Health
How to Get Rid Of Rashes Or Itching?
Itchy rashes torment you when least expected. What seems like innocent, mild rashes may soon give rise to a vicious itch-scratch-itch cycle. Rashes may appear anywhere on your body. It all starts with abnormal discolouration of the affected region on the skin, accompanied by a change in its texture. Some rashes are flat while others may appear as bumpy red spots.A condition in which you develop red, bumpy rashes on your body, is commonly known as dermatitis. Itchiness and development of rashes are termed as pruritus.
Rashes are generally non-contagious and affect adults and children alike. Certain weather conditions and immune response also contribute to the development of rashes.[1] Eczema is the most common type of rashes, followed by other kinds like granuloma annulare, pityriasisrosea and lichen planus. In extreme case, rashes may develop into puss,and the infection may worsen
Since there may be several underlying reasons for rashes or itching, getting to the root cause is important, and for that one can book a doctor online at docprime to get an expert’s opinion. Topical application of anti-pruritic ointments coupled with antifungal and antibacterial drugs can provide relief from rashes and itching.[2]Surfaz-Sn cream is effective in the healing of rashes and itching when applied on affected area as directed by your dermatologist.
Why Do Rashes and Itching Occur?
Rashes and itching often go together.[3] While most rashes are pruritic, continuous itching can also lead to the appearance of rashes.
Rashes appear when your skin is inflamed. Inflammation is an immune response to allergens, antigens and pathogens.
Rashes Due to Immune Misfire
- Rashes which are red, scaly and itchy might be due to Eczema. Atopic Eczema results from a hypersensitive immune system. Common triggers are skin irritants (found in skin products or fabrics), stress, certain proteins and other allergens.
- Dermatitis causes red, dry, flaky and itchy rashes which often become infected.[4] Physical contact with irritants, hives due to hypersensitivity and extremely dry weather can cause atopic and nummular dermatitis respectively while stasis dermatitis stems from poor blood circulation to extremities.
- Red, circular and raised rashes could be Granuloma annulare.
- An autoimmune disorder, triggered by certain medications, Hepatitis B or C could lead to the development of flat, shiny and reddish-purple bumps. These are called Lichen Planus.
- Pityriasisrosea refers to large, scaly and pinkish rashes associated with itching. Later, they develop into red,inflamed regions due to constant itching.
- Psoriasis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus are examples of autoimmune disorders resulting in rashes
Rashes Due to Pathogens
- Ringworm infection is caused by a fungus, which is characterised by circular, itchy rashes in groins, the area between fingers and arms.Seborrheic dermatitis is caused due to fungal infection on the scalp.Surfaz-Sn cream can be used to treat fungal skin infections.
- Impetigo is an example of highly contagious bacterial infection leading to puss filled blisters on face, arms and legs.
- Rashes due to chicken pox and Hand Foot and Mouth diseases are attributed to viral infection.
The sensation of itching is primarily mediated by immune molecules like histamine. Other molecules triggering itching are proteases, cytokines and neuropeptides.[5]
Getting Rid ofrashes and Itching
For mild itching, you can opt for some home remedies for symptomatic relief. These can help you soothe your itchy skin and prevent reinfection caused by constant itching.
Dryness can trigger itchy skin rashes. Regular moisturization using non-scented and mild oils and lotions can ease the itchiness. Cold compress also helps to curb skin inflammation by cooling down the affected area. It can be used whenever required. Humidity and sweat can also aggravate rashes. Wearing lightweight clothes and staying in a cool setting can tone down itchiness.
Calamine lotion is effective in treating rashes due to hives by cooling down the inflamed skin. Oatmeal bath and baking soda bath can also cool off your body and reduce the intensity of rashes.
Most rashes resolve after topical application of corticosteroid ointments and antifungal or antibacterial ointments.An ointment which has anti-microbial, as well as anti-histamine action, is the best way for symptomatic treatment of itchy rashes.
Surfaz-Sn cream use is highly recommended to battle itchy rashes. Manufactured by Franco Indian Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd, Surfaz-Sn cream composition is of Beclomethasone Topical (0.025%), Clotrimazole Topical (1%) and Neomycin Topical (0.5%).
Surfaz-Sn cream mechanism of action stems from the combination of anti-microbial and corticosteroid composition. Beclomethasone is a steroid that inhibits the production and migration of leucocytes, prostaglandins and other mediators of inflammatory reaction. It is useful in providing symptomatic relief from itchy rashes. Clotrimazole prevents fungal growth by interfering in their cell wall production. Bacterial growth is inhibited by antibiotic Neomycin which acts by blocking protein synthesis necessary for the survival of bacteria.
Other variants of Surfaz-Sn cream are Surfaz Dusting powder, Surfaz cream, Surfaz Topical Solution, Surfaz-O tablet and Surfaz-B cream.
Surfaz-Sn dosage and duration of treatment should be followed as directed by your physician. Surfaz-Sn side effects, although rare, shouldn’t be ignored if they occur. Your doctor should be notified about any such unwanted reactions like itchiness of the skin, dry and cracked skin, acne, infections, discolouration of the skin and increased hair growth.
