If Eczema Is Not Resolving, Your Rash May Warrant Further Investigation
05/07/2008
There are several types of skin rashes. Each has different characteristics, and each is better treated with a skin care product specifically designed for that condition. There are some exceptions to that rule: Many rashes have characteristics in common, and there are some skin treatment products that are good for a variety of problems - a good shielding lotion, for example, is an excellent dry skin and eczema treatment product, but also brings relief to those with psoriasis and other skin conditions. However, if you have a rash, it’s a good idea to know how to differentiate between one type of skin rash and another so you can ensure your treatment is correct.
The most common rashes are athlete’s foot, eczema, allergic reactions to food or drugs, hives, seborrhea, ringworm and rosacea. Here’s how you can tell the difference:
- Athlete’s foot is characterized by inflammation, scaling, cracking and blistering. It’s usually found between the toes but, when severe, can spread to the sides and soles of the foot.
- Eczema can be found anywhere on the body. It usually appears as scaling, flaking skin that may be thicker than on other areas of the body. It’s also itchy and, like, athlete’s foot can be painful. If not properly taken care of, it can easily become infected, in which case red, puss-filled sores may develop. It can affect skin color as well - usually brownish or red.
- Allergic reactions to foods or drugs usually produce flat, pink or red rashes that may or may not include swelling or itching.
- Hives usually appear suddenly. They form tiny spots like goose bumps or red, itchy welts anywhere on the body.
- Seborrhea consists of greasy, yellowish patches that form scales and crusts. It’s most common on the scalp, but can also appear on the face or chest.
- Ringworm, while not as common as the others, appears as small, round spots – about a quarter inch in diameter – with slightly scaly edges. The center clears up as it spreads.
- Rosacea usually affects the nose and the middle of the face, is usually reddish, and includes very small bumps and pimples.
While it’s likely you may experience some relief using eczema treatment for any of these rashes, you may not get down to the bottom of things so you can fully recover. Thousands of doctors now recommend a good shielding lotion for eczema treatment as well as treatment of many other skin conditions: A good shielding lotion locks in moisture and keeps chemicals out so the skin can heal itself. However, if you have an allergic reaction to food, for example, no eczema treatment product will do anything but bring temporary relief of the symptoms. To get at the cause, you also have to find out what food is causing the reaction, and stop eating it.
If you have a rash, give shielding lotion a try. If the rash does not resolve, it’s best to see your dermatologist to locate the source of the problem. Eczema treatment with shielding lotion is very effective, but if the problem is an allergy to wheat or dairy or, in the case of ringworm, a parasite infection, you should also check with your doctor to make sure you’re getting all the treatment you need.
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