Rash on hands symptoms. Diseases that cause illness

Rashes that appear as small red dots on the arms, wrists, and hands cause discomfort to a person. The causes of rashes on the hands can be different, among them you can even find serious diseases. Such a symptom may indicate an allergic reaction, but it can also be a signal that an infection is developing in the human body.

Under no circumstances should you ignore rashes on your body. You should immediately consult a specialist, especially if such a rash does not go away or is accompanied by some other symptoms.

The appearance of a rash on the hands can be caused by various reasons. This symptom most often occurs in children due to lack of hygiene. In the summer, kids spend a lot of time outside, getting their hands dirty in the sand. And this, in turn, causes irritation of the skin and the appearance of rashes.

In adults, common causes of a rash are an allergic reaction, irritation, or insect bites. Sometimes a rash can be caused by the development of a cardiovascular or infectious disease. It can break out on the face in the form of a pinpoint rash due to constant nerves and depression.

Effect of insect bites

Of course, anyone can distinguish a mosquito bite from another type of rash. However, in some cases, even an adult is not always able to understand that the result of the appearance of a red rash on the hands was the bites of midges, bedbugs and other insects.

Mostly, spots from insect bites form on the back of the hand. They are very itchy and cause physical discomfort. Insect bites are often accompanied by swelling, inflammation and redness. Basically, the red rash formed for this reason goes away on its own within a few days. To get rid of itching, experts recommend apply special ointments having a cooling effect.

Irritation is the human body’s reaction to external factors that have a negative effect on the surface of the skin. At the same time, red spots form and the skin becomes dry. Sometimes the skin begins to peel off.

For this reason, the rash most often forms on the back of the hand, as well as on the wrists, since the upper layer of the epidermis in this area is more sensitive. Irritation is often accompanied burning and constant discomfort caused by friction of clothing or exposure to water.

A rash on the arms and legs of an adult or a child can occur due to prolonged exposure to the sun. Most often, this reaction is observed in people with fair skin. Typically, just walking in the sun on a hot day will cause their limbs to itch and then develop red spots.

People with sensitive skin should use special creams after and before tanning. Such products protect the skin from the negative effects of direct sunlight. A similar reaction in medicine is called solar dermatitis. In severe cases, when the rash covers large areas of the body, appropriate treatment is necessary.

Pathologies of the circulatory system

A red rash may also form on the wrists due to the development of some serious diseases. They may be the result of thrombosis or thrombophlebitis. These pathologies are characterized by the formation of blood clots in the vessels. They block the lumen and are considered to be the cause of circulatory problems.

In this case, the spots are different from the rashes that occur after insect bites or as a result of allergies. Symptoms of pathology of the circulatory system are more similar to subcutaneous bruises and can be presented either in the form of small dots or significant hemorrhages under the skin. When blood clots form, bleeding occurs not only in the arms, but also in the lower extremities. If this disease is detected, it is necessary contact a specialist immediately, since thrombosis if left untreated can even lead to death.

While the patient has called an ambulance, while waiting for the doctor, he needs to lie down and remain completely at rest. In addition, it is necessary to completely limit physical activity. If a rash appears on the hands as a result of the formation of a blood clot, there will be no itching. At the same time, weakness, headaches, malaise or dizziness are observed.

In the field of dermatology, there are a number of pathologies that are characterized by the appearance of a rash. Each of these pathologies has its own characteristics. For example, with psoriasis, the rash affects the joint area, and is most often localized on the elbows and shins.

Mycosis is also considered a skin disease, the symptom of which is a rash. This fungal infection can be transmitted from a carrier when using someone else's towels, through handshakes, as well as when washing the body with someone else's washcloth. The rash that forms on the hands due to mycosis is accompanied by swelling, redness and itching.

If this disease is detected, you should immediately contact a specialist. To avoid infecting healthy people, you must use a separate towel and avoid walking around the house with bare feet. For prevention purposes, doctors recommend that when visiting a bathhouse, swimming pool, or sauna, be careful and wear slippers.

Another common pathology that can cause rashes is is urticaria. This disease is characterized by the appearance of small red spots that are localized on the back of the hand, hands and elbows. The rash is often accompanied by slight itching.

