Rashes are minor irregularities on the skin that appear in the form of bumps or sores, a scaly texture or redness. The cause can range from genetic to environmental factors. Here are some of the common causes of skin rashes.

• Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is a type of rash that occurs due to direct contact with any substance. Irritant dermatitis occurs when acidic or alkaline substances such as soap and detergents come into skin contact resulting in a burn-like reaction. If your skin comes in contact with substances to which you are allergic, then it results in allergic contact dermatitis. Examples include substances such as adhesives, latex or perfumes.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is the scientific name of the commonly occurring scalp issue dandruff. It is a skin rash that appears as red and scaly patches. It can occur due to over shampooing, frequent combing, use of certain cosmetic products, use of alcohol-based lotions, irritation from a fungus called Malassezia, dry skin or build-up of oil and dirt on the scalp, stress, fatigue, lack of zinc or B-vitamins, a weak immune system, or nervous system problems.
• Atopic dermatitis: A chronic condition, it causes itchy or inflamed skin. It increases the permeability of the skin resulting in the reduction of its antimicrobial function. The loss of the skin barrier can allow the irritants such as soaps and dirt to penetrate the skin.

Other conditions
Additionally, there are some other causes of skin rashes. For instance, psoriasis is an inherited, autoimmune disease that causes a rash resembling red, scaly, itchy patches over joints and along the scalp. Impetigo occurs because of a certain type of bacteria. The resulting rashes are red sores that turn into blisters, ooze, and then crust over. Shingles or herpes zoster is a painful, blistering skin rash. Measles, rubella and scarlet fever also manifest in the form of rashes.

• Autoimmune disorders: Certain autoimmune diseases such as erythematosus, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and Kawasaki disease might cause skin rashes.
• Pregnancy: The most common pregnancy-specific skin rashes are pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP).
• Medications: Some of the most common reasons for the rashes due to drugs are an allergic reaction to drugs or hypersensitivities to certain medications.
• Insect bites: Insect bites and stings can also cause skin rashes, but these do not last long.

Each new season brings with it a sense of something new. We try and reinvent ourselves with the onset of each new season so that we can flaunt a whole new personality and move with the changing climes and times. You might also find that shopping for a new wardrobe becomes especially exciting during the onset of spring or summer. This is the time when we like to go out and indulge our outdoor streak even as we get into the mood for parties, outings and social interactions.

The dress is a feminine expression that many women like to don, especially during the spring and summer months when they do not have to cover themselves with bulky and layered clothing like trousers, coats and such. There are a number of different styles that we can wear to show off our fun spring and summer side. Take a look at some of the pieces that are on display in prominent retail chains like J C Penney to know more about these styles, so that you can pick the one you love!

The Off-shoulder: This is an old but charming trend from the 90s that has resurfaced recently. This is the perfect spring dress because it gives you sleeves for the evenings and you can play style peek-a-boo without catching that chill after dusk. Wear this dress to the mall or the beach as well as on a walk. Also, if you are feeling particularly playful, you can even wear it for that next date! This kind of a cut is available for many kinds of dresses at J C Penney outlets. You can choose from pretty floral prints to solid colors so that you can show off those shoulders in style!

Stripes: Nothing defines the transition from spring to summer like stripes. Borrowed from the robust and the exotic, this style has been a classic on runways and personal wardrobes for many decades. Team your striped dress with a lace shrug or simply put on a pair of bold colored sandals to do all the talking. You can choose pleated pieces with V-necks for a semi-formal look that will be great for the workplace too. Or simply go casual with a fabric that flows and makes heads turn with this statement. Remember to wear this look with chunky jewelry like plenty of bracelets!

Bright pastels: This is a whole new niche of colors that has taken the world of fashion by storm. These bright pastels have been inspired by the hand-dyed fabrics of the Asian countries even as they retain their global beauty with pretty prints and patterns. Invest in a piece or two from the collection at a J C Penney outlet. You can choose a dress that has an orange base and a piece overtone so that it looks subtle for spring and solid for summer as well. Wear with white sandals and hoop earrings for a look that says hot and cool!