Common skin rashes: Pictures, causes, and treatments

there are many different types of rash that affect the skin. Although they may often appear similar, rashes can have very different causes and require different forms of treatment.

While many rashes are nothing to be worried about, some can signal more serious conditions.

It is important to be able to identify common rashes, understand their causes, and know when to see a doctor about a rash. This article examines some of the most common rashes that can affect people.

Contents of this article:

1. Common skin rashes
2. Common causes
3. When to see a doctor

Common skin rashes

Acne

The most common type of skin rash is thought to be acne. Most people get acne at some point in their lives, and it is thought to affect 80 percent of 11 to 30-year-olds.

Acne usually develops during the teenage years, causing spots to appear across the face, back, and chest. However, some people also carry the condition over into adulthood - this happens to about 1 in 20 women and 1 in 100 men with acne.

Atopic dermatitis

Another common cause of rash is atopic dermatitis, a form of a condition called eczema.

Children with atopic dermatitis will usually display symptoms, such as dry and scaly patches on the scalp, forehead, and face during their first year of life. These scaly patches may also "bubble up" and weep fluid. Another unpleasant aspect of atopic dermatitis is a persistent and sometimes debilitating itching sensation.

Atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema, usually develops in early childhood. In adults, itching can be severe and may damage the skin.

If symptoms of atopic dermatitis appear later in childhood, the rash may begin in the creases of the elbows or knees. It also sometimes appears on the:

• neck
• wrists
• ankles
• between the buttocks and legs

Later, the skin may appear bumpy, discolored, or leathery.

About 90 percent of all patients with atopic dermatitis first develop symptoms before the age of 5. Adult atopic dermatitis may cover much of the body and can be especially noticeable on the neck and face. Itching can be severe in cases of adult-onset atopic dermatitis and the damage to the skin may lead to infections.

Some people who have atopic dermatitis in childhood may later grow out of it. However, it is common for people who have "grown out" of having atopic dermatitis to continue experiencing dry skin or eczema on their hands or eyelids. Their skin may be also easily irritated.

Hives

About 20 percent of people get hives, also known as urticarial, at some point in their lives. Hives appear as raised, itchy bumps that resemble large insect bites.

Hives can appear on any part of the body, and it is common for the affected areas to "move around" or disappear and reappear. Hives can last for a short period, but in chronic cases, hives may last for more than 6 weeks.

Infections

A bacterial infection of the dermis - the deep layer of the skin - can cause cellulitis, which is signaled by a hot, swollen, painful, red rash. People with cellulitis may also experience fever, chills, nausea, and shivering.

If the infection just affects hair follicles rather than entering the skin, this condition is known as folliculitis. Folliculitis appears as pimples surrounding individual hair follicles.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis usually develops between the ages of 15 and 35, but can also affect children and older adults.

Psoriasis is an immune disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to develop on the skin. People usually develop psoriasis between the ages of 15 and 35. About 10-15 percent of people with psoriasis first develop symptoms before the age of 10. Rarely, it may also affect infants.

Keloids

A type of raised scar called a keloid can sometimes look like a rash. Doctors are not sure why some people's skin scars in this way.

Actinic keratosis

Actinic keratosis is a crusty, scaly growth that results from damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, often from the sun or indoor tanning.

It often appears on areas of the body that has been exposed to sun or an indoor tanning bed, such as the face, scalp, ears, shoulders, neck, and back of the hands. The growths sometimes resemble wartsand are rough and sandpapery in texture.

Common causes

Having a family history of psoriasis, asthma, or hay fever may influence a person's risk of developing atopic dermatitis.

About 50 percent of people with severe atopic dermatitis also have asthma, and about 66 percent also have hay fever. Studies have also found an association between atopic dermatitis and living in a developed country with high levels of pollution.

Hives can be triggered by exposure to some foods - such as peanuts, eggs, nuts, and shellfish - and medicines, such as antibiotics, aspirin, and ibuprofen.

Hives can sometimes be caused by coming in contact with poison oak or ivy.

Other possible triggers of hives include:

• insect stings or bites
• blood transfusions
• bacterial and viral infections
• exposure to latex, pet dander, pollen, poison oak, or poison ivy

People with a weakened immune system, diabetes, swelling in the legs, circulation problems, skin infections, and people who inject illegal drugs are at increased risk of cellulitis.