Infection entering the body

If the red rash on your hands itches and causes discomfort, it may be due to an infection. An increase in body temperature is also considered a feature of all infectious pathologies. It increases against the background of intoxication of the body with various waste products of pathogenic microorganisms and bacteria. In parallel with this, the patient feels malaise, weakness, chills and headache. Common infectious diseases that are accompanied by a rash include:

Rubella.
Measles.
Chicken pox.
Herpes.
Infectious form of mononucleosis.
Pseudotuberculosis.
Erysipeloid.

Erysipeloid, or erythema, is characterized by the formation of spots on the hands that occur after eating contaminated meat.

Some rashes caused by the development of infection in the body require the use of antimicrobial agents. Thanks to this, the process of spreading red spots stops, and the occurrence of more serious diseases can be avoided.

Allergic reaction in the form of spots

Allergies on the hands and feet in the form of a small rash in medicine are called contact dermatitis, since it is primarily with the hands that people come into contact with objects. Rashes on the back of the hand can form due to interaction with various chemicals.

Allergies can also be triggered by taking certain medications, as well as resulting from wearing synthetic clothing and eating certain foods. Spots and redness on the skin can occur due to intolerance to certain components included in lotions, creams, and gels. A distinctive feature of contact dermatitis is the appearance severe itching and swelling of tissues. Experts identify several groups of substances that can cause an allergic reaction in the body:

Food. A negative reaction of the human body can occur to almost all products. Citrus fruits, various berries and chocolate are considered strong allergens. To determine the specific product that caused the rash on your hands, your doctor must prescribe an allergy test.
Allergy to medications. As a result of long-term use of medications, a rash can occur on the hands, elbows, wrists and palms. If it is determined that the main cause of the rash was the drug, you must immediately stop taking it.
Reaction to cosmetics and household products. This allergy is very common. Hands often come into contact with various chemicals. Even dishwashing detergent, window cleaner, or floor cleaner can cause an allergic reaction. In this case, the rash is most often localized between the fingers and on the wrists.
Allergic reaction to animal fur. After contact with the allergen, a rash appears almost instantly. In addition, the patient has difficulty breathing, a runny nose, sore throat and sneezing.

Very rarely, allergies are accompanied by a deterioration in general health, which is the main difference from infectious diseases. Sometimes contact dermatitis can cause dizziness and headaches.

The rash may clear up immediately after avoiding contact with the animal or substance and taking an antihistamine.

Treatment of skin rashes in an adult will directly depend on the reasons for which they arose. If a rash appears on the skin due to the development of an infection, the specialist should prescribe medications to treat the underlying disease. To get rid of burning, itching and pain, it is recommended to use regular brilliant green. This product dries the bubbles well and also prevents injury. It is also recommended to treat the affected areas with a special antiseptic solution.

If the appearance of a rash on the hands is accompanied by itching, and the cause of its formation is scabies, then it is recommended use sulfur ointment. For severe itching, specialists also prescribe medications in the form of ointments and creams based on corticosteroids. To reduce itching, you can apply a piece of ice to the affected areas for a short period of time. But this will only bring temporary relief to the patient.

Treatment for allergic dermatitis involves eliminating exposure to the allergen. The patient is also advised to review his diet and avoid contact with various cosmetics and chemicals. To relieve irritation and itching, prescribed antihistamines. This includes Fenistil-gel, which in a short period of time can relieve swelling, redness, itching and burning. For these purposes, you can also use a simple baby cream. It nourishes the skin well, preventing the formation of dryness and flaking.

If the rash occurs due to irritation after contact with chemicals, doctors recommend using rubber gloves when doing housework.

In the absence of hand hygiene, it is necessary to carefully monitor the skin. If pustules appear, then the injured areas should be lubricate with potassium permanganate solution, and treat the skin around with alcohol.

The duration and course of treatment will directly depend on identifying the main cause of the rash. Such a symptom may indicate the development of a serious disease, so you should immediately seek help from a dermatologist.

To protect your body from developing a rash on your hands, wrists or palms, you need to follow some preventive measures. Such simple preventive measures include:

If you follow all preventive measures, the risk of rash formation will be significantly reduced. But if the rash is accompanied by severe itching, you should contact a specialist immediately. Indeed, sometimes this symptom indicates the presence of serious pathologies in the body, the treatment of which must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

A rash can form on the hands of both older people and young children. It is worth noting that in most cases such irritation is a banal allergic reaction to some allergen (flowering plants, sweet products, household chemicals, etc.). In addition, a rash on the hands of young children may appear due to chapping or mild frostbite (while walking in the cold without mittens or gloves); it is often called “pimples.” Such skin irritation can be eliminated very easily with the help of a rich baby hand cream.

