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Skin rashes are typically reactions that cause abnormalities on the skin. These rashes are often associated with inflammation, redness, itching and crusting of the skin. There may be changes to the color and texture of the skin and when severe, there may be oozing of fluids and crusting on the skin. Rashes may be caused by allergic or non allergic reactions. Skin rashes as non allergic reactions are rare. They often manifest themselves as contact dermatitis upon skin contact with an allergen. An allergen may be anything that triggers an immunity response in the body, releasing chemicals known as histamines. Insects, animals, plants, foods and airborne particles are some of the common allergens that many people are allergic to. In case of contact dermatitis, itchy bumps, skin rashes and inflammation might appear.

All skin rashes and breakouts are not caused due to allergies. A lot of skin conditions can also be associated with bacterial or fungal infections. Skin reactions that are localized are more typical of contact dermatitis. Usually such rashes are caused due to a localized contact with the allergen. If skin rashes are accompanied with other symptoms like wheezing, congestion, watery eyes and runny nose, it is a definite indication of an allergic reaction. Food allergies may also cause skin rashes. Though not typically dangerous, one should be wary of skin rashes. In an extreme allergic reaction that begins with an itchy skin rash, the rash may develop into an anaphylactic reaction. A lot of the reactions will heal on their own, but treatment may be necessary in order to cope with them. If the exact cause of the allergy has not been identified, it may be a little difficult to treat the skin rash. However, there are some over the counter treatments that may be used. Here's what you can use.

• Anti itching creams and ointments which usually contain camphor or menthol. These help sooth the itchy area and also help with reducing the inflammation.
• Over the counter anti histamines that control the histamines in the blood stream, reversing the over reaction of the immune system.
• Mild moisturizing lotions may help calm down scaly and itchy rashes. Moisturizing lotions, especially those that have olive oil, vitamin E or aloe vera extract, can be naturally therapeutic and therefore useful in treating a rash.

Typically these treatments should be able to control the rashes and treat them to an extent. However, if these measures are not helpful, a dermatologist can help recommend a specific treatment method.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.