation, during which the patient may have a fever, the boil transforms into an abscess, from which necrotic tissue emerges upon opening.

Furunculous lesions cannot be squeezed out on their own; this is done only by an experienced surgeon, in order to avoid further spread of infection. Additional means of treatment are the use of Vishnevsky ointment, antibiotic injections, diet, and hygiene procedures. If there are a lot of boils, then it is not recommended to wash, and healthy skin should be treated with a furacilin solution.

Even a cold shower can cause hives

You can get rashes and itching on your skin just by taking a hot shower or doing physical exercise. This reaction is caused by cholinergic urticaria, which manifests itself in the form of a pinpoint rash with severe itching. Cold urticaria in people sensitive to cold water is caused by a cold stream. The disease can also be caused by sensitivity to vibrations, pressure, one or another type of light (sun, ultraviolet, etc.). Treatment in this case consists primarily of eliminating the irritant.

In some cases, itching with urticaria can be a very “minor evil”, because some of its forms (Quincke's edema), which manifest themselves in the form of giant edema, the size of a chicken egg, can be fatal. Giant urticaria is especially dangerous when it manifests itself in the larynx area, because this may cause suffocation.

Fungi and nerves are to blame for everything

Skin rashes accompanied by itching may be signs of candidiasis. In this case, itchy exudative spots bordered by small pustules often appear under the mammary glands, in the gluteal fold, in the groin, between the fingers and toes. The disease, known among the population as thrush, is caused by a fungus that is present in every human body, but often begins to multiply too much due to weakened immunity. Treatment consists of external treatment of the integument with a 5-10% solution of sodium tetracarbonate, oral administration of natacymin, fluconazole, miconazole, etc.


Of course, we need to remember the popular wisdom: all diseases are caused by nerves. And neurodermatitis in this case is precisely a confirmation of these words. The disease is a chronic skin disease in which dry, itchy, flaky plaques with thickened areas are constantly present on the skin. The disease is provoked by a psychogenic factor and is more common in women aged 20 to 50, in American Indians and Asians. The main methods of treatment are psychocorrection. Most often the back of the head, ankles and arms are scratched. With nervous tension, scratching intensifies and can become a habit and lead to unconscious actions to eliminate the itching.

It should be noted that there are serious diseases with rashes, which, however, are not accompanied by obvious itching. These include pemphigus, syphilis, lupus, erythema infectiosum (in which the first signs of the disease are often similar to the flu, it itches only in the nose, and the rash does not always appear in adult patients), etc. Therefore, in case of severe long-term skin problems and itching, it is better to contact see a specialist for advice.