Skin Rashes - Who Gets ?

Skin Rashes - What Are?

Skin Rashes - Diagnosing

Skin Rashes - What Causes?

Skin Rashes Prevention

Skin Rashes and Skin Care

Skin Rashes and Emu Oil

Common Skin Rashes - Who Gets?

At some point in their lives, almost everyone will encounter skin rashes. Shingles and scabies (seniors), psoriasis and rosacea (adults), acne and athlete’s foot (teens), ringworm and chicken pox (children), diaper rash and cradle cap (infants) are just some of the skin rashes associated with different stages of life. Many skin rashes, however, don’t discriminate by age alone.                 

Skin Rashes - What are?

Skin rashes may be associated with burning, itching, tingling, swelling, pain, or no discomfort at all. Some skin rashes affect the whole body (generalized); others appear on discrete areas of the skin (localized). Skin rashes may or may not be contagious. Skin rashes can be short-lived, chronic or recurrent.

"Skin rashes" is a general term that describes a group of spots, an area of inflammation, or changes in the colour or texture of the skin.                   

Skin Rashes - Diagnosing

Many skin rashes are relatively minor and short-lived. However, some skin rashes are highly contagious. Skin rashes can also be the early signs of a number of serious, even life-threatening, diseases, among them, Lyme disease, typhoid fever, meningitis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

To the untrained eye, large numbers of skin rashes look very similar to one another. Dermatologists, trained to distinguish between skin rashes, may need to order lab tests to confirm a particular diagnosis. There are hundreds of different types of skin rashes.

Please play it safe. Don’t self-diagnose your rash. See your dermatologist or family doctor if your skin rashes enter your life, especially if you have other symptoms, like fever, swollen lymph nodes, infection, headache, shortness of breath, sensitivity to light, a stiff neck, or achy joints.                  

Skin Rashes - What Causes ?

Infestations: Some skin rashes are caused by tiny parasites like mites and lice.

Infections: Bacteria, fungi and viruses are common causes of skin rashes.

Systemic Illnesses: Skin rashes may be one of the symptoms of a primary disease like rheumatic fever, Lupus or Lyme disease.

Irritants and Allergies: Insect bites or stings,  certain foods, abrasion, plants like poison ivy, sun or heat exposure, medications, chemical pollutants, cosmetics, chemicals found in household cleaners, an overly too-dry environment—this is just a sampling of possible causes of common skin rashes.

However, the precise cause of many skin rashes, for instance psoriasis and eczema, is still unknown at this time. Genetic predisposition, stress, hormonal changes,  and auto-immune problems are among the factors commonly thought to be associated with some skin rashes.                   

Skin Rashes - Prevention

The first line of defence against skin rashes is keeping your skin healthy, and this doesn’t have to be complicated:

• eat a healthy diet
• exercise regularly
• keep your skin clean and well-moisturized
• protect your skin from the elements (especially sun and wind)
• most of all, be gentle with your skin. It’s designed to be with you for a very long time!        

Skin Rashes and Skin Care

Good skin care has the ability to accelerate healing and reduce the discomfort of skin rashes. It can also lower the risk of secondary infection or scarring. Check with your doctor or skin care specialist to ensure that the following skin-care tips are suitable for your particular skin condition:

• When bathing, use warm, not hot, water. (Very hot water will dry out your skin.)
• Use a mild soap, or just water, to clean the affected area.
• Take showers or quick baths. (Long soaks dehydrate your skin.)
• Don’t scrub your skin. Ideally, use your hands, not a wash cloth, to apply soap.
• Dry your skin gently, by patting, not rubbing, which can remove important natural oils.
• Wear natural fibers, like cotton, that allow air to circulate over affected areas.
• Keep your skin well-moisturized throughout the day but avoid moisturizers that clog the pores or are highly perfumed. Best time to apply a moisturizer: immediately after patting dry.
• Apply cool or lukewarm compresses to itchy or sore areas.
• Humidify the air in your home if you have dry skin, especially in the winter months.
• Avoid or minimize exposure to potential irritants, like harsh household cleaning products.                            

Emu Oil and Skin Rashes

Emu oil is an excellent component of good skin care, whether prevention, symptom relief or accelerated healing of skin rashes is the goal. It has been used for thousands of years by aboriginals of Australia to treat a variety of skin conditions.

Emu oil contains natural anti-inflammatory, bacteriostatic and pain-relieving agents which help prevent scarring and promote faster healing. As a moisturizer, it does not leaving a greasy film, yet penetrates deep into the skin, and is non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores).

The Emu Oil Collection by Willow Springs includes several emu-oil products that could be part of any good healthy skin-care program.

Whole Emu Oil by Willow Springs:  Apply it as a moisturizer, add it to your bath, use it in a massage, or include it in a soothing compress. Nothing but pure emu oil with Vitamin E. Order today.

Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer by Willow Springs: Along with emu oil, this facial moisturizer contains several natural anti-oxidant and skin-nurturing ingredients, among them, aloe vera. Available with or without sunscreen protection. Order today.

Emu Oil Hand and Body Lotion: Restores skin tissue, deeply penetrating, and forms a barrier against weather and environmental elements.  Order today.

Soap Bars by Willow Springs:  Available unscented or scented with essential oils, this gentle, glycerin-enhanced soap is suitable for all skin types. Order today.

Lip Balm with Emu Oil: This lip balm provides good protection and moisturization for the sensitive skin of your lips. Order today.

For more information and more products, please click here.