What to do if a rash forms on your hands

Unfortunately, there are cases when such a deviation occurs against the background of some disease. It is worth noting that the skin on different parts of the body has its own physiological, anatomical and biochemical characteristics. That is why many diseases are characterized only by a certain localization of this trouble (for example, in the perineum, on the face, in the ears, on the soles, etc.). Thus, if a rash occurs on your arms or legs, it is recommended to immediately consult a dermatologist. If you cannot visit a doctor in the near future, then you can try to find the cause of this problem yourself. To do this, below are common diseases that are grouped by external features. This list will significantly narrow your diagnostic search.

For what reasons does a rash form on the hands?

1. In the form of medium spots: vitiligo, senile lentigo (the dorsal surfaces are affected), secondary syphilis, drug toxicoderma, exudative polymorphic erythema, lupus erythematosus, spotted fever.

2. In the form of plaques and papules: dermatomyositis, granuloma annulare, lupus erythematosus, lichen planus, flat warts, chronic or pruritic subacute dermatitis, exudative polymorphic erythema (the palms can also be affected), psoriasis, scabies and solar keratosis.

3. In the form of tumor-like formations and nodes:

normal color (keratoacanthoma, simple warts, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin);
red rash on the arms (annular or telangiectatic granuloma);
hyperpigmented rashes (melanoma).

4. In the form of vegetations: keratoacanthoma, secondary syphilis, simple warts, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.

5. In the form of scales: psoriasis, dermatomyositis, dermatophytosis of the hands, pruritic dermatitis, lupus erythematosus.

6. In the form of keratinization: radiation dermatitis, keratoacanthoma, solar keratosis.

7. In the form of lichenification: scabies, chronic dermatitis (itching), scabies.

8. In the form of blisters and vesicles: herpes, pruritic dermatitis, dermatophytosis, exudative polymorphic erythema, dyshidrotic eczema, porphyria, scabies.

9. In the form of pustules: scabies, dermatophytosis, pruritic dermatitis, palmar pustular psoriasis.

10. In the form of erosions: cutaneous porphyria, candidiasis.

11. In the form of ulcers: squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, radiation dermatitis.

12. In the form of scars: cutaneous porphyria.

Other reasons

This list of diseases is not exhaustive, as there are many other causes of rashes. In addition, such diseases are not limited to damage to the skin on the hands. For example, a small rash on the legs may also indicate that a person has allergic dermatitis, scabies, psoriasis, etc. That is why, if such irritations occur throughout the body, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor who will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.

The appearance of a rash on the hands can be due to many reasons. If a rash appears on your hands and itches, you should try not to scratch it, as there is a possibility of infection with your nails. Common causes of rashes include:

Infectious rashes

The appearance of infectious rashes may be due to the fact that hands were not washed in time. Infection with this type of rash can occur through door handles, handshakes, public transport, etc. Typically, an infectious rash is localized to a small area and spreads rather slowly. In addition, such a rash is accompanied by itching and bright redness of the skin.

Rash due to flu or cold

Skin rashes can appear as a result of weakened immunity due to the flu or cold. Due to the inability to exit the body naturally, the removal of harmful substances occurs through the sweat glands along with uric acid. Skin irritation is caused by their excessive concentration.

Contact dermatitis

The occurrence of contact dermatitis is associated with skin contact with any irritant (allergen). One of its varieties is contact with aggressive household chemicals, which are used without the use of gloves. The main symptom of contact dermatitis is the appearance of a rash on the hands. To avoid irritation from rubber, it is recommended to wear light cotton gloves under rubber gloves.

Atopic dermatitis

The manifestation of atopic dermatitis most often occurs in the first months of a person’s life. But this pathology can manifest itself in adolescence or older age. Atopic dermatitis is characterized by the appearance of a red rash, which causes a lot of discomfort, and severe itching on the skin of the face, neck, hands, as well as in other natural folds and folds of the body. The skin becomes dry and flaky to the touch. If dermatitis has a long course, then increased keratinization of the skin may occur, which thickens and the natural pattern on it intensifies. More than one generation faces atopic dermatitis in one family, i.e. there is a clearly defined hereditary predisposition.

