Allergy

Existing allergies are possible triggers for a skin rash on the forearm. A distinction is made between allergic skin rashes and allergic contact eczema. Allergic rashes are based on a reaction of the body to a substance absorbed into the body.

They are caused by food or drug allergies, for example. Usually such rashes are found all over the body or at least in different parts of the body. Itching is possible.

Allergic contact eczema is caused by the direct, immediate contact of the skin with the allergenic substance. Common allergens are nickel, chromium salts (contained in many types of leather or building materials) or ingredients of cosmetics. The rashes caused are limited to the contact area.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a rash on the forearm can be made by a trained family doctor or dermatologist.First of all, some questions are important for the clarification of potential causes. The duration of the rash, the time of its appearance, possible accompanying symptoms and the question of known allergies or the taking of a new medication can provide information about possible causes. In addition, the exact observation and description of the rash on the forearm is important.

In this way, potential causes can be narrowed down by a typical appearance, as is the case with measles, for example. Apart from the forearms, the entire skin must be considered. In some cases, further diagnostic tools such as blood tests, examination of skin samples taken or allergy tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

A skin rash on the forearms can show many different accompanying symptoms. These provide information about the cause of the rash. Many infectious diseases such as measles, rubella or scarlet fever are accompanied by fever, aching limbs and a general feeling of illness. Scarlet fever, for example, is characterized by tonsillitis and sore throat. Allergic skin rashes, neurodermatitis and psoriasis of the forearms can be accompanied by severe itching.

Treatment of the rash on the forearm

There is no uniform treatment of the rash on the forearm. Since the most diverse causes can be hidden behind a rash on the forearm, it is necessary to clarify the cause before starting therapy. Only then can a therapy be initiated.

Many diseases do not require special or causal treatment. These include rubella, measles or ringworm, as they heal by themselves and are only treated symptomatically with antipyretic and analgesic medication. In the case of scarlet fever, antibiotics are used to combat the pathogen.

Skin rashes caused by scabies are treated with permethrin. This active ingredient is applied to the skin once and kills the scabies mites. Allergic rashes are treated with so-called antihistamines or glucocorticoids, which inhibit itching and reduce the inflammatory reaction. Of course, it is then important to avoid the triggering allergen. Complex skin diseases, such as neurodermatitis and psoriasis, receive individualized treatments, which include creams with glucocorticoids.