Rashes and other skin irritations can be painful and difficult to manage. Many irritations can be treated easily with over-the-counter creams. However, other rashes may need stronger prescriptions prescribed by doctors. Identifying rashes can be challenging, but understanding the causes and treatment plan can help ease anxiety and make managing the symptoms easier.

Scalp Irritations

Rashes can develop anywhere on the body; however, some rashes may be specific to certain body parts. Skin irritations can form under your hair and on your scalp, which may make it challenging to identify dandruff or psoriasis. Dandruff may be caused by either dry or oily skin that creates flakes on your scalp. This condition can be embarrassing since it is reoccurring and the flakes are visible.

However, dandruff is not serious or dangerous and can be treated with a gentle shampoo. Scalp psoriasis is another skin irritant that can develop on your scalp. Doctors are not exactly sure why psoriasis occurs; however, it is believed to be a problem with the immune system that causes skin cells to build up quickly. Psoriasis can develop in other parts of your body, and although there is no cure, it is treatable with medication.

Insect Bites

Insect bites are also responsible for skin irritations. Mosquito bites are common and can cause the skin to develop itchy bumps. Most mosquito bites are typically minor; however, they can become infected when scratched. If the itching becomes irritating, topical creams can help relieve pain. Fleas are another insect that can cause skin irritation. These bites are usually found in clusters and can occur in any part of the body.

Symptoms begin as soon as the flea bites and can create an itching sensation and small red bumps; however, anti-itch creams can help the irritation subside. A bee sting can be painful, cause an allergic reaction, and leave the skin inflamed and swollen. Bee stings are more serious because bee venom can cause the body to have a severe immune response. Swelling and pain usually subside over time with ice; however, if you have an allergic reaction, you may need to go to the emergency room.

Plants

Plants and bushes can create a beautiful and lush garden; however, looks can be deceiving. While many plants are innocent and benign, some can create rashes. Plants such as poison ivy, sumac, and oak can create mild to severe rashes on any part of the body.

These plants can present themselves as vines and can produce an oil that is absorbed by the skin. As a result, clusters of small, itchy bumps can develop. Itching these clusters can cause the rash to spread to other parts of the body. Mild cases can be treated with topical creams, lotions, or oatmeal baths. However, serious cases may need a doctor's prescription to help reduce the itching and alleviate the rash.

Children 

Some rashes and skin irritations are more likely to occur in children than adults. Fifth disease creates a rash around the cheeks in children and causes a headache, fever, and a sore throat. The rash can continue to other parts of the body, although, usually goes away on its own.

Drinking fluids and staying hydrated can also help the body recover quicker. Impetigo is another rash that is common in children between the ages of 2 and 5. This rash focuses on the child's mouth and face and causes blisters around the infected area.

Impetigo usually lasts 7 - 10 days and can be treated with either topical creams that cover the sores or oral antibiotics. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease affects children under the age of 5 and causes blisters in the mouth and gums. There is also a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

This rash is highly contagious, caused by a virus, and can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact. The infection usually lasts 7 - 10 days and goes away on its own.

Most people experience rashes from time to time. Although these rashes can be contagious, irritating, and painful, treatments are available to alleviate symptoms. Also, many of these skin ailments go away on their own, and practicing basic hygiene techniques such as hand washing can help ensure that many skin irritations are avoided.