Rashes are a common skin issue, and when one pops up on your wrist, it’s natural to want to get to the bottom of what’s causing it. If you’ve recently noticed redness, bumps, dryness or itching on your wrist, don’t panic. Take a look at our list of likely causes and their treatment options.
1. Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash that occurs when your skin comes into contact with a substance you’re allergic to or sensitive to—like jewelry on your wrist. The rash can appear after just one exposure or develop over time with repeated contact. Those frequently exposed to irritating chemicals or allergens—like hairstylists, mechanics and construction workers—are at a higher risk of developing contact dermatitis.
To identify a contact dermatitis rash, look for a red to purple color, swollen or elevated skin, clusters of fluid-filled blisters or pimples, pain, itching and flaky or scaly skin.
To prevent contact dermatitis, avoid the allergens or irritants causing it. If you aren’t sure what’s causing your contact dermatitis, schedule an appointment with Carolina Pines ENT for an allergy test to help narrow it down. If you develop a rash, over-the-counter anti-itch creams, antihistamines, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants can help minimize your symptoms.
2. Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis causes skin discoloration and itchy rashes anywhere on the body, including the wrist. Although atopic dermatitis is most common in children (with 90% of cases developing before age five), it can occur at any age.
To identify atopic dermatitis, look for dry or cracked skin, severe itching, inflammation, small fluid-filled bumps and red, brown, grey or purple coloring.
For people with atopic dermatitis, it occurs when your skin’s protective barrier gets damaged, making it more sensitive to irritation. Children will sometimes outgrow atopic dermatitis or have milder flare-ups over time. If atopic dermatitis persists, steroid creams, antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, wet dressings, oral steroids, light therapy and daily lotion can help minimize symptoms.
3. Heat Rash
Heat rash happens when sweat can’t reach the skin’s surface because the sweat ducts get blocked or irritated. Blocked ducts trap sweat under the skin and lead to redness, itching and tiny bumps.
To identify heat rash, look for tiny, itchy pimples or bumps on the skin and mild pain. It can develop anywhere on the body but is most common where skin folds or creases. It can also arise in areas where your clothing sits on your skin—like under your watch or bracelets on your wrist.
The best way to prevent heat rash is to keep the skin cool and dry, especially in humid climates like Newberry. Run a fan in your home and wear cotton, loose-fitting clothing to minimize your risk of developing heat rash.
If the skin on or around your wrist is frequently inflamed, contact Carolina Pines ENT today to schedule an appointment with one of our allergy specialists for diagnosis and treatment.