The appearance of rashes on the shoulders, forearms and arms is a fairly common occurrence. In order to get rid of the pathology, it is necessary to find out the nature of the rash on the forearms and shoulders, to deal with the cause of its appearance and only after that start treatment. It is important to remember that self-medication can do much harm, so you should immediately contact a specialist if a rash appears and immediately begin therapy.
Causes of forearm rash in adults
Fungus. Fungal infection can occur in any part of the body, and not just on the forearms or shoulders. A characteristic feature of such an infection is the appearance of a red rash on the body, which over time can begin to swell and itch. If fungal inflammation manifests itself in the form of red spots, the center of which is very flaky, then we can talk about such a pathology as lichen.
Syphilis. The disease is manifested by the appearance of small red vesicles, this pathology is transmitted sexually. A characteristic feature of the pathology is that in most cases the disease proceeds in a chronic form. This means that the rash can either appear or disappear on its own without any treatment.
Skin diseases. One of the most common skin diseases is solar keratosis. Pathology is quite common among the elderly. The main symptom of the disease is the appearance of red spots, which are very itchy and turn brown without timely treatment. Solar keratosis is a rather dangerous manifestation, since it can be a harbinger of cancer.
Hormonal disbalance. This cause of pathology involves the appearance of a rash in the form of acne on the forearms and face in adolescents during puberty, when the hormonal system begins to gradually change. During this period, the skin becomes most susceptible to the formation of acne.
Allergic reaction. Often, a rash on the shoulders and forearms results from contact or allergic dermatitis. Such a reaction to the body in most cases manifests itself when wearing synthetic clothing, using low-quality cosmetics and household chemicals. The rash can also occur as a result of taking a large number of medications, in particular antibiotics.
Violation of the digestive tract. In case of malfunctions of the intestines and the entire system of the gastrointestinal tract, the appearance of a red rash on the forearms and face of a person is characteristic. Such a rash appears and with problems with the liver and kidneys.
Causes of a rash in children
The appearance of a rash on the forearms of a child can be marked by the development of such infectious diseases as measles, chickenpox or rubella. It is worth noting that with the development of these pathologies, the rash affects the whole body, and not just a specific area. In addition to skin lesions, these diseases are also characterized by signs such as weakness, general malaise, and fever. It should be remembered that chickenpox, measles and rubella are infectious, therefore, if a rash appears on the child’s body, it is necessary to limit his contact with other children and adults, and also consult a doctor immediately.
The difference and similarities between a rash and acne
The similarity of acne and rash lies in the fact that both of them appear as a result of clogging of pores and irritation of the skin. The main difference between acne and rash is that the cavity of an inflamed acne is often filled with pus, while with a rash, nothing like this is observed.
In most cases, a rash is formed due to hyperhidrosis, and acne is the result of bacteria entering the open pores, which cause inflammation and irritation of the epithelium.
Types of rash
Rashes on the body can be local, that is, only a specific area can be affected, but they can affect the entire body. There are several forms of rash: dry, smooth, uneven, flaky, bubbly.
The rash may not cause the patient any discomfort at all, but may, on the contrary, itch strongly, cause pain and change its color. In some cases, the rashes disappear on their own. Some rashes can be cured at home, and some rashes on the body require serious examination and treatment only in a hospital setting.
Bacteria, fungi and viruses also cause rashes on the skin, however, the nature of the rash depends only on the reason that served as the beginning of these manifestations on the body.
One of the most common manifestations of a dermatological nature is acne, which begins to appear in the form of black dots that gradually become inflamed and turn into pustules.
Herpes is another disease of the skin, which is manifested by the appearance of a small rash on the forearms and other parts of the body.
When and to which doctor should I go?
A doctor should be consulted immediately when a rash appears, since only a doctor can find out the nature of the rash, determine the exact cause of such manifestations and prescribe the optimal treatment.
You need to contact a general practitioner or you can immediately visit a dermatologist.
Therapeutic measures
Therapy for a rash on the forearms and other parts of the body is prescribed only by a dermatologist.
The doctor may prescribe medication for the rash based on the cause of its development. In combination with drugs, physiotherapeutic treatment is often prescribed, namely: darsonvalization and ozone therapy. In especially severe cases, hormone replacement therapy (Regevidon, Excluton, Mirolyut) and immunomodulators (Viferon, Amiksin, Kagocel) are indicated.
In case of infectious and fungal development, rashes are prescribed antifungal (Fluconazole, Pimafucin, Terbizil) and antimicrobials (Tetracycline, Augmentin). In addition, a rash caused by pathologies such as chickenpox, smallpox, or measles must be constantly treated with brilliant green or castellane.
If syphilis became the cause of the rashes, then the patient will have a long treatment - up to 2 years, and taking strong antibiotics included in the penicillins and tetracyclines groups.
In case of allergies, antihistamines such as Zodak and Suprastin are prescribed. The dosage of the drug should be selected only by the doctor, you can not independently reduce or increase it, especially if the child is sick. Antiallergic drugs can be prescribed both in the form of tablets, and in the form of special ointments, creams and gels.
Affected areas of the body must be treated with a weak solution of manganese, ointments, which include salicylic acid ("Diprosalik", zinc-salicylic ointment), hydrogen peroxide.
In conjunction with the main therapy, the doctor prescribes a diet that must be observed until the end of treatment and after it, and an additional course of vitamin therapy is also prescribed.
Therapy with traditional medicine
Using traditional medicine, it is impossible to get rid of the disease itself, but it is possible to significantly alleviate the patient's condition and eliminate some symptoms of the pathology.
Medicinal herbs. Baths, in which decoctions of herbs are added, help to get rid of the unpleasant sensations associated with a rash on the hands and forearms, and itching. For the preparation of decoctions, such medicinal plants are usually used as: a string, a chamomile, calendula, celandine. You can use these herbs either individually or in the form of fees.
Sea salt. Baths with sea salt are very effective due to the fact that after them irritation subsides, inflammation decreases and itching stops. You need to take them once a day, preferably before bedtime.
Effects
If a rash appears on the forearms and acne, the cause of their formation should be established immediately and treatment should be started. Otherwise, it may result in the fact that such rashes on the skin will need to be constantly masked.
With such a pathology as solar keratosis, it is necessary to take all measures to get rid of the disease as soon as possible. This is due to the fact that one of its complications is the transformation of an ordinary rash into an oncological disease.
Prevention
Preventive measures to prevent the appearance of a rash on the forearms and shoulders include several very simple recommendations that will be easy to follow for both adults and children:
- Hygiene plays a very important role for a person, you need to wash at least once a day, and in the hot season you can do more. Young children should be rinsed with cool water as often as possible to prevent the formation of prickly heat.
- In the hot season, it is undesirable to be in direct sunlight for a long time, if this cannot be avoided, then you need to carry an umbrella.
- All cosmetics used must be appropriate for the type of skin.
- It is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle - eat properly and balanced, play sports and give up bad habits.
- Clothing should be worn only from natural fabrics, no synthetics.
- With the development of any disease, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner and treat all pathologies in time.
If a rash appears on the forearms, you should not self-medicate, but you should immediately consult a doctor, as this may be a sign of any serious disease that requires immediate treatment to avoid serious consequences.