Skin rash: how to determine what a person is suffering from by rashes

Dermatoses most often appear on exposed areas of the skin as they are most susceptible to external factors.[1] This also applies to the skin of your hands. Symptoms such as itching, redness, peeling, various spots and other elements of the rash primarily affect the forearms, hands and fingers.

One of the mechanisms for the development of dermatitis on the fingers or hands is direct contact with a substance to which the body's immune system is not able to adequately respond. Skin allergy is a classic delayed hypersensitivity reaction in response to a single or systematic interaction with a pathogen.

Dermatological skin diseases are widespread, especially among working age adults.[2] For some patients, hand allergies can be a short-term problem: very often the symptoms go away on their own. Other patients struggle for a very long time with the disease and complications that can be caused by a secondary infection. In this case, hand allergies manifest themselves even more aggressively, the rashes become more widespread and unbearably itchy.

Types of rash and causes of its appearance

The content of the article

A rash is a visual change in the structure and color of the skin; it is characterized by redness, itching, peeling and even pain. The halo of the rash, despite its external integrity, consists of individual elements, which include:

ulcers (defects on the surface of the epidermis caused by slowing down the regenerative processes in the upper layers of the skin);
erosion (superficial epithelial defect without scar formation)
papule (dense nodule located above the surface of the skin);
vesicle (a fluid-filled capsule located in the upper layers of the epidermis);
pustule (a cavity formation on the surface of the skin filled with pus);
blister (an element on the surface of the skin caused by inflammation and swelling of the papillary dermis);
nodes (dense, painless nodules on the skin);
hemorrhages (subcutaneous hemorrhages caused by high permeability of the vascular walls);
petechiae (pinpoint subcutaneous hemorrhages caused by capillary injury);
ulcers (deeply located formations filled with pus).

Depending on the location of the skin rash, the source of the problem can be determined. In particular:

Allergic reactions cause a rash on the hands and face;
Infections are characterized by rashes on the torso (abdomen, back);
STIs are localized on the genitals, inner thighs and skin around the anus;
Stress weakens the immune system, so the rash is localized throughout the body (but, unlike allergies or rashes due to infections, the reaction to allergens and immunoglobulin will be negative)%;
Problems of the gastrointestinal tract are expressed in the form of serious skin abnormalities (with ulcerative colitis - erythema nodosum (inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue and blood vessels in the form of nodes), with problems with the pancreas - atopic dermatitis, intestinal infections provoke pyoderma - ulcers on the skin);
Rashes due to problems with blood or blood vessels appear on the abdomen and then spread throughout the body. It is characterized by the absence of itching.

Prevention

To avoid such problems, you must first take care of the skin of your hands. Therefore, during the cold season it is recommended to wear gloves. It would be useful to use nourishing creams. If we talk about cosmetics, it is better not to save money.

When cleaning your apartment, you must use gloves. Especially if aggressive household chemicals are used to clean floors, dishes and other items. Experts recommend not washing by hand if powder is used. Even if things are cleaned in a machine, it is better to purchase a special gel that does not contain volatile irritants.

Those who work in production need to be doubly careful. If a person works with solvents or alkalis, then he must protect his hands (and, if possible, his respiratory tract). If an aggressive component gets on your skin, you need to rinse the affected area with cold water.

If you have a food allergy, you should be more careful when choosing foods. It is not recommended to consume ingredients that cause an acute skin reaction. Only a specialist can find out exactly what exactly is the irritant.

What type of rash is typical for allergies?

Allergy skin rashes are not caused by an immune reaction of the blood to allergic elements. This is due to haptens - simple chemical compounds that are not immunogenic. But they tend to bind to the carrier protein. Attaching to a macromolecule, the newly formed complex synthesizes immunoglobulins. The body perceives it as foreign, causing an increase in the level of leukocytes. As a result, the skin becomes covered with red spots of different sizes and different locations.

An allergic rash is characterized by the following characteristics:

It does not always cause itching and fever;
Accompanied by swelling of the face, eyelids, runny nose;
The area of the rash corresponds to the places where the skin touches the allergen (if you are allergic to jewelry - on the wrist or fingers, to deodorant - in the armpits, to cosmetics - on the eyelids or around the mouth);
A blood test shows an increase in the number of eosinophils;
The biochemical blood test remains unchanged.

The most common form of allergy rash is hives. In appearance, it resembles pink spots that appear on the skin after contact with nettles. Hives are a reaction to pollen, cosmetics, and dust. Often localized on the bends of the elbows, knees and wrists. Accompanied by severe itching and peeling of the skin.

