7 Common Types of Skin Rashes in the Philippines

A skin rash or pantal sa katawan/balat is a common occurrence for most people thanks to allergic reactions, weather changes, and certain skin conditions. Skin rashes usually itch but, in severe cases, they can also lead to scaling and blistering. Here are the most common types of skin rashes in the Philippines.

What is a Skin Rash?

A skin rash or pantal sa katawan/balat is the inflammation or swelling of an irritated area on the skin. A rash can form within the folds of the skin or appear in patches. In severe instances, it can also show all over the body.

Most often, the types of skin rashes that itch can be relieved for a short time by scratching. However, too much scratching can irritate the skin further and cause blisters and/or bleeding.

Types of skin rashes

Here are 7 types of skin rashes that are common in the Philippines:

1. Prickly heat rash (miliaria) 

Prickly heat rash or bungang araw is the most common skin rash in the Philippines. It appears when a person sweats excessively due to hot, humid weather and overdressing.

Prickly heat rash occurs when there’s a blockage in the sweat ducts. This type of skin rashes is commonly seen in young children and babies since their sweat glands are still developing.

A prickly heat rash may appear in clusters as small red bumps or spots that result in an itching or prickling sensation. These skin rash clusters usually develop on the face, neck, skin folds, under the breasts, and scrotum.

2. Eczema or atopic dermatitis

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease that makes the skin red, itchy, and scaly. It is triggered by certain irritants like overly perfumed soap and detergents, as well as allergens like dust and food.

Eczema normally appears as patches on the face, neck, wrists, hands, limbs, feet, and ankles. Anyone can develop eczema, but infants and young children are more susceptible to it.

3. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a life-long skin problem that causes the skin to develop red patches of skin with silvery scales on top of it. This type of skin rash or pantal sa katawan commonly forms on the scalp, elbows, knees, and back.

It causes the skin to itch, and in severe cases, might result in a burning sensation or pain. Other people can easily manage psoriasis. However, it can sometimes hinder an individual from performing daily tasks.

4. Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is one of the common types of skin rashes a person can get via direct contact with a certain allergen. Irritant contact dermatitis triggers a dry, scaly, and non-itchy rash. Causes includes environmental factors such as cold weather, long exposure to water, or strong chemicals such as detergents, alkalis, acids, and solvents.

Allergic contact dermatitis, on the other hand, leads to a very itchy and bumpy rash that sometimes might include blistering. Allergens such as latex rubber, nickel, and poison can set also off this skin rash.

5. Drug rash

A drug rash is the body’s allergic reaction to specific medications such as antibiotics and diuretics. Normally, a drug rash starts to show up as tiny red spots after the first week of medication. But, as time progresses, these spots can cover larger areas of the body, especially if the medication is used continuously.

This skin rash usually begins on the face and spreads throughout the upper body. In rare cases, a drug rash can be a warning sign of a life-threatening allergic reaction that may harm the respiratory system. If this happens, immediate medical care is advised.

6. Intertrigo

Intertrigo is the inflammation of the skin due to friction by skin-to-skin contact in areas of the body where it is often warm and moist. The common places where intertrigo forms are in the skin folds in the abdomen, under the breasts, the groin, underarms, and in between the toes.

These types of skin rashes are often painful and/or sensitive. In serious cases, intertrigo might lead to skin lesions, cracked skin, and bleeding. Intertrigo usually goes away on its own if treated right away. However, if left unattended, it might put you at risk for bacterial or fungal infection.

7. Hives or urticaria

Hives are red, bumpy, and itchy wheals that stem from an allergic reaction. These splotches on the skin might form in small patches, but it can cover the whole body as the allergic reaction progresses.

The common triggers of hives are allergens such as insect bites or stings, certain foods and medications, latex, blood transfusions, stress, and extreme heat and cold temperatures. Mild hives may last for 24 to 48 hours. But if it lasts longer than 6 weeks and has been recurring for the past months, then you most likely have chronic hives. Unlike mild hives, chronic hives can disrupt a person’s daily routine and disturb their sleep patterns.

Learn more about Skin Health, here.