It has been said that 15% of the consultations a family doctor will see are skin-related problems. It’s not just lumps and bumps, but a whole range of conditions ranging from the trivial but annoying to the rare but life threatening. Rashes are a common cause for concern, and can be due to a variety of causes ranging from bacteria and viruses to genetic conditions. The commonest rashes are eczema and psoriasis, two very different conditions, although some treatments overlap. It is worth remembering that although many skin conditions are similar in appearance, their treatments may be very different.
A few basic measures help most skin irritations - adequate skin moisturising, and the avoidance of soaps / detergents. A good quality moisturiser (emollient) will rehydrate the skin and improve barrier function, helping to restore normality. Soaps, on the other hand, remove the natural skin oils and should be avoided if the skin is inflamed.
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Disclaimer:
While every attempt has been made to keep the information on this site as accurate and helpful as possible, do not attempt to diagnose yourself - seek expert advice from a qualified Dermatologist in your area. It can sometimes be difficult even for the professionals!