Depending on the allergen, the rash has the following types:

Allergy to food . It is an erythematous rash in the form of rough spots rising above the surface of the epidermis. A characteristic feature of food allergies is severe itching.
Cold allergy . Occurs when exposed areas of skin come into contact with cold (air, water). Although cold does not directly provoke an allergic reaction, it is a trigger for an allergic reaction to improper functioning of the thyroid gland, spleen, etc. Cold allergies are accompanied by lacrimation, nasal discharge, as well as the appearance of whitish and pink, scratch-like spots on the skin, which disappear on their own after some time. If a person has ever had an allergy to cold, he needs to see a doctor to find out the true cause of the malfunction of the body.
Allergy (atopic dermatitis) to dust/animal hair . It is often diagnosed in children. It manifests itself in the form of an itchy rash, accompanied by increased dryness of the skin. In some cases there are weeping ulcers. The simplest test to identify atopic dermatitis: take an ordinary school ruler and press on the area of the rash for 20 seconds. If a white streak remains on the skin after a few minutes, it is atopic dermatitis. If the skin has regained its previous shade, this is a rash of a different nature.
Allergy to alcohol . Alcohol has a vasodilating effect. Accordingly, more substances, including toxic ones, are absorbed into the blood. The more components in an alcoholic drink, the stronger the allergy to it. The most “dangerous” drink is absinthe, which contains wormwood, anise, fennel, coriander, and lemon balm. The skin becomes covered with red spots, as if from burns. In chronic alcoholics who drink cheap wine every day, a red, weather-beaten face is a consequence of constant alcohol intoxication of the body. If such a reaction occurs in an ordinary person, he needs to find out the source of the allergy and consult a doctor. The biggest danger is Quincke's edema, when the lungs swell and a person dies within a few minutes.

There are 4 types of allergic rashes: food, contact, respiratory and respiratory. The biggest allergy sufferers are children. It should be remembered that not all products consumed by adults are suitable for children.

A child’s rash should not be ignored. The most dangerous is the rash caused by meningococcal infection. Outwardly, it resembles a food allergy, but at the same time the body temperature rises. It’s better to be on the safe side, and if your baby has any rash, you should consult a doctor.

Secondary syphilis

If a rash appears on the hand completely suddenly and the person does not suspect an allergic reaction, then it is possible to assume that this particular illness could be the cause of the unpleasant manifestation. When redness appears due to secondary syphilis, a person does not experience any discomfort. My hands don't itch or hurt. In this case, the rash disappears just as suddenly and reappears after a while.

This is explained by the active activity of the pathogen, which is called “pale spirochete”. In order to get rid of such irritation, you need to visit a venereologist and undergo a course of treatment. As a rule, quite aggressive drugs are prescribed for this, so taking medications should be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor.

Infectious rash: characteristic features and difference from allergic rashes

The distinctive features of an allergic rash are vesicles (capsules with liquid inside), papules (grain-like compactions) and pustules (bubbles with pus). An infectious rash has these symptoms.

Various infections and viruses entering the body damage, first of all, the mucous membrane, as well as the skin. Unlike an allergic rash, an infectious rash is always accompanied by an increase in body temperature.

Also characteristic signs of infection:

body intoxication, vomiting, headache
fast fatiguability
phasing, spread of the rash to other parts of the body with each new day
enlarged lymph nodes
rashes look like papules, vesicles and pustules
the skin dries out and flakes off.

The infection rash is not itchy, but touching it is painful. The causes of rashes are the following diseases:

Herpes: depending on the type of virus, the skin of the face (lips) or the genitals (head of the penis, labia) are affected. The rash looks like blisters, which gradually open up and ulcers form in their place. Upon completion, a crust will form that should not be touched;
Scabies: The causative agent is a microscopic mite that leaves tiny tunnels under the skin. Unbearable itching occurs;
Chickenpox: The rash resembles a mosquito bite, filled with serous fluid. Vesicles spread throughout the body, including the scalp. The soles and palms remain intact;

Scarlet fever: the rash looks like roseola - pinpoint pink spots of various shapes. After a few days, the rash fades and turns brownish. After the temperature normalizes, the skin peels and flakes. A characteristic feature is redness of the tongue and enlargement of the papillae;
Measles: the rash looks like papules, which are localized on the inside of the cheeks and gums. The rash spreads from the neck down the back, lastly moving to the limbs. The mucous membrane of the eyes becomes inflamed;
Rubella: the skin becomes covered with red spots, localized in the thighs and buttocks, and malaise is observed;
Infectious mononucleosis: lymph nodes enlarge, adenoids swell. The rash is observed throughout the body, including on the roof of the mouth;
Meningococcal infection: This is an extremely dangerous infection that can lead to the death or disability of a child. It is by the appearance of the rash that one can notice the symptoms of the disease on the first day of infection. A rash with meningococcal infection is a consequence of exposure to toxins caused by the activity of meningococcus, which increase vascular permeability. The rash is hemorrhagic in nature, that is, it looks like small hemorrhages. Mainly localized on the buttocks and limbs.

