How does scratching spread rashes

Almost any area of skin can be affected. Common sites include the face, neck, armpit, arms, hands, and genitals. The rash spreads easily from one part of the body to another. It spreads through scratching or other contact. It can also spread from person to person. This often happens through shared clothing, towels, or objects such as shared sports gear. It can spread during contact sports or sexual contact. The bumps often go away in about 2 to 12 months. Read full article on candida.

Read full article on biliary bile duct obstruction. Read full article on ragweed allergies. Read full article on diaper rash. Read full article on allergic reactions. Read full article on contact dermatitis. Read full article on flea bites. Read full article on allergic eczema. This condition may be considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required. Read full article on bites and stings. This condition may be considered a medical emergency in the event of a serious reaction.

Read full article on latex allergies. Read full article on measles. Read full article on psoriasis. Read full article on dermatographia. Read full article on chickenpox. Growth, aging, bone metabolism, mood and pain are all regulated by serotonin, so blocking this neurotransmitter would have consequences throughout the body.

Instead, the team focused their attention on disrupting communication between serotonin and the nerve cells in the spinal cord that relay the itching impulse from brain to skin. Chen and colleagues worked to isolate the receptor used by serotonin to activate these cells — called GRPR neurons.

They achieved this by stimulating itching in the mice using the injected substance and then systematically activated different combinations of serotonin receptors on GRPR neurons. To establish that 5HT1A was the correct receptor, the team administered a compound to block this receptor in mice, which resulted in the mice scratching much less. As the team decided against blocking serotonin as a therapeutic option because of the widespread consequences its inhibition would have for the body, we asked Dr.

Chen what consequences blocking 5HT1A might have. However, Dr. Chen identifies the itch-pain cycle as happening in this order:. Next, the team will continue to work toward better understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in this cycle. Eczema is common in babies and children , but can be seen at any age. The best treatment is avoiding substances that your skin is sensitive to and following a regular moisturizing skin care routine.

Some topical and oral medications can help ease symptoms. Contact dermatitis can be caused by any allergy-causing substance or irritating substance that touches your skin. Irritating substances are more common and include solvents, pesticides, and detergents. Allergic contact dermatitis is commonly seen with poison ivy, cosmetics , certain metals such as nickel, and medications that are applied to the skin.

The skin rash of contact dermatitis can appear as red skin, skin bumps, blisters, scales, crusts, or sores. Itching is common. Treatment of contact dermatitis includes washing the skin and using anti-itch lotions and steroids. Impetigo is a rash caused by a skin infection, usually traced to one of two bacteria, group A streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus.

This skin rash appears as brown, crusty sores or blisters around the nose or mouth area. The rash is very itchy and very contagious. Scratching the rash and then touching other areas of the body, or other people, will cause it to spread. Treatment of impetigo is with antibiotic creams or lotions, and for more severe cases, with oral antibiotics. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause patches of thick, dry skin covered with silvery scales. Known as plaques, these itchy, raised patches can appear anywhere on the body.

An estimated 7. Up to a third of people with the condition also suffer from psoriatic arthritis , which causes joint pain and swelling. The exact cause of psoriasis is unclear, but genetics play a role. Treatments such as topical creams, light therapy, and medications can help manage psoriasis symptoms. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.