The skin rashes that develop on small regions of the body are typically triggered by an external skin issue such as an allergic response to a substance, skin disease or a localized inflammation of the skin. On the other hand, a full body rash can often indicate the presence of an internal issue. There are major causes of full body rashes – drug reactions, digestive system disorders, thyroid issues and certain types of cancer. If you want to learn ways to manage this type of skin condition, read here.
Drug reactions
There are several commonly prescribed medications that can instigate allergic reactions that cause full body rashes. These medications include both topical and oral antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole, fluconazole or clotrimazole. Other medications include antibiotics such as penicillin or cephalosporin as well as certain pain medications. Even chemotherapy drugs are capable of instigating a full body rash in some individuals.
Digestive system disorders
A number of digestive issues can trigger full body rashes. These disorders include liver disease, celiac disease, kidney issues and anemia linked to iron deficiency.
Take note that celiac disease is a condition in which the intestinal tract of the individual could not absorb gluten protein from certain foods such as rye, wheat or barley. The immune system perceives gluten as a threat and reacts by destroying the villi that line the intestines. The destruction of the villi can cause the individual to become deficient in certain nutrients, thus leading to symptoms such as fatigue, seizure and the distinctive itchy rash all over the body.
Both kidney and liver issues can cause full body rashes since both organs are responsible for filtering toxic materials from the bloodstream. If either organ is not functioning properly, these toxic substances can accumulate and lead to persistent outbreaks all over the body.
As for iron-deficiency anemia, it develops once the body has limited red blood cells circulating in the body due to the lack of iron. Remember that the full body rash that occurs is believed to the triggered by the accumulation of substances that the immune system reacts to.
Thyroid disorders
The thyroid gland which is responsible for producing thyroid hormone can generate too much which is a condition called Grave’s dermopathy which involves widespread, lumpy skin rashes. Just like with other causes of full body rashes, this typically develops once the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, thus causing the hormonal balance to shift.
Immune system cancers
Certain forms of cancer are known to affect the immune system especially lymphoma and leukemia which causes the characteristic full body rashes. Those who suffer from leukemia often develop small-sized, red rashes on the skin due to the leakage of blood from the capillaries that are right under the skin. Those who have lymphoma do not end up with these spots but can suffer from extremely, itchy red skin.