There is an effective test to distinguish meningococcal rash from other rashes. You need to take a glass, turn it over, press on the area of the rash and twist it a little until the skin around it turns white. If the skin turns pale at the site of the rash, then it is not a meningococcal infection. If the rash remains the same color, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Rash caused by diseases of the blood and blood vessels

A rash due to diseases of the blood or blood vessels is caused by damage to the walls of the capillaries, as a result of which petechiae - small bright red dots - appear on the surface of the skin. Unlike ordinary hemorrhages, a rash due to blood diseases does not change color when pressed. Other signs indicate the disease:

joint pain (knees, ankles);
black stools, diarrhea, sharp pain in the abdomen as if poisoned;
the rash covers the entire body.

Diseases that cause hemorrhagic rash include:

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (Werlhof's disease) is a blood disease in which small arteries and capillaries are blocked by blood clots. Mainly found in children, especially newborns. The disease has autoimmune causes of unknown etymology. Those. Your own immune cells perceive platelets as a foreign body and attack them. The rash is painless, occurs as a reaction to the administration of any medication, and is localized at the injection site.

Hemoblastosis. This is a malignant tumor that occurs very often in childhood. The rash has several types:

hemispheres of red-brown color, covered with a crust;
blisters with serous fluid inside;
rashes similar to bruises, both large in size and in the form of bloody dots that appear without any reason.

In all cases, the rash causes severe itching. Blood tests for hemoblastosis show a significant increase in the number of leukocytes due to decreased immunity. Hemoglobin drops, lymph nodes enlarge. Platelet counts drop and the child gets tired quickly. The main cause of rash in diseases of the blood or blood vessels is a decrease in the number of platelets and a disruption in the synthesis of proteins involved in blood clot formation. This rash also occurs when taking medications that thin the blood (Aspirin, Warfarin, Heparin).

Diabetic angiopathy. This is a violation of the vascular capacity of the lower extremities, provoked by type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Due to the disease, the walls of blood vessels become thinner and become fragile. This causes skin dystrophy. Ulcers and erosions appear on the skin.

Scabies

Scabies is considered an infectious disease. It is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites that get on the skin, resulting in an itchy rash. Scabies rash appears as small pinkish bumps. Most often found in folds of skin, for example, between the fingers, elbows and knees. A red rash appears on the wrists.

After infection with scabies, symptoms are likely to appear after 2-6 weeks. Signs appear much faster if a person has previously had scabies. The disease is extremely contagious, and the sick child or adult must be isolated from others. Scabies responds well to treatment with pharmaceutical ointments; they should be used only as prescribed by a doctor.

Rash caused by digestive problems

The condition of the skin largely depends on the functioning of the internal organs. Using a map of rashes on the face, you can determine which organs have problems.

Treatment

Although the symptoms of different types of rashes can be quite similar, treatment will depend on what is causing the skin irritation. For example, if the allergy is a reaction to metal and a rash develops on the wrist after wearing a new bracelet for 24 hours, it is best not to wear this jewelry again. Likewise, if someone develops an allergy after applying a new cosmetic or perfume, it will be necessary to discontinue use of that product. In any case, it is advisable to consult a doctor to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment. If the rash is caused by an allergy, then taking antihistamines will help reduce redness, irritation and pain. If the rash spreads to other parts of the body or disturbing signs appear, such as fever, high temperature, you should go to the doctor for a comprehensive examination. Doctors most often prescribe:

antihistamines;
corticosteroid ointments and lotions for irritated skin;
antibiotic ointments;
corticosteroids;
ultraviolet light phototherapy;
biological or other therapy using immunomodulators.

For example, the antibiotic Doxycycline is recommended for the treatment of spotted fever, and if taken in a timely manner, patients experience rapid recovery.

Rashes due to liver diseases

In the early stages of liver disease, they practically do not manifest themselves at all. The earliest symptom is specific skin rashes. They are caused by an increase in the amount of bile acid in the blood, which causes general intoxication of the body. The skin takes on a yellowish tint.

With cholestasis (blockage of the bile ducts), the rash is localized on the feet and palms, looking like marks from a burn. With cirrhosis, liver cells die and the whole body becomes covered with spots. Parasitic liver diseases cause rashes resembling hives. They are localized in the lumbar region and abdomen.

Also characteristic is a combination of rash and spider veins, which cause severe itching, which intensifies at night. Taking antihistamines (allergy medications) does not provide relief. Increased bilirubin gives the skin a yellowish tint.

Rashes due to intestinal diseases

If the contents of the intestines are poorly removed from the body, then some of the toxins will begin to penetrate into the blood. The body begins to get rid of poisons itself through the excretory system. Because of this, the condition of the skin worsens, and it becomes characteristic of:

increased fat content
dull complexion
acne, not only on the face, but also on the back, stomach, chest
“black dots” are visible, similar to volcanic craters
skin becomes dry and dehydrated
After acne heals, scars remain.