Surfaz-Sn contraindications include allergy to any of its components, systemic fungal infection and any other active infection. Avoiding contact with eyes, nose and mouth, washings hands after every application and using a thin layer of the cream are some Surfaz-Sn precautions that should be followed. Surfaz-Sn cream interaction has been reported with other topical drugs like Amphotericin B, Nystatin and Flucytosine.
Persistent rashes with chronic inflammation might require a more detailed investigation and treatment, apart from the topical application of ointments.
The Federal Government has begun a scheme to battle malnutrition in children.
Tagged, “Nutrition 774 Initiative”, the programme was unveiled by Vice President Kashim Shettima as it falls within a framework for the Federal Government’s comprehensive vision for a nationwide nutrition programme to address malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria.
The proposed programme, “Nutrition 774 Initiative,” aims to improve nutritional outcomes across all 774 local government areas (LGAs) in the country.
Speaking yesterday during a roundtable with development partners at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, VP Shettima said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader focus on food security and availability across Nigeria.”The priority with which His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has pursued food availability has gone hand-in-hand with our commitment to eradicating malnutrition.
“Our aspiration as a nation goes beyond the mere abundance of food in our barns and warehouses. We cannot claim victory unless there is certainty that each household across Nigeria has access to the preferred and prescribed diets essential for a healthy life,” the vice president stated.
It would be recalled that the 144th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) had in September endorsed the Nutrition 774 programme as a primary platform for combating malnutrition within Nigerian communities.
The council encouraged development partners to provide financial and technical assistance to support this initiative.
The importance of e-Health devices and digital health solutions in improving Nigeria’s healthcare system has been emphasised by Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Secondary and Tertiary.
She also stressed that health is a multilayered activity and a multisectoral collaboration that requires legislators to work together to provide legislation, implement policies, and track funds effectively.
Banigo, who represents Rivers West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, made these remarks at the 5th Annual Legislative Summit on Health in Abuja, themed “Improving Legislative Stewardship and Accountability for Universal Health Coverage.”
She highlighted the potential of eHealth devices, especially given Nigeria’s large population and limited healthcare professionals.
“We can develop platforms that can be accessed through simple phones, even in remote villages, to provide health education and interventions,” she said.
“We are not talking about highfalutin things; we are talking about what will impact communities at the grassroots level, particularly pro-poor initiatives that will benefit vulnerable populations.”
Banigo also emphasized the importance of accountability and effective care, encouraging legislators to share knowledge, engage in peer reviews, and exchange information to achieve better health outcomes.
She recalled the cholera outbreak, where basic health education and interventions could have been delivered via mobile phones, preventing preventable deaths.
The 5th Annual Legislative Summit on Health brought together federal and state legislators, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, the World Health Organisation’s representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulombo, and other dignitaries.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says it is targeting 1 billion more people to enjoy better health and well-being will by 2025.
The plan it said is driven primarily by improvements in air quality and access to water, sanitation and hygiene measures.
Meanwhile, the body has listed it achievements in a Report of 2023, the most comprehensive to date.
The report showcases achievements of key public health milestones by the world health apex agency even amid greater global humanitarian health needs driven by conflict, climate change and disease outbreaks.
The report is expected to be released ahead of the 2024 Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly, which runs from 27 May, 1st June, 2024.
WHO revised Programme Budget for 2022–2023 was US$ 6726.1 million, incorporating lessons learned from the pandemic response and addressing emerging health priorities.
With 96percent of WHO country offices providing 174 country reports on achievements, the report shows some progress towards 46 targets and highlights some challenges.
“The world is off track to reach most of the triple billion targets and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “However, with concrete and concerted action to accelerate progress, we could still achieve a substantial subset of them. Our goal is to invest even more resources where they matter most at the country level while ensuring sustainable and flexible financing to support our mission.”
The report shows advancement in several key areas, including healthier populations, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and health emergencies protection.
Related to healthier populations, the current trajectory indicates the target of 1 billion more people enjoying better health and well-being will likely be met by 2025, driven primarily by improvements in air quality and access to water, sanitation and hygiene measures.
In terms of UHC, 30percent of countries are moving ahead in coverage of essential health services and providing financial protection. This is largely due to increased HIV service coverage.
Regarding emergencies protection, though the coverage of vaccinations for high-priority pathogens shows improvement relative to the COVID-19 pandemic-related disruptions in 2020–2021, it has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.
The Pandemic Fund’s first disbursements totaled US$ 338 million in 2023, supporting 37 countries to fund the initial response to acute events and scale up life-saving health operations in protracted crises. WHO continues to work with countries and partners to enhance genomic sequencing capabilities and strengthen laboratory and surveillance systems worldwide with capacity increased by 62percent for SARS-CoV-2 between February 2021 and December 2023.
It said one of the achievements is the world’s first malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01 administered to more than two million children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi during the biennium, reducing mortality by 13% among children eligible for vaccination. WHO’s prequalification of a second vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, is expected to further boost malaria control efforts.
The first-ever all-oral treatment regimens for multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis were made available in 2022, allowing the highest number of people with tuberculosis to get treatment since monitoring began almost 30 years ago.