Skin rash is a common ailment suffered by those who have a previous history of allergies and skin infections. Skin rash can grow anywhere on the body, but is most often found in areas such as the neck, hands and legs. Skin rash also develops on areas of the body that are covered most of the time such as the stomach, chest and back.

A typical skin rash that develops on the stomach may involve inflamed patches of red bumps, which will be itchy and sometimes may even hurt to touch. Stomach rashes can stem from various causes. This article explains the common causes of rash on stomach and home remedies to relive the rash.

Causes of Rash on Stomach

Warnings: if you are suffering from a rash in combination with other serious symptoms such as a purple rash, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, pale or gray skin and any differences in the level of consciousness, you must get immediate medical attention or call 911.

1. Plant Allergy

Plant allergy is one of the most common sources of stomach rashes. Allergenic plants include poison ivy, sumac and oak, which are commonly found in many environments. If the skin is exposed to any of these plants, a rash will quickly develop. Allergic reactions can vary from person to person, with some not experiencing any reaction at all and others suffering from severe rashes.

A rash may take one or two days for the rash to fully appear. Once it has developed, the symptoms will last for almost a week and may spread to other parts of the body. The amount and duration of contact and the strength of the immune system will determine how serious the rash will become and how long it will remain.

Watch this video for best home remedies for this type of allergy:

2. Food Allergy

A majority of people suffer from food allergies. Some common foods, which cause allergic reactions such as stomach rashes, include wheat, shellfish and peanuts. It is difficult to diagnose a food allergy beforehand and therefore, most people find out they have food allergies after experiencing an allergic reaction.

Stomach rashes due to food allergies may not be severe in nature. However, other reactions due to food allergies may be more severe like difficulty breathing and abnormal swelling. If this occurs, you must seek medical attention immediately.

3. Insect Bites

Bee stings or wasp stings are the most common insect bites that cause stomach rashes. Insect bites can also promote stomach rashes. If a stomach rash develops on the stomach, the area will become red and inflamed and will be painful to touch.

If the individual is not allergic to bee stings, a stomach rash is common and will be mild in nature. However, if you are allergic to wasp or bee stings, you must seek medical attention right away as more severe symptoms can begin to develop such as swelling which can be life threatening.

4. Shingles

The virus varicella-zoster causes shingles, which is also referred to as herpes roster. Individuals suffering from shingles will find that one side of their body has developed fluid filled blisters, which are red and painful. Shingles most commonly appears on the torso, face or neck. In most cases, shingles will heal within two to three weeks.

Shingles can occur in anybody who has had chickenpox. Seniors and those with compromised immune systems are at a greater risk. Although shingles cannot be cured, medications can be used to ease the symptoms. Shingles can be prevented through vaccines. Once shingles affects an individual, it is uncommon for them to be infected again.

5. Chicken pox

Chicken pox is a common virus, which mostly affects children. Chicken pox is identified by red spots on the skin, which are extremely itchy. They can be found all over the body including the stomach. Other symptoms include sore throat, fever, headache, stomachache and cough. The best way to treat chicken pox is to simply let the virus run its course and in the meantime, make the patient as comfortable as possible with lotions and lukewarm baths.

Some complications can occur due to chicken pox such as pneumonia, which will be treated with antibiotics. If a fever or any additional severe symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention. Individuals who are infected with chicken pox become immune to the virus and are not infected again. The best way to prevent chickenpox is to receive the chickenpox vaccine.

6. Itchy Rash on Stomach during Pregnancy

Skin changes are quite common in Pregnancy. If you develop an itchy rash while pregnant, it may simply be PEP, polymorphic eruption of pregnancy. This rash develops initially on the stomach and can then spread to the back and the thighs. This rash is typically harmless and will not harm the mother or the baby.

PEP is commonly identified by lumpy red bumps, which are filled with a fluid. This rash is extremely itchy. To relieve yourself of these symptoms, you can apply a cold cream and wear light cool clothing. PEP most often goes away once your child is born. If it is not PEP, the stomach rash may be due to increased levels of estrogen in the blood or due to some other hormonal changes.

Home Remedies for Rash on Stomach

Skin rash that develops on the stomach will most often go away on its own. This process can be mediated with maintaining skin hygiene and avoiding irritating substances. You should also:

• Avoid scrubbing the irritated areas as this will only aggravate the rash.
• Avoid scented soaps and shampoos. Use a gentle cleanser or only warm water.
• Do not apply scented lotions or creams over the affected areas.
• Use lukewarm water when cleansing. Avoid hot water, which will dry the rash and irritate it further.
• Pat dry the infected areas. Do not rub vigorously.
• Avoid using any new lotions, soaps or detergents. If you have recently started using a new brand of any of the listed items, stop using them.
• Give the affected areas air. Do not keep them covered for long periods.
• For plant allergic reactions caused by poison ivy, oak or sumac, use calamine lotion.
• Hydrocortisone cream is helpful in soothing rashes. Oatmeal bath products will also help relieve rash symptoms.