What are the signs that I should seek treatment for a rash?
A rash that is covering a large amount of your body, especially itchy, swollen, or simply so uncomfortable that it’s interfering with daily activity deserves treatment by a medical dermatologist.
If the rash is accompanied by difficulty breathing, fever, vomiting, or muscle weakness, seek medical attention immediately.
What are some characteristics of rashes?
Rashes can look different depending on their cause. Bradford Jellerichs examine the appearance of the inflammation to help with diagnosis. Rashes may be:
- Scaly and flaky
- Thick and leathery
- Bumpy, red, and itchy
- Pus-filled and oozing
- Formed in rings or welts
What causes a rash?
A rash can have any number of causes. These include:
- Allergic reactions to food or medication
- Contact with an irritant or allergen, such as latex or a detergent
- Prolonged exposure to heat
- Exposure to poison plants
In many cases, the reason you’ve developed a rash isn’t known.
How is the cause of a rash diagnosed?
Bradford Jellerichs takes a thorough medical history and review recent events, such as what you’ve eaten and experienced lately to help determine a potential cause. In some cases, they’ll perform a skin test or blood tests to look for allergies or infection.
Examination of the inflamed skin also helps inform their diagnosis and treatment.
What are common causes of rashes?
Often, a rