Symptoms

The symptoms of an itchy rash ultimately arise from the term itself. Only the severity of the itching and rash can vary greatly. In dermatology, rashes are distinguished according to various criteria.

First, it is important where a rash occurs. Is it localized or does it occur all over the body (generalized)? At this point the colloquially used term “rash” must also be defined.

If it is a localized redness, the phenomenon is called erythema, and if the same skin symptoms are spread over large areas or the whole body, it is called exanthema. Eczemas are inflamed, reddened and scaly areas of skin. The appearance of rashes is also important.

So-called efflorescences, i.e. characteristic skin changes such as blisters, pustules or dandruff, characterize the different clinical pictures. However, the distinction is difficult for the layperson to make. Furthermore, the temporal course gives an indication of possible causes.

In spite of all difficulties, there are some characteristics typical for the respective disease which can already give the layman an indication of what may be hidden behind the existing itchy skin rash. For example, if it occurs after certain foods or medicines have been taken, it may be an allergic reaction. The same applies if materials of all kinds (e.g. jewelry, cosmetics, etc.)

come into contact with the skin, which can trigger a so-called contact dermatitis. After a few days, an itchy reddening and possibly blistering in the area of the contact point with the triggering substance occurs. If itchy skin changes occur a few days after the first contact with the sun in the year, a polymorphic light dermatosis (“sun allergy”) is suspected.

The skin symptoms can vary greatly from patient to patient (polymorphic). However, palpable skin changes are often found. In the same patient, polymorphic light dermatosis always manifests itself in the same appearance.

A common feature of the large group of eczema is that the skin is reddened and flaky. Acute partial blisters form and the eczema may be weeping. Urticaria (hives) is a clinical picture with quite clear symptoms.

Itchy, palpable skin lesions with a red courtyard form, which disappear after minutes and can reappear elsewhere. The Lichen Ruber (nodular lichen) is characterized by palpable, flat, rapidly developing and very itchy skin lesions, which often have whitish scales. A symmetrical infestation of both arms and/or legs is typical.

Furthermore, new changes often develop on mechanically stressed skin. This is known as the Koebner phenomenon. Even wearing close-fitting clothing can be sufficient to cause new nodules.

In the case of pityriasis rosea (rose lichen), oval, reddish and scaly, well-defined skin symptoms develop over weeks, which usually do not itch very much. Psoriasis is a disease that progresses in waves. In its classic form, reddened, scaly and itchy skin appears.

Depending on the variant, however, small, palpable skin lesions (pustules) filled with pus can also be present, or psoriasis can manifest itself as an inflammation of the joints (arthritis). Changes in fingernails and toenails can also be a symptom. Psoriasis is also characterized by the Koebner phenomenon, which means that the disease is worsened by mechanical stress on the skin.Pustules are hollow spaces on the skin that are filled with pus.

Therefore, pustules are also called pustule. The formation of these pustule can have various reasons. Pustules, which are accompanied by an itching rash, can also occur in acne, for example.

Here, the accumulation of sebum on the hair follicles leads to inflammation and pustular formation. Another possibility in which itchy skin rash and pustules can occur is when shaving. Shaving can cause irritation, redness and itching of the skin.

Since shaving causes tiny wounds, bacteria that sit on the skin can penetrate. These bacteria cause an infection in these areas of the skin, which manifests itself as pus pustules. Chickenpox and shingles can also cause itchy skin rashes as well as reddened pustules filled with clear fluid. Skin fungus or parasites can also cause itchy skin rash with pustules.