Treatment of rashes on hands

To relieve symptoms and reduce itching, you can use cold compresses and hypoallergenic cooling ointments. In addition, you can wash your face using a decoction of chamomile, celandine and string. These herbs can be made into ice cubes which are then applied to the skin.

To treat a rash on your hands, you need to see a doctor who will examine the skin, prescribe tests and make a diagnosis. Treatment should focus on the cause of the rash.

To treat rashes on the hands, antiallergic drugs can be prescribed, hormonal therapy can be used in the form of topical ointments or the use of systemic drugs (tablets, injections).

The causes of an itchy rash on the arms and legs are numerous, and not all of them are harmless. When rashes appear on the skin of the extremities, it is necessary for safety reasons to exclude their infectious origin. Diagnosis and assessment of the health threat of unknown skin manifestations requires extensive training and should be carried out by an experienced specialist.

Rash assessment criteria

The initial examination of skin rashes by medical professionals is to identify their main characteristics:

coloring;
sizes;
forms;
localization;
degree of penetration deep into the dermis.

At the same time, the degree of prevalence is assessed, that is, the abundance of the rash on the legs and arms, the characteristics of itching and the presence of changes in the background skin. Great importance is attached to identifying common symptoms:

fever;
ailments;
chills or fever;
sweating

The totality of the identified information allows us to make assumptions about the origin of skin rashes, determine the scope of laboratory tests and begin treatment.

The main causes of skin rashes on the extremities

Diseases accompanied by itchy rashes of similar localization, with all their diversity, can be combined into groups:

Rashes of any origin require serious treatment, urgent medical consultation and differentiated treatment.

Allergic skin rashes

Examples of this kind of pathology are some types of eczema:

The clinical manifestation of idiopathic eczema begins, as a rule, with the appearance of multiple pink itchy blisters on the extensor surfaces of the elbow and knee joints.
The areas of skin affected by the rash thicken, become hyperemic, dry and flaky, the surface of the skin becomes rough and cracked.

Blistering eczema is characterized by intensely itchy rashes on the fingers and toes, appearing mainly in the summer. Scatterings of itchy, fine-grained pink or red bumps appearing on the skin of the legs and arms, in areas of contact with allergenic household, cosmetic and medicinal products (for example, on the palms) indicate the development of allergic contact dermatitis. Timely prescribed desensitizing measures and medications prevent the progression of allergic skin rashes, their degeneration into cavitary, weeping elements prone to erosion.

Skin lesions of viral etiology

Herpetic lesions of the skin of the hands and feet are quite rare. But with a deficiency of the body’s general resistance in combination with a decrease in local skin immunity due to microtrauma, an itchy blistering rash of herpetic origin can occur on the hands and feet. For example, when the skin is constantly rubbed by a rough watch bracelet, elements of herpes periodically appear on the wrist. Treatment of herpes is carried out with antiviral drugs. Timely therapy, carried out at the very beginning of skin manifestations, can stop their progression. When treatment is delayed, the blisters open, their highly infectious contents are transferred to healthy areas of the skin, and self-reinfection occurs.

Skin lesions of fungal etiology

The so-called rubrophytosis and mycoses have a characteristic course:

They usually appear between the fingers and toes, under the armpits, and in the groin in the form of separate spots.
The rash then spreads to the surrounding skin.
At the same time, severe itching occurs.
Weeping whitish edematous lesions are formed - epidermophytosis.

Folliculitis caused by fungi of the genus Pityrosporum is typical for warm climate zones:

Patients develop itchy, inflammatory bumps and blisters at the mouths of the follicles.
Rashes and scratches, in addition to the face, neck and back, spread to the skin of the hands.

Fungal infections require persistent treatment with antimycotic agents.

Rashes caused by mites

An illustrative example of mite infestations is scabies:

An itchy, nodular red rash on the hands combined with gray scabies in the skin is a reliable sign of this disease.
The favorite initial localization of rashes is the interdigital zones.
The rash itches mainly at night.

A person with scabies is contagious to people in contact with him, so the situation requires immediate anti-epidemic and therapeutic measures.

