Your skin has to put up with a lot of harmful elements since it is the topmost protective layer of the body. Harmful chemicals, cuts, infections, UV rays, scratches, and so on tend to damage it. Stress and daily workout sessions add on to this, giving little space for your skin to relax.

When a rash appears on an area of the skin, it becomes swollen or red. Skin bumps, scaly skin, redness, burning skin, and itchy skin rashes are some common skin problems that we all have to go through at one point in time. Skin rashes can also occur due to medical reasons. Some rashes appear at once, while others take some time to grow. Here are the 12 common itchy skin rashes that can hit us anytime, and how to deal with them.

Acne : Contrary to popular belief, acne does not always take place because you hit puberty and undergo hormonal changes. There are various other factors that can cause it. Sweating, humidity, oily skin, stress, and poor eating habits are some other major reasons behind the occurrence of acne. Even if you take good care of your personal hygiene and diet, you might still notice acne popping up every so often. Washing your face frequently can, in fact, make your acne grow worse. If you suffer from a severe case of acne, you can visit a general physician or dermatologist for proper medical treatment.

Sunburn : This skin rash is completely related to the sun. Sunburn occurs when our skin is directly exposed to harmful sun rays. Some people turn lobster-red due to bad exposure. Melanin, a pigment in our skin, protects the skin’s surface from the sun’s UV rays. A Caucasian can develop this rash even during winter. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are always recommended when you leave your house.

Chickenpox : Varicella zoster is a virus that causes chickenpox and creates blisters on the skin all over your body. Chickenpox is usually accompanied by fever and sore throat. These days, vaccines for chickenpox are easily available from doctors. However, it still remains a common disease. After the diagnosis, acetaminophen or ibuprofen is administered to control the fever. Cream and cold compresses are normally administered for itchy skin rashes.

Rubella: This can affect both children and adults, and is a common viral infection. This is also known as German measles. Rubella is a red spot-like rash which spreads quickly right from the face to the whole body. This rash is accompanied by swollen glands, fever, sore throat, runny nose, and headache. The vaccine is available for itchy skin rashes. However, people are still susceptible to this disease. Rubella in pregnant women can be dangerous, as it can cause birth defects.

Athlete’s Foot:  It is a common disease among fitness freaks and sportspersons. The infection begins in the webbing between toes, but can easily spread out to the toenails and your feet by extension. This itchy skin rash is usually contracted in fitness centers, common showers, and locker spaces. It is a fungal infection and usually responds well to over-the-counter topical medicines like Lamisil AT.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa : This is a rather rare skin disease and only occurs in 4 out of 100 people. Itchy skin rashes are usually present in underarms, buttocks, groin, and inner thighs. Boils and abscesses have a tendency for inflammation and drainage of pus. The invisible nature of this disease normally makes it embarrassing for the patient. Sometimes this disease is misdiagnosed, leading to pain and trouble.

Hives:  Hives or Urticaria can occur suddenly and almost anywhere on your skin. It makes your skin pale, itchy, swollen, pink and causes a stinging sensation. Hives can occur due to a reaction to food or any medicine. It normally lasts for a few days or even weeks. The cause of the disease should be examined, and it should be prevented in the best manner possible. You can also take antihistamine medicines as a treatment for the itchy skin rashes.

Psoriasis : This is an autoimmune disease that is prevalent in about 7.5 million people in America. Psoriasis occurs due to the faulty immune system of the human body, which leads to the accelerated growth of skin cells. Psoriasis is characterized by scaly skin, dry silver patches, and plaques. This can happen anywhere on your body. A lot of people suffer from psoriatic arthritis that causes swelling and joint pain. Phototherapy, topical creams, and medication are some forms of treatment for psoriasis.

Groin Rash:  This is an itchy rash that affects the groin area, often coupled with redness. This is not a serious issue but can be quite bothersome and painful. Groin rash is a fungal infection caused by the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot.

Staph Infections:  This disease is mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria are generally harmless. However, if these bacteria get on the skin, this results in a staph infection. This can turn deadly if not treated properly.

Prickly Heat:  Heat rash or prickly heat is common among children, but it can also occur in adults. This rash normally takes place due to excessive heat when the sweat gets blocked in the pores. Small red bumps, itching, and redness are common symptoms. Prickly heat can occur on any part of the human body. The best way to deal with prickly heat is to remain in cool clothes, fresh environment, and keep your body dry.

Rosacea:  Rosacea mostly surfaces on the face of adults. This is a skin rash characterized by the redness of cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. Bumps, pimples, and redness are common and are often mistaken for acne. With rosacea, small red blood cells can be easily spotted in the affected area. The cause is still a mystery and treatments only minimize the symptoms. They do not heal completely.