After the New Year holidays, many people note a deterioration in their skin condition and notice minor rashes that go away on their own. They are associated with contamination of the body with toxins caused by eating large amounts of heavy food.

Eczema

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is one of the causes of rashes on the wrists of adults and children. The disease produces characteristic spots on dry, red, cracked skin; in some cases, the spots can swell and bleed. This condition can affect different parts of the body, often affecting the folds of the skin. Sometimes a severe rash occurs on both the wrists and ankles, especially in children, and simple treatments are often ineffective.

Nervous rash

Stress and nervous tension often cause skin rashes. Under the influence of a stressful situation, the immune system is suppressed. The body spends its resources to maintain the normal state of internal organs. For this reason, previously hidden diseases worsen. Also, weakened immunity provokes urticaria - a small rash similar to the reaction of the epidermis to the touch of nettles. This pathology is otherwise called nervous eczema. It, unlike a normal allergic reaction, is accompanied by the following symptoms:

severe itching that is not relieved by antihistamines
pulse quickens, hand tremors are felt
restless sleep, night sweats
panic attacks, feelings of anxiety and danger
swelling of the face and limbs.

Typically, nervous eczema occurs after a traumatic situation or severe stress. Treating skin rashes with creams or medications does not help. Improvement comes only after the life situation normalizes. Itchy urticaria due to nervousness can be soothed by baths with sea salt, which also have a good effect on the nervous system.

Literature:

Werfel T., Breuer K., Rueff F et. Al. Usefulness of specific immunotherapy in patients with atopic dermatitis and allergic sensitization to house dust mites: a multi-centre, randomized, dose-response study. Allergy, 2006. - V. 61. - Issue 2. - P. 202-205.
Clinical allergology. Guide for practicing doctors / ed. R.M. Khaitova. - M., 2002. - 624 p.
Russian national conciliation document. Urticaria and angioedema. Recommendations for practicing physicians. — Ed. I.S. Gushchina, N.I. Ilyina. - M.: Farmarus Print Media, 2007. - 128 p.
Instructions for medical use of the drug Cetrin®.
Kareva E.N. Choosing an antihistamine: a pharmacologist’s view // RMJ. 2021. No. 12. pp. 811–816.

Skin rashes due to gynecological problems

The condition of a woman’s reproductive organs is closely dependent on her hormonal levels. Many diseases (uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis) are caused by hormonal imbalance, in particular, the ratio of androgens (male sex hormones) and female sex hormones, which is primarily signaled by a specific rash on the skin. Androgens, particularly testosterone and DHT (dihydrotestosterone), are produced in women by the adrenal glands and testicles. The cells lining the sebaceous glands of the skin have androgen receptors. When the amount of hormones increases, the receptors react and the skin secretes more sebum, creating a nutritional base for bacteria. Moreover, DHT begins to be produced by the adrenal glands even before the onset of puberty, so in adolescents, especially girls, rashes have been observed since the age of 10-12.

When a woman has polycystic ovary syndrome, the amount of female hormones estrogen and progesterone decreases and the level of androgens increases sharply. Along with menstrual irregularities, a woman develops severe “teenage” acne on her face and chest. Darkening of the skin is noticeable in the groin, armpits and around the neck. The woman also notes increased hairiness on her legs, arms, and above her lip. All this is due to hormonal imbalance.

An increase in the level of female hormones also affects the condition of the skin. In addition to acne on the face and body, excess estrogen makes the skin dull and dull. She seems to be losing her tone. There is also a decrease in blood sugar levels and an increase in platelet counts.

The increase in progesterone also does not go away without leaving a trace. The skin has progesterone receptors, which respond to the growth of the hormone by increasing the production of sebum until the appearance of oily seborrhea. The scalp becomes covered with crusts, pink spots appear on the face and body, the skin on which flakes and flakes off. In adolescents, the face becomes covered with bumps, which, when pressed, release a liquid sebaceous secretion.

Babies also experience hormonal rashes, which can be very frightening for a new mother. This is the so-called neonatal cephalic pustulosis. It arises because the baby begins to live separately from the mother’s body, and for him this is a serious hormonal shock. The secretion of the sebaceous glands increases, the ducts become clogged, which creates favorable conditions for the activity of microbes.

Also, the newborn’s body gets rid of the hormones that its mother supplied it with during pregnancy. In addition to skin rashes, girls have swollen breasts and vaginal discharge. In boys, the scrotum and penis swell. All these symptoms go away on their own after a few days. The mother needs to make sure that the baby does not sweat and that bacteria do not multiply on the skin.

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