Diagnosis | Skin rash on upper arm

Diagnosis

The diagnosis includes a medical history and an intensive inspection of the rash and accompanying symptoms. The rashes of various infectious diseases can often be distinguished externally. The time course and spread of the rash also provide many clues as to the underlying cause.

For example, a measles rash is described as nodular-stained, whereas the rash of chickenpox is accompanied by clear blisters. The medical history will tell us whether there has been contact with infectious diseases or whether contact with an allergen has occurred if an allergic reaction is suspected. For a final diagnosis, a smear or blood test can be taken in the case of pathogen-related diseases to determine the pathogen.

Allergy tests can in turn prove a reaction to certain allergens. In order to be able to diagnose a chronic skin change reliably, a skin biopsy may be necessary. The subsequent treatment must be carried out depending on the certain cause.

Symptoms

A skin rash can take various forms. It is important to consider the parts of the body where it occurs, its overall size and the accompanying symptoms. In addition to reddening of the skin, it can also lead to punctual, spotty or knotty rashes.

Blisters and wheals filled with secretions can also occur. The rash can be painful or cause unpleasant itching. Infectious diseases can cause general symptoms such as fever, nausea, headaches, aching limbs and weakness.

In case of allergic reactions, the extent of the accompanying symptoms depends on the severity of the allergy. Scratching of the neck, rhinitis and itching may occur. In the case of severe allergic reactions up to anaphylactic reactions, breathing difficulties with circulatory arrest may occur.

Itching is caused by irritation of the nerves of the superficial skin. A skin rash often causes itching, sometimes pain, which can become very unpleasant. Itching can occur in all skin rashes.

It is important not to scratch, as sometimes an infectious secretion is contained in the pustules that the infection spreads further.The itching can be relieved by cooling or special creams and ointments. Antihistamines are especially effective against allergic itching. Creams containing cortisone can also provide relief.

However, in order to achieve complete healing, the cause of the rash must be treated. If the rash or, for example, chickenpox is scratched permanently, permanent scars can develop. In the case of a rash that is only found on the inner sides of both arms, all of the above-mentioned causes can be considered first.

All infectious diseases, allergies and skin diseases that cause rashes can be limited to the arms only. The inner side of the upper arms lies close to the body and is often affected by increased moisture and sweat production. There is also less hair on the inside of the arms and the skin is more sensitive.

If the skin climate is humid, irritation and small pimples may occur. Furthermore, the symptom of “heat rash” occurs. These are skin irritations and rashes that are favored by heat and moisture.

Rashes on the outside of the upper arm can also occur due to infectious diseases or allergies. In the case of smaller rashes, however, the causes are often different. The outside of the arms are particularly exposed to sunlight.

It is important to protect the upper arms and shoulders from too much sunlight. This means that the outside of the upper arms is always surrounded by a dry skin environment. Creams and ointments can also cause rashes on the upper arm.

Often it is already helpful to change the cream or leave it out. The upper arms can also be irritated by friction caused by clothing that is too tight. Especially in colder temperatures, skin irritation from clothing can occur.

A skin rash on the face does not necessarily indicate an infectious disease. The face is particularly exposed to the external environment and sunlight. Sweat production on the face is also very pronounced, especially in men who also have facial hair. Skin irritations and “heat rash” are often found on the face. Many cosmetic products are also used on the face and can cause skin irritation.