2011 December - Medical Pictures

Archive for December, 2011

Scabies Rash Pictures

Dec 03 2011 Published by admin under Rashes,S

What is a Scabies Rash?

A scabies rash is an itchy infection of the skin caused by the microscopic parasite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The parasitic mite tunnels through the surface of the skin and nestles itself into the underlying layers of its victim, causing irritation and setting off an allergic reaction. Scabies is also known as the seven-year itch and the disease can be transmitted through prolonged direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

Scabies Rash Symptoms

Scabies is primarily identified through the main symptoms of severe itching and the development of a skin rash. The itching is notably worse at night and worse when the temperature of the skin is warmer. The scabies rash has the following characteristics:

Red and raised
Rashes are usually found next to small lines on the skin which is the trail left behind by the parasite
Scratching results in open sores that eventually crust over
Most commonly appear on the hands, feet, back, and buttocks
Can appear on the external genitalia if the contracted through sexual transmission

Scabies Rash Causes

The causative agent of the scabies rash is the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. A scabies infestation begins when a female is able to burrow underneath the skin and then lays up to 25 eggs. The presence of these parasites initiates an immune response that results in the symptoms of allergy and infection.

Scabies Rash Treatment

Prescription topical drugs such as lindane or permethrin are applied onto the skin after properly bathing and cleansing the body, and then left on the skin overnight. Any articles of clothing or linen used by an infected person should also be thoroughly washed and dried under heat to eliminate any lingering mites. Others who live in the same home with an infected person can also undergo treatment to ensure that transmission is avoided.

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Heat Rash Pictures

Dec 03 2011 Published by admin under H,Rashes

What is a Heat rash?

A heat rash is an irritation on the skin characterized by the presence of small blisters or rashes. The rashes result when sweat is unable to escape onto the skin’s surface due to clogged skin pores, thus causing inflammation and rashes. A heat rash is also known as prickly heat or miliaria. This skin disease is most prevalent during hot seasons and is especially common in tropical countries which experience more extreme heat and humidity. The condition can be found in both adults and children but is more common in kids because their sweat glands are less developed.

Heat Rash Symptoms

The appearance of the blisters of rashes depends on the layer of the skin in which the trapped sweat is deposited.

Miliaria Crystalline – sweat contained in the most superficial layers, appear as “sweat bubbles” visible underneath a thin layer of skin
Miliaria Rubra – sweat deposited into the deeper layers, rashes are red and blisters are larger
Miliaria Profunda – the dermis, the deepest layer of the skin is affected. Rashes are larger and harder with coloring that is close to the actual complexion

Heat Rash Causes

When excessive sweating occurs, sweat ducts that allow the passage of sweat towards the surface of the skin can get congested. In such cases, the sweat is instead deposited into the underlying layers and irritates the skin underneath thus producing rashes and inflammation on the surface.

Heat Rash Treatment

Pharmacologic treatments are not really necessary for heat rashes but rubbing calamine lotion or mild topical steroids are usually enough to treat the problem. The patient should stay in a cooler location and remove any constrictive clothing. Applying cool compresses over affected areas help with the inflammation and redness. Antibiotics can be taken in case any secondary infections occur.