Keloids can be caused by anything that causes a scar, such as cuts, burns, puncture wounds, piercings, tattoos, and severe acne. In the United States, keloids are more common in African-Americans and Hispanic Americans than white people.

About one-third of people with psoriasis have a family member who also has the disease. Experts think that a combination of genes and being exposed to external factors, such as stress, skin injury, infection, and some medications may cause psoriasis.

When to see a doctor

There are several over-the-counter treatments available for acne. Anyone who has no success with these options may want to consult their doctor. There are some prescription-only treatments that may be effective.

A doctor that specializes in skin conditions should be consulted if over-the-counter medications are not working, or if a person suspects they have cellulitis

People with eczema should also see a doctor if the treatments they have been using are not working.

People who have had hives for more than 24 hours should see an allergist. This expert will perform a physical exam and may use skin tests or blood tests to determine the cause of the symptoms.

Antihistamines are usually effective at easing the symptoms of hives. However, if the cause of the hives can be identified, the best treatment is to avoid that trigger. Stopping eating foods that may cause the hives, or notifying a doctor if a medicine may be causing the hives, can help treat this rash.

People with cellulitis should contact their doctor immediately. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics, which are nearly always an effective treatment for cellulitis.

People with keloids should see their doctor if they are bothersome or causing significant social problems depending upon where they are.

If left untreated, actinic keratosis lesions can develop into skin cancer, although this is rare. A person who has these growths should always get them checked out by a doctor.

There are no tests to diagnose psoriasis, but a doctor who specializes in skin conditions can usually diagnose the condition based on a physical exam.

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How to use basal insulin: Benefits, types, and dosage

Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a condition where the body doesn't make enough insulin or can't use it properly.

People diagnosed with diabetes benefit from increasing their body's natural insulin levels by injecting insulin.

Different types of insulin are available. They can be classed by:

• how quickly they work (onset time)
• how long their effects last (duration)
• when they peak (peak time)

Basal insulin is one type of insulin that is available, and it plays a vital role in managing diabetes.

Contents of this article:

1. What is basal insulin?
2. Types of basal insulin
3. Other types of insulin
4. Advantages and disadvantages
5. Dosage

What is basal insulin?

Insulin injections work to keep blood sugar levels stable in between meals and while sleeping.

Basal insulin is also known as background insulin. It helps to keep blood sugar levels stable during periods of fasting, such as between meals or during sleep.

During these times, the body keeps releasing sugar (also known as glucose) into the bloodstream. This gives energy to the body's cells.

Basal insulin helps to keep levels of this glucose in check. The insulin reaches the bloodstream several hours after injection.

It keeps glucose levels constant throughout the day and night. In general, basal insulin remains in the system for 18-24 hours.

Types of basal insulin

There are two main types of basal insulin:

Long-acting insulin

This type of insulin may be recommended for several types of diabetes. It generally acts in the body for up to 24 hours, although some types can last longer than this.

Depending on the type of insulin used and patient needs, long-acting basal insulin should be injected either once or twice daily.

Long-acting insulin tends to have no peak activity and mimics the natural function of the pancreas. It allows for consistent delivery, keeping blood sugar levels steady throughout the day and night.

The three types of long-acting insulin are:

Glargine

• provides consistent activity from around 1 hour after injection
• works for up to 24 hours
• usually injected once daily

Long-acting basal insulin will regulate blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours after injection.

Detemir

• provides consistent activity from within 1 hour after injection
• usually does not last the full 24 hours
• 1-2 shots required daily

Degludec

• provides consistent activity for more than 42 hours
• allows for a more flexible injection schedule

Intermediate-acting insulin

This is used in the same way as long-acting insulin, but generally needs to be injected twice daily. Intermediate-acting insulin is also known as "isophane" or "NPH" insulin.

It reaches the bloodstream within 2 to 4 hours of injection, and peaks 4 to 12 hours later. Levels start to reduce in the body after this.

Intermediate-acting insulin is often combined with short-acting or regular insulin. This can be done in various ratios as part of diabetes treatment plan prescribed by a doctor.

