A rash is an area of irritated or swollen skin that can be itchy, red, and painful. Rashes are a symptom of many different medical problems and can be caused by many different things, including irritating substances, allergies, and certain genes. Some rashes can also lead to blisters or patches of raw skin. Contact dermatitis is a common type of rash that causes redness, itching, and sometimes small bumps. It occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with a foreign substance that causes an adverse reaction, leading to a rash. Possible causes of contact dermatitis include beauty products, soaps, laundry detergent, dyes in clothing, chemicals in rubber, elastic, or latex, and poisonous plants such as poison ivy.
Allergic reactions to cosmetics most often appear as itchy, red rashes on the skin, or contact dermatitis. Fragrances and preservatives are common allergens in cosmetics that can trigger skin reactions. Synthetic fragrance ingredients can trigger irritation in over 20 percent of the American population, causing skin rashes, as well as headaches, coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory irritation. Formaldehyde, p-phenylenediamine, and methacrylate are other common allergens in beauty products that can cause skin reactions.
If you have a rash, its important to figure out what kind you have before you treat it. If it is a bad rash, if it does not go away, or if you have other symptoms, you should see your health care provider. Treatments may include moisturizers, lotions, baths, cortisone creams that relieve swelling, and antihistamines, which relieve itching. Your healthcare professional may also prescribe medication or medicated lotion to relieve your rash. Most people can treat their rashes effectively with medical treatments and home care. Follow these tips if you have a rash:
- Use home remedies to soothe mild contact rashes.
- Identify potential triggers for the rash and avoid them as much as possible.
- Call a healthcare professional if the rash doesn’t go away with home treatments. You should also contact them if you’re experiencing other symptoms in addition to your rash and you suspect you have an illness.
Regarding possible allergens in cosmetics, the best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to know what you are sensitive to and how to avoid it. One way to accomplish this is by carefully reading the product ingredient panel and avoiding ingredients you know or think you are allergic to.
