When a rash appears on any part of the body, the skin can become red, swollen and blotchy. It can also appear in the form of spots, which might be pus filled or merely be scaly, flaky or bumpy. A rash can appear anywhere, in any pattern and different extent. Rash on limbs might be due to a range of reasons: be localized or due to a systemic condition. To treat this condition accordingly, this short article will figure out all the possible causes in addition to valuable home care suggestions.
Common Causes of Rash on Arms and Legs
1. Drug Rash
Medications can cause drug rash due to allergies, side effects or skin’s sensitivity to sunlight after taking particular medicals. Common drugs that can cause rashes on arms and legs consist of anti-seizure medications, antibiotics, or diuretics. Usually, this type of rash will disappear within one week when taking a new medication, or after a number of days of stopping take such medications.
2. Bug Bites
Generally, people are bitten by ticks or fleas. If you have rashes after bug bites, you need to be worried about the possibility of transmitting diseases.
3. Causes of Rash on Children
Rash on limbs of children can be seen due to various aspects like:
- Scarlet fever brought on by streptococcal infection and requires antibiotics
- Measles, which is a respiratory infection
- Kawasaki disease, an autoimmune disorder that impacts blood vessels, while giving out a rash
- Fifth disease, which causes a red and flat rash on the face, legs and arms
- Chicken pox caused by a virus leading to extremely itchy blisters
- Impetigo causes red and wet sores and is caused by bacteria
- Hand, foot and mouth disease, which causes red sores
4. Allergies
Allergy of medications, topical creams, detergents and foods can cause rash on arms and legs. The rash can range from moderate and minor symptoms to dangerous cases that an anaphylactic shock exists, which can be started with swelling and constriction of the nasal passage, making breathing tough and thus is life threatening.
5. Hives
Urticaria or hives reveals a pale or pink swelling like rash which appears suddenly, together with burning, itchy or stingy experience. Enduring from a couple of days to weeks, it can impact any part of the body, and as lots of as 20% of people experience hives at least as soon as in their life. Primarily, it is caused due to particular irritants, therefore, it is best to prevent the irritant and take anti-histamines.
6. Swimmer’s Itch
This particular condition is triggered by allergy to waterborne parasites which burrow themselves in the upper layer of the skin. It causes itchy or burning rash with bumps or blisters. It is not generally major and enhances within a week without medical intervention. Repeated exposure to infected water can increase sensitivity, yet cause worse symptoms.
7. Contact Dermatitis
Eczema is typically seen in people with allergic reactions or asthma. It is characterized by reddish or itchy rash and has a flaky texture.
Contact Dermatitis, as one kind of eczema, is caused when the skin is available in contact with various products like soaps, detergent, cosmetics, etc. It might likewise be brought on by fabric dyes or chemicals present in elastic, latex and rubber. Poison oak, ivy or sumac is dangerous plants which can cause contact dermatitis.
8. Other Skin Conditions
Besides contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis might cause rash on limbs. It can be seen on the mouth, nose, ears or any part besides the scalp. Naturally, you will experience rashes on the arms and legs.
Psoriasis: It is seen usually on the scalp and on joints and is identified by an itchy, scaly red rash.
When to Worry
You have to get instant medical attention when the following symptoms are seen in addition to rash on arms and legs: Joint pain or stiffness, purple rash, fever accompanied with chills, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, choking, unexpected beginning of swelling in the face, mouth, lips and tongue, throat constraint, change in level of awareness, losing consciousness or being unresponsive.
Home Remedies to Relieve Rash on Arms and Legs
1. Oatmeal
Aiding with lowering inflammation, oatmeal is effective on chicken pox blisters, eczema and poison ivy rash. To make an oat poultice, include water to a cup of oatmeal and leave till it forms a paste. Use it to use on the rash and itchy area. You can add oatmeal straight to your bath also, which can be soothing for the itching triggered by eczema, psoriasis and shingles.
2. Fruit Peels
Fruit peels assistance in calming an itchy rash or bug bites. You can use the inner side of banana peels or even a watermelon rind. These are kitchen area scraps which would otherwise be thrown away. Nevertheless, because the fruity smell can draw in bugs, it is best used indoors.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a quite popular solution for any type of skin disorder. Aside from being one of the best remedies for sunburn, it is quite effective in calming the skin, relieving swelling and irritation. You can cut off a leaf from the plant, slice it lengthwise and dig the gel. Apply this gel on the affected area and store extra gel, if any, in an airtight container in the fridge.
4. Fresh Basil Leaves
Basil has medical properties and includes camphor and thymol which have anti-itch properties. It is rather easy and fast to use, just squash the leaves and rub on the skin, which likewise satisfies your urge to scratch the rash too.
5. Peppermint Leaves
Peppermint leaves provide a cooling result when applied and is good for bug bites and itching. You can either crush the leaves and use on the skin straight or freeze them with water and use those ice cubes, which offer double result. Cooling from the ice and peppermint provides a sensation of numbness, helping to minimizes swelling and inflammation. Make sure that you use only clean and filtered water for making ice.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a reliable anti-septic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal representative. It assists to eliminate itching on dry skin, like dandruff and sunburns. Damp a cotton ball with it and apply on the rash or affected area.
7. Clay
Bentonite or Montmorillonite clay can be applied on the rash directly or through a pack. It relieves itching and aids with acne as well. Stings heal rapidly by utilizing clay, since it assists in drawing the venom out. Use water to make a paste from the clay and apply it with a muslin cloth. Hold it till the clay dries.
Prevention
Most of the rashes can be treated when the following care can be taken:
- Use OTC hydrocortisone cream (1%) to relieve itching. When there is pain related to rashes, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken.
- Calamine lotion can likewise be used for chicken pox and rash triggered by poisonous plants.
- Gentle cleansers should be used, rather of soap. A medicated dandruff shampoo should be used to treat dandruff.
- Keep the rash open, enable it to breathe. Do not keep it covered, if possible.
- Prevent scratching on the rash. When washing the rash, use warm water rather of hot water. Do not rub while drying, pat dry the area.