Thrombidiases, or tick-borne folliculitis, develop after tick bites while walking or working in the forest and field. Tick larvae attack from grass and bushes. Thick clothing protects the skin from bites, so exposed areas - the hands and ankles - are most often affected. Thrombidiasis rashes are characterized by the following symptoms:

Itchy papular skin elements appear on the skin at the points of tick bites up to 2 cm in diameter.
Intense itching may persist for a month.
After scratching, bubbles appear in the center of the papules.
The addition of a secondary infection leads to pyoderma.

Treating the skin with alcohol-containing solutions leads to the death of mites and provides a favorable prognosis.

Non-infectious rashes

With psoriasis, rashes appear on the skin, which are often mistaken for manifestations of eczema. Psoriatic lesions are indeed characterized by the localization of elements on the elbows, knees and head. But they are located on the skin of the opposite surface of the joints:

They appear as small, bright pink, dry plaques with accompanying crumbling silvery peeling in the center.
Somewhat later, severe itching and burning occur.
General health suffers.
Treatment of psoriasis is carried out only as prescribed and under the supervision of a doctor.

With erythema multiforme appearing against the background of immunodeficiency, the following picture is observed on the skin:

Small red target-shaped skin elements are located on the palms, soles, and face.
The rash is accompanied by severe skin itching.

If erythema multiforme is suspected, immediate medical consultation and treatment is necessary.

Neurogenic rashes

The clinical picture of neurodermatitis is characterized by:

Unbearable skin itching precedes other symptoms of the disease.
It appears first, is characterized by pronounced intensity and intensifies at night.
Rashes on the skin of the extremities appear later.
Initially, the rash looks like separate red spots, papules and plaques, then they merge.

Numerous scratches are observed on the affected areas of the skin, which, as a rule, lead to secondary infection.
Neurogenic urticaria is a direct reaction to stress:

Rashes on the skin of the extremities are typical for all urticaria.
They are accompanied by severe itching.
A distinctive feature of this type of rash is its ephemerality. They disappear from the skin without a trace after a short time, leaving no traces.

Patients suffering from this pathology should be observed by an allergist and neurologist.

A rash on the hands can appear for completely different reasons. If rash on hands itches, you shouldn’t comb it, because you can cause an infection with your nails. Why does a rash occur? we will try to answer in more detail.

The cause of rashes may be the following factors:

Allergic reaction
Infection
Reaction to colds in the body
Response to digestive tract problems
Lack of personal hygiene

An allergy can occur as a reaction to an external or internal irritant. This can be a chronic allergy or a sudden allergy to a new food product, perfume, cosmetics, cream or medication. Allergic rashes are most often not limited to localization in a small area of the code and spread over the entire surface of the hands and other parts of the body.

Infectious rashes can appear from unwashed hands. They can be infected through a handshake, door handles, public transport, etc. An infectious rash appears in a local area and spreads quite slowly. It is accompanied by itching and bright redness of the skin.

If you have the flu or a cold, skin rashes may also appear due to a weakened immune system. Frequent gastrointestinal disorders can also cause skin rashes. Due to the inability to leave the body naturally, harmful substances are excreted with uric acid through the sweat glands. Their excessive concentration leads to skin irritation.

If personal hygiene rules are not followed, if you neglect to shower and rarely wash linens and clothes, dirt accumulates on the skin, clogs the sebaceous glands and causes irritation.

It is quite difficult to differentiate a rash on your own and understand the cause of its occurrence. If the rash on your hands itches and does not go away within a few days, you should consult a doctor: a therapist, an allergist or a dermatologist.

Relieve symptoms and reduce itching Cold compresses and hypoallergenic cooling ointments will help. Washing with a decoction of chamomile, string and celandine will also help. You can also make ice cubes from them and apply them to your skin.

The doctor will examine your skin, order tests and make a diagnosis. Treatment will focus not on the rash itself, but on the cause that caused it.

After the course of treatment, in order to avoid relapses, you must follow the following rules:

Try to avoid contact with objects and plants that cause allergies, and do not eat foods that are not suitable for you.
Wash regularly (it is advisable to use soaps and shower gels with a minimum amount of artificial colors and fragrances)
After traveling on public transport or coming into contact with money and coins, at least wipe your hands with wet sanitary wipes