Hello readers, in today’s blog we are going to be discussing the most common problems with people all around the world- skin problems. Amongst all the other common problems skin has to be the one discussed wildly mainly because skin has to be the largest organ and unfortunately the first one to defend our body against any external threats. Which is why it is no surprise that skin is exposed to such issues such as allergic reactions, bacterial infections, fungus and much more. In today’s blog we will mainly focus on bacterial skin rash, hives on skin, mottled skin, itchy skin,and skin fade. To understand how to manage or treat these issues we will need to dig deeper into their root causes, symptoms or diagnosis and eventually how can we treat them.
Let’s dive in and learn all about it one-by-one.
What Is a Bacterial Skin Rash?
A bacterial skin rash is caused by a harmful bacteria when it invades the skin which can cause symptoms such as inflammation, redness and discomfort as well. Bacterial skin infections can be uncomfortable and can be mild or severe depending upon how early they are diagnosed or the severity of the infection but it is best if you detect it on early stages to get it treated right away.
Types of Bacterial Skin Rash:
There are multiple types of bacterial skin rash and all of them appears differently and have different treatments.
- Impetigo: It is commonly found in children which can lead to red sores usually around mouth or nose which can ooze or even crust over.
- Cellulitis: It is a deeper skin infection which can lead to swelling, or redness, and sometimes causes warmth too often affecting the legs.
- Folliculitis: As the name suggests. It is infection of hair follicles which causes red and itchy bumps. All of us can swear by that once in lifetime we have been affected by this and it took forever to be treated. Guess what, it was a very common bacterial skin rash.
What Causes It?
Bacterial infection can be triggered by any cut or would that allows the bacteria to enter or in some cases if you do not practice hygiene and share contaminated personal items such as towels, shaving razors etc. which can be a leading cause too. Also, some people have compromised immune systems and they are most likely to be exposed to bacterial infections,
How to Treat It:
As common as bacterial infections are, they usually get treated with over the counter medicines. But in worst case scenarios a doctor may prescribe you an oral antibiotic along with topical antibiotics. Fusidic acid and amoxicillin are the most common topical and oral antibiotics used for it and usually they are available over the counter. But most importantly self-care is the regime. You need to clean the affected area and keep it dry.
Mottled Skin: What Really Is It?
You may not be aware with the name but let me tell you it is one of the most common problems of skin. Wanna bet? Let me explain what it is and you will hear me saying in your head “I told you so! Mottled skin appears in the shape of web-like pattern which can either be purple or red discoloration on your skin. Now tell me you don’t know someone who had it? Well, as dangerous as it sounds it is usually harmless in most cases but in the others it can be an underlying cause of any health issue.
What Causes Mottled Skin:
As we discussed above, mottled skin is usually caused by an underlying issue. The underlying issues can be:
- Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or vasculitis can cause skin to mottle persistently.
- Cold Weather: Yes, you read it right! Being exposed to cold can actually cause skin mottling.
- Poor Circulation: There are certain conditions where blood does not circulate in a way that it should such as Raynaud’s disease or peripheral vascular disease causing the skin to mottle as a result.
- Drugs & Medicines: There are few drugs which may trigger the web-like pattern on the skin causing it to mottle. One of those drugs is amantadine. So if you are on it, you know what is causing it.
When to Seek Advice from Medical Expert:
When the mottling does not go away and is persistent followed by any of the symptoms such as fever, swelling, or pain, it is highly recommended to visit a doctor with expertise without wasting any further time.
Hives on Skin: A Sudden Reaction or a Disease
Have you ever seen any red welts on your skin which are extremely uncomfortable and makes you itch like a dog? If yes, that is a hive on skin. Well, they are not that dangerous and are often triggered due to an allergic reaction.
What Causes Hives on Skin:
Hives can be triggered by different factors starting with the most common one i.e. food allergy. We all have people around us who are allergic to nuts or any certain fish. Besides allergy environmental factors such as cold, heat or sunlight can also cause it. Now I many not be an expert, but all the experts and doctors say that skin problems are also triggered by any stress or anxiety. So stay happy and be problem-free.
How to Treat Hives:
Hive on the skin can be treated with a cold compress which will reduce welling & sooth itching or you can take an antihistamine over the counter if it is an allergic reaction but God forbid if it gets worse and causing difficulty in breathing, its best to seek medical attention immediately.
Itchy Skin: Causes & Remedies
While occasional itching is normal but persistent itching can be both emotionally and physically draining. An itchy skin is one of the most common complaints when it comes to skin problems.
What Causes It:
An itchy skin can be caused by:
- Dry Skin : It is a leading cause of itching and it gets worse in colder months.
- Eczema or Psoriasis: It is chronic skin conditions which can be characterized as red, flaky patches on your skin.
- Fungal Infections: Athlete’s foot or ringworm happen to be the most significant cause of itchy skin.
- Allergies: Allergies can be triggered by anything but most common triggers for skin itch are contact with certain fabrics, soaps, or plants.
How to Treat It:
It is simple. Just stay hydrated, shower with lukewarm water, use hydrocortisone creams available over the counter or treat it with an oral antihistamine. Also, add moisturizers with high amount of hyaluronic acid.
When to Seek Medical Expert Advice:
If the itch doesn’t go within a week and is followed by other symptoms such as fever or sweating, it is best to seek an advice from a dermatologist.
Skin Fade: Why it happens & How to Manage It
Skin fade is the gradual pigmentation towards lightening or discoloration of skin which can be caused by several factors such as sun exposure, aging, sun damage, or any medical conditions like vitiligo. Every day we see people around as and skin fade has tend to rise in the past few years as compared to earlier decades. It is usually harmless but it is distressing and cause people to lose their confidence for all the wrong reasons.
What Causes Skin Fade
It is important to understand the underlying issue before we treat it. With the global warming happening around us, people suffer more from UV rays which causes skin fade. And as much as we want to blame the global warming there are other factors too such as hormonal balance (pregnancy, menopause), or aging is also found as very dominant factor.
Preventive Measures:
It is always to be safe than sorry. SPF 30 and higher broad spectrum sun screen is recommended to be used daily even if you don’t have to step out of your house. Instead of spending thousands on your skin care, it is important to spend on the right products such as get gentle cleansers and avoid over-exfoliating your skin. But if you are already affected by it. Laser therapy, chemical peels or microdermabrasion can be helpful too.
Healthy Habits Reflect on Your skin
As much as we spend time deciding what to wear, what to buy or what to eat- it is important that we put a thought for our skincare too. It is only when we witness a problem that we decide to take care of our skin. A problem means the damage is already done, so why not avoid it? Eat healthy, don’t drink, avoid smoking, sleep well, eat nutritious food, stay hydrated, stay stress free- this is all it takes to have a good skin. A good skin is also a reflection of healthy your mind and body is. So as we address issues today such as bacterial skin rash, mottled skin, hives, itchy skin, and skin fade, it is important that we learn lesson to take better care of ourselves. Until next time, XOXO!
