Rashes are described as non-specific indications of a skin condition that typically involves itchiness and reddening. It might be a flattened plaque, a swollen patch or can be comprised of several small-sized, red spots. The rash can even manifest as non-itchy scales.
Various conditions can trigger the manifestation of chest rashes. Among children, bacterial and viral infections such as scarlet fever and measles can instigate the manifestation of chest rashes as well as in other parts of the body. Intolerance, allergies or reactions due to food sensitivity can also trigger chest rashes. Always bear in mind that the doctor should be consulted for proper diagnosis of the condition as well as treat the cause of the rash.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis involves skin inflammation due to exposure to certain substances that trigger an allergic reaction. Remember that these include food allergens as well as chemical and environmental allergens such as animal fur, pollen, perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, detergents and sunscreen lotions. Take note that these allergens can cause hypersensitivity reactions that can range from minor skin reddening to an itchy rash or even a severe form of contact dermatitis that causes sore, oozing blisters and ulcers. The severity of the rashes depends on the type of allergen, length of exposure and the response of the body.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis causes chest rashes as well as affecting other oily areas of the body. This is an inflammatory condition due to the excess skin cell production that becomes infected with yeast that results to scale-like lesions and itchy plaques.
This condition is usually inherited in some individuals. The symptoms typically increase in severity due to stress, extreme weather conditions, obesity, fatigue, viral infections and even neurological disorders.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is triggered by an imbalanced immune system response as well as overproduction of skin cells. Understandably, this results to dense, silver-like scaly skin cells and dry, red, itchy and sore plaques over the chest and other parts of the body.
Take note that this condition is usually hereditary in some circumstances and might be influenced by various factors such as smoking, stress, medications, obesity and infections such as HIV.
Shingles
Shingles have been a common cause of a sore blistering rash that typically manifests on one side of the chest. This condition is usually triggered by the same virus that triggers chickenpox in both adults and children. Take note that the virus can become dormant in a nerve root and later on flare-up to cause shingles throughout the nerve pathway once the immunity is reduced due to certain diseases, severe stress or aging. The medications that are used in chemotherapy and organ transplant that suppresses the immune system might trigger the development of shingles.
Acne vulgaris
Acne vulgaris is a form of acne that manifests on the upper chest and other parts of the body where large amount of oil glands are present. This is typically triggered by inflammation and blockage of the hair follicles, resulting to excess bacterial growth inside the skin pores.
This chest rash can cause the appearance of several small-sized, itchy papules, pustules, comedones or sore nodules that can leave pigmented or pitted scars. This form of acne is considered common in men due to various factors including hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.