That’s why it’s important to know what causes skin problems and rashes so you can make an appointment with your doctor or visit the emergency room if necessary. Here are some of the most common culprits of skin problems and rashes that you should watch out for.
Hormones
It’s not just a woman’s body that can be affected by hormones. Men are also prone to hormone-related skin problems, including hormonal acne. Testosterone is a male sex hormone that can have a significant impact on your skin; it tends to produce more oil in your skin glands as you age, contributing to pimples or blackheads. The same thing happens when men hit puberty.
Age is also a common cause of skin problems, particularly as you get older. The thinner and drier your skin becomes with age, for example, it can become more sensitive to irritants or allergic reactions. It’s not uncommon for people in their 50s or 60s to develop eczema because they produce less oil in their skin as they age. In addition, sunscreen use decreases as people age because they become less active outside and spend more time indoors.
Environment
The world around us plays a significant role in causing skin problems and rashes. Exposure to outside elements can cause our skin to become dry, irritated, or break out in an unsightly rash. But there are other things that contribute to how our skin looks—things we can’t always control. When dealing with sensitive skin, it is best to avoid harsh chemicals by steering clear of artificial soaps, lotions, perfumes, and make-up that has been tested on animals.
People with sensitive skin will find that it is best to steer clear of certain ingredients that have been known to cause issues. The last thing you want when trying to deal with skin problems or rashes is for a potent chemical to aggravate your problem even further. Make sure any products you use are all natural, organic, and plant-based.
If you are having a skin problem or rash, you may have sensitive skin. Our bodies may react differently to certain outside agents. A good way to help determine if your skin is sensitive is by performing a small patch test. Simply apply a small amount of your chosen product to an inconspicuous area like behind your ear or under your jaw.
Stress
Not getting enough sleep, not managing your time properly, financial issues and other stressors can cause skin problems. If you notice that your skin is breaking out more often than usual, evaluate your lifestyle to make sure it isn’t causing stress to your body. Think about what’s going on in your life—stressful relationships or jobs? Feeling like you’re not accomplishing anything in a day? Not feeling like you have time for yourself?
Do you have any food allergies or intolerances? Even if you don’t, some of your favorite foods may not be as good for your skin as you think. Dairy products, sugar and fried foods can all cause problems, so it’s worth cutting them out for a week to see if that helps. Also look at how much caffeine you drink—more than 400mg per day can cause skin irritations.
Do you have a bedtime routine? Establishing a bedtime routine is vital for your skin’s health, as it helps your body wind down at night. If you go to sleep later than you should be every night, try setting an earlier bedtime until your skin calms down.
Bad Hygiene
Skin problems and rashes can be caused by many things, including an infection with a fungus or bacteria (known as dermatitis), an allergic reaction to various chemicals, dust or other allergens, sunlight exposure, stress, smoking or drug use. Some skin problems are so-called psoriasis outbreaks that do not have any apparent cause. One major cause of these outbreaks is bad hygiene habits such as poor hand washing after using public restrooms or before eating meals in restaurants.
Always wear protective clothing when outdoors, including a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves and pants. Also, consider using sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 if you’re going to be out in direct sunlight for an extended period of time.
If you notice a rash or other skin problem, see your doctor right away. These ailments can be very serious if left untreated. Make sure to mention any unusual symptoms, such as a fever or fatigue, that you may be experiencing.
Vitamin Deficiency
Among our many essential vitamins, vitamin A plays a key role in maintaining clear skin. It also supports healthy skin cells, which helps to protect your face from rashes. When you don’t have enough vitamin A, your body can’t create sebum—the natural oil that lubricates your skin—and tiny cracks appear in the top layer of skin. These cracks act as an entry point for bacteria, which causes acne.
So, how do you ensure that you’re getting enough vitamin A? Good sources of vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, asparagus, apricots, and mangoes. You can also try taking a supplement—but make sure to consult your doctor first.
Poor Nutrition
Fluoride Exposure
Fluoride has been added to toothpaste and drinking water for more than half a century. While there is some evidence that fluoride strengthens teeth, leading to less tooth decay, it can also cause skin rashes. The best way to avoid exposure to fluoride is to limit your consumption of tap water or sugary drinks—especially if you suffer from eczema or other skin conditions. If you find yourself itching all over, it’s a good idea to cut back on both sugary foods and fluoridated water.
If you’re suffering from a skin rash or itching, it’s best to cut back on fluoridated water. You can find out how much fluoride is in your tap water by asking your local utility. If you’re concerned about protecting your dental health, consider switching to a non-fluoride toothpaste or searching for natural alternatives. Oatmeal, for example, is a powerful exfoliant which helps remove plaque from teeth.