A A +A
Jata

WELCOME TO OFFICIAL PORTAL
MYHEALTH MINISTRY OF HEALTH MALAYSIA

Introduction

Healthy skin acts as a barrier. A rash indicates abnormal skin reaction.

Causes of rash

  • Soap, detergents, shampoos, perfumes, cosmetics or lotions
  • Jewelry, studs in jeans, bra straps etc
  • Insecticides, pesticides and fertilizer
  • Poisonous plants
  • Exposure to insects or parasites such as scabies mite
  • Fabric
  • New tools, toys, appliances or any objects which irritate the skin
  • Latex

Other causes include :

  • Skin infections such as herpes zoster (‘kayap’)
  • Fungal infections and impetigo
  • Insecticides, pesticides and fertilizer
  • Sexually transmitted diseases such as Syphilis
  • Chronic skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis
  • Dry, cold weather, extremely hot weather (heat rash)
  • Emotional stress
  • Liver, kidney disease and cancer.

Treatment

  • Usually mild and may disappear with home treatment
  • Wash the contact area with large amounts of water
  • Use gentle soap and water sparingly
  • Leave the rash exposed to the air whenever possible
  • Do not scratch the rash as it may worsen the lesion
  • Keep the itchy area cool and moist (remember, repeated wetting and drying will dry your skin)
  • Calamine lotion is helpful for contact dermatitis
  • Try Medication for itchiness such as antihistamine

Prevention

  • Avoid contact with the substance that causes the allergy
  • Use protective gloves
  • Keep fingernails short to prevent skin damage from scratching
  • Avoid contact with affected person who has skin infections
  • Avoid excessive bathing as it depletes skin moisture
  • Use moisturizer frequently to restore skin texture
  • Avoid scratching or rubbing vigorously
  • Practice good hygiene
  • Learn to handle stress

When to see a doctor?

  • Rash persists or gets worse despite home treatment
  • Unable to tolerate the itchiness
  • Blistering lesions, cracked and painful
  • Fever
  • Rapid swelling of the throat, tongue, lips, eyelids or face
  • Lesion in the mouth associated with drooling or inability to swallow
  • Previous history of allergy to the same agent
  • Drowsy
  • Blood spots under the skin (petechiae)
  • Joint pain or swelling
  • Sore in the genital area and discharge

FAQ’s

Are all skin rashes contagious?

  • Most of the skin rashes are not contagious, except those caused by infection such as fungal infection and scabies.

Do rashes come back after treatment?

  • Most of them will go away if the causative agents are avoided and you practice the suggested preventive measures.
Last Reviewed : 27 August 2008
Writer : Dr. Jamilah Abdullah

Related Article

Digestive Disorder

Constipation Introduction Constipation is defined as decrease in stool frequency,

C

Cara Mandikan Bayi Cara Memastikan Ketulenan Label Hologram Meditag Cara Mengawal

ADDRESS

Bahagian Pendidikan Kesihatan,
Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia,
Aras 1-3, Blok E10, Kompleks E,
Kompleks Pentadbiran Kerajaan Persekutuan,
62590 Putrajaya, Malaysia.

GENERAL LINE :   +603 8000 8000

FAX :   +603 8888 6200

EMAIL :   myhealth@moh.gov.my

VISITORS : 222,227,190

LAST UPDATE :
2024-03-19 08:57:27
FOLLOW US

BEST VIEW   Best viewed with Internet Explorer 10 and above, Mozilla Firefox 40 above, or Google Chrome 40 and above or Safari 4 and above with minimum resolution at 1366 x 768

Copyright ©2005-2022 Health Online Unit, Ministry of Health Malaysia