Other types of insulin

Basal insulin is just one type of insulin. The other types of insulin that can help manage symptoms of diabetes are:

Rapid-acting insulin

This begins to act within 15 minutes of administration and peaks at around 1 hour. Rapid-acting insulin may remain in the body for up to 4 hours. Types of rapid-acting insulin are:

• lispro
• glulisine
• aspart

Short-acting or regular insulin

Short-acting or regular insulin begins to take effect in 30 minutes. It peaks in approximately 2 to 4 hours. Types of regular insulin are:

• humulin R
• novolin R

Advantages and disadvantages

Basal insulin has no peak time, which means people with diabetes can enjoy more flexible meals.

Basal insulin has a number of benefits for those with diabetes, including:

• Easier blood sugar level management: levels remain more even, as it has no peak time.
• More flexible lifestyle: meal and injection timing can be varied, as it has no peak time.
• Less frequent injections: basal insulin only requires one to two injections per day.
• Lower risk of complications: if used soon after diagnosis, according some research.
• Less weight gain: research suggests basal insulin causes less weight gain than other insulin.
• Used as part of a basal-bolus regimen: with an extra shot of bolus insulin at meal times.

Basal insulin is central to many types of insulin therapy and offers many benefits. However, there are some disadvantages to using it, including:

• Hypoglycemia: a common side effect of any insulin. The risk of this is lowest with basal insulin.
• Night-time hypoglycemia: a possibility when using intermediate-acting insulin.
• Weight gain: there's the potential to gain weight, although less so with basal insulin than others.

Dosage

There are many factors to consider when deciding when and how often to use basal insulin. These include:

• lifestyle
• the body's insulin needs
• willingness to inject
• morning blood sugar levels

How basal insulin is used is based on an individual person's needs and the type of diabetes they have. It is always important to discuss these factors with a doctor and stick to the advice they provide.

Type 1 diabetes

People with type 1 diabetes tend to require much less insulin. However, this condition means they need to replace all of the body's insulin.

As such, people with type 1 diabetes should get their dose through an insulin pump or a basal-bolus regimen

Type 2 diabetes

Those with type 2 diabetes often require more insulin. This is because they are insulin resistant.

A basal insulin program is usually recommended for these people once oral medications are no longer sufficient. This is based on the individual's weight, hormone levels, and diet.

If symptoms cannot be controlled with this method then a basal-bolus regimen may be put in place instead. As basal insulin needs vary from person to person, it is important to stick to the treatment plan outlined by the doctor.

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How and when to take a pregnancy test

Pregnancy tests help women to determine if they are pregnant. These tests work by picking up on markers in urine or blood that indicate pregnancy.

Knowing which type of pregnancy test is most suitable, and understanding how to use them, helps ensure results are accurate.

Whether taken at home or in a doctor's office, being informed about the pregnancy test process makes it easier to understand what the results mean, and what to do next.

Contents of this article:

1. Types of pregnancy test
2. Who should use a pregnancy test?
3. How to use pregnancy tests
4. Accuracy
5. What do the results mean?

Types of pregnancy test

Pregnancy tests can be used at home to detect a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

There are two main types of pregnancy test available: urine tests and blood tests.

Urine tests

Urine tests can be taken at home or at the doctor's office. They detect the presence of the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).

The hCG hormone circulates in a woman's blood once a fertilized egg has attached to the uterus wall. This usually happens 6 days after fertilization.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, levels of hCG double every 2 to 3 days, peak by 8 to 11 weeks of pregnancy, and then begin to level off. HCG can usually be detected by a urine test 12 to 14 days after conception.

Home pregnancy test

Home pregnancy tests can be purchased in a pharmacy or drugstore. They normally cost less than $20 and are easy to use. If used correctly, they give excellent results.

Results are usually visible within 3 to 10 minutes or sometimes sooner.

Several different brands and types of pregnancy tests are available. Most can be classed as standard tests or digital tests:

• Standard tests have a strip that changes color if pregnancy is confirmed, or display a symbol such as a plus or minus.
• Digital tests display text such as "pregnant" or "not pregnant," or use a symbol. Some indicate how far along the pregnancy is.

Clinical urine test

Clinical urine tests are performed at a doctor's office. Like home tests, they also look for the presence of the hCG hormone in urine.

Although they produce the same level of accuracy, tests performed n a clinical setting usually avoid some of the errors that can happen with home tests.

Waiting times for clinical results vary. Some facilities can provide results immediately, while others may take up to a week.

Blood tests

Although less common than urine tests, blood tests to detect hCG levels are available. These are always carried out at the doctor's office, and results take longer than urine test results.

Blood tests are usually more expensive but some can be taken earlier than urine tests to determine results. The two types of blood tests are:

• Qualitative hCG blood test: This checks hCG levels, giving a "yes" (pregnant) or "no" (not pregnant) result. They can detect hCG levels around 11 days after conception.
• Quantitative hCG blood test: This is able to measure specific levels of hCG, even if levels are low.

Further tests may be needed if results aren't as expected. For example, if the hCG level is higher or lower than it should be for the estimated pregnancy stage.

This process can help indicate ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or a more accurate due date.

Online tests

Several websites and phone applications have tests that claim to calculate the likelihood of being pregnant. These can be used as a source of information, but should not replace real pregnancy tests.

Who should use a pregnancy test?

Common early indicators of a possible pregnancy include nausea, vomiting, and excessive fatigue.

Any woman of childbearing age, who suspects she may be pregnant, should use a pregnancy test. In particular, women who recently had unprotected sex should consider using a pregnancy test.

Some signs of early pregnancy that should be followed up with a pregnancy test include:

• a missed period
• enlarged, tender, or swollen breasts
• fatigue
• increased urination
• nausea
• vomiting

How to use pregnancy tests

For a clinical urine test, the doctor will ask for a sample of urine. This can be tested immediately, or sent to a laboratory for testing at a later stage.

Blood tests require a sample of blood to be drawn and sent for testing.

Home pregnancy tests are simple to use. It is important to follow the instructions closely to get the most accurate result.

Most brands can be used on the first day of a missed period, but some more sensitive tests can be used sooner. Some clinical tests can also be taken earlier than this.

In general, home pregnancy urine tests involve one of the following methods:

• urinating directly onto the test stick
• urinating into a cup and dipping the test stick in
• urinating into a cup and using a dropper to drop urine onto the test window

Many manufacturers recommend taking two home tests to confirm results. This is because hCG levels may be too low to be detected at first. To ensure the most accurate results, it is best to wait a few days to 1 week between the two tests.

Accuracy

Many home pregnancy tests claim to be accurate up to 99 percent of the time. Clinical tests can be even more accurate.

However, using them correctly is vital. Several studies suggest incorrect use of tests has led to many women reporting false results.

Most tests can be used on the first day of a missed period but it's advisable to wait 1 week after a missed period for accuracy.

This is because 10 to 20 percent of pregnant women won't detect their pregnancy on the first day of their missed period. This can be due to many women having irregular periods, or miscalculating when their period is due.

In addition, a number of other factors play a role in the accuracy of results, including:

• time of day the test is taken
• length of time after conception
• when ovulation occurs
• how quickly the fertilized egg implants
• how well instructions are followed
• how sensitive the test is

What do the results mean?

If a home pregnancy test reads positive, it is important for a doctor to confirm the results with a clinical test.

Results of a pregnancy test are either positive or negative. If taking a clinical test, the doctor will explain what the results mean. If using a home test, it's important that women refer to the test instructions to ensure they understand what the colors, symbols, or words indicate.

Positive result

A positive result indicates pregnancy, even if the color, symbol, or words on the test window are faint. It's a good idea to confirm this result by taking a clinical test.

Very rarely, a false-positive result occurs. This means the woman taking the test is not pregnant, despite the test indicating she is. False-positives can occur due to:

• early miscarriage
• certain medications
• ovarian tumors
• liver disease
• kidney failure
• expired test kits

Negative result

A negative result means pregnancy is unlikely. However, false-negative results are common.

These are where pregnancy may still occur but is not yet showing up on the test. They can occur for a number of reasons, including:

• incorrectly taking the test
• testing too soon
• testing with urine that is too diluted
• not waiting long enough for results
• expired or faulty test

Retesting within a week is advisable for all test results. This is particularly important if a woman is experiencing some of the symptoms of early pregnancy or if the test result is negative.

When to see a doctor

A woman should always consult her doctor if she has any queries about the pregnancy or test results. If the home pregnancy test is positive, a doctor can confirm this with a clinical test and begin to arrange prenatal care.

If a home pregnancy test is negative but a woman's periods don't resume, she should consult a doctor to determine the cause of the missed periods.

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