Rash On Stomach
Common Causes of a Rash on Your Stomach
Waking up one morning with a rash on your stomach can be a worrisome. However, most of the time a rash is not a medical emergency and will go away on it’s own. While rashes can be uncomfortable, most types of rashes can be treated with an over the counter topical lotion or ointment. If the rash on your stomach does not go away in a few days, an appointment with a doctor to rule out a more serious cause should be made.
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Allergic Reactions
Many rashes are caused by an allergic reaction to something in the environment. If you find a rash on your stomach looking for recent changes in your diet or laundry soap may uncover the cause. If a recent medicine was introduced or a change in medication has occurred, consult with your doctor immediately. Rashes caused by allergic reactions can appear in the form of patches of redness or hives. Hives are red bumps that may or may not be itchy or tender to the touch. They may come and go frequently, or last for days. Hives can be round or irregularly shaped and may be flat or raised from the rest of the surface of the skin. The most common cure for hives is a dose of Benadryl. If the hives are accompanied by any other symptoms, you should seek medical advice. Common allergic reaction symptoms that require medical attention include throat tightness, difficulty breathing, wheezing or vomiting.
Insect Bites
Many people confuse insect bites for rashes. If the rash on your stomach is exceptionally itchy and is spotty in appearance, it may simply be insect bites. Upon close inspection, the red spots will have a very tiny dot or pin prick sized hole in the middle. Fleas, mosquitoes and ant bites are very common after spending time outdoors or being exposed to pets. Topical anti-itch creams and Benadryl can relieve the annoyance if the itching is too much to bear.
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Eczema
If your rash on your stomach is persistent or comes and goes regularly, you may have eczema. Eczema will look either like a flat dry patch of skin or it may consist of red raised patches of skin. Most people who have eczema have a genetic predisposition to it or allergies to common foods.
Contact Rash
Contact rashes are generally caused by direct contact with an irritant such as poison ivy or a harsh chemical such as bleach. These rashes are often the most irritating as they may cause blisters or welts that cause a severe itch, but upon scratching the welts they break and cause extreme pain. Contact rashes are most commonly treated with hydrocortisone cream. If this does not help, prescription creams can be obtained from your family doctor.
Heat Rash
If the temperatures outside are warm or humid, a heat rash may be a likely culprit that causes a rash on your stomach or other areas covered by clothing. These types of rashes are usually patchy and red. A cool wash cloth and dry clothes will generally result in them disappearing with ease.
Viral Causes
More rarely, a virus may cause a rash that gets worse over time or is accompanied by fever or other illness or flu like symptoms. Viral rashes almost always begin on the stomach and back before moving out to the arms, legs and face. Chicken pox is one of the most common forms of viral rashes, and is characterized by pimple like bumps that come to a head. Shingles, coxsackle, roseola, and fifth’s disease are other common viral culprits that can cause a rash on your stomach.