A rash may be defined as a change of skin texture and color. The change might be specific or affect all the skin. Rashes may cause itch. Due to this the skin becomes blistered, warm, dry, bumpy and swell. This is very painful condition of skin.

Causes of itchy rashes:

• Rashes may be due to allergies of medicines, food, dyes, insects and metals. This is called as hives.
• Any microbial infection can cause itchy skin rashes.
• Studies have proved that anxiety is also the reason for rashes.
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat cause rashes.
• Autoimmune disorders can cause itchy rashes which is uncommon.
• Rashes may appear during pregnancy which leads to stretch marks.
• Pruritis is the condition in which if the itching at one site, scratched, the site becomes itchier. Pruritis might be localized and area specific. Psoriasis, dermatitis comes under this class.
• Allergic rhinitis refers to nasal itching.
• Contact dermatitis includes itching of eyelids and ears.
• Dermatitis includes itching of legs, back, arms, abdomen, feet, etc.
• Even clothes can cause rashes according to type of the material.
• Rashes are caused after fever is developed.
• The NSAIDS class of drugs too causes rashes at times with itching sensation.
• Scabies also leads to itching and rashes.
• Several skin infections like eczema too cause skin rashes and itching.
• The other problem of pruritis is dandruff. These all are allergic conditions which lead to rashes and itching.

Treatment for itchy raches

Itchy skin can be very irritating, often scratching as well as painful. Itch might be due to dryness of skin. Moisture is important to prevent dryness of skin.

General treatment tips to be followed are:

• Avoiding abrasive soaps and skin products containing alcohol and drying agents.
• Hot showers should be avoided.
• After shower wipe the body until it dries, then apply moisturizer or oil for soothing of skin.
• Avoid tight and body hugging clothes.
• Moisturizer should be applied many times in a day.
• Soothing agents can treat and prevent itchy skin. Oatmeal baths also help to soothe itchy skin.

If the person shows itchy, painful rashes, this might be allergy of food or any other allergy. It is better to consult dermatologist.