Health

How to Get Rid Of Rashes Or Itching?

Published

7 years ago

July 17, 2019

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.

Health

Benefits of Sleep to Health

Published

2 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

Many people take good sleep for granted. The pressure of engagements and unfinished tasks can take huge lumps away from our daily required rest.

Sometimes, the pace of modern life barely gives us time to stop and rest. It can make getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis seem like a dream.

But sleep is as important for good health as diet and exercise. Good sleep improves your brain performance, mood, and health.

Not getting enough quality sleep regularly raises the risk of many diseases and disorders. These range from heart disease and stroke to obesity and dementia.

There’s more to good sleep than just the hours spent in bed, says Dr. Marishka Brown, a sleep expert at NIH. “Healthy sleep encompasses three major things,” she explains. “One is how much sleep you get. Another is sleep quality—that you get uninterrupted and refreshing sleep. The last is a consistent sleep schedule.”

People who work the night shift or irregular schedules may find getting quality sleep extra challenging. And times of great stress—like the current pandemic—can disrupt our normal sleep routines. But there are many things you can do to improve your sleep.

Sleep for Repair

Why do we need to sleep? People often think that sleep is just “down time,” when a tired brain gets to rest, says Dr. Maiken Nedergaard, who studies sleep at the University of Rochester.

“But that’s wrong,” she says. While you sleep, your brain is working. For example, sleep helps prepare your brain to learn, remember, and create.

Nedergaard and her colleagues discovered that the brain has a drainage system that removes toxins during sleep.

“When we sleep, the brain totally changes function,” she explains. “It becomes almost like a kidney, removing waste from the system.”

Her team found in mice that the drainage system removes some of the proteins linked with Alzheimer’s disease. These toxins were removed twice as fast from the brain during sleep.

Everything from blood vessels to the immune system uses sleep as a time for repair, says Dr. Kenneth Wright, Jr., a sleep researcher at the University of Colorado.

“There are certain repair processes that occur in the body mostly, or most effectively, during sleep,” he explains. “If you don’t get enough sleep, those processes are going to be disturbed.”

The most recognizable effect of sleep is on the brain. It clears and refreshes the mind and helps us to think without pressure.

By: By Kevin Nengia

Health

FG Launches Initiative To Combat Malnutrition Among Children

Published

2 years ago

October 9, 2024

The Tide

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.

Health

Banigo Canvasses E-Health Devices For Nigeria’s Healthcare Dev

Published

2 years ago

July 24, 2024

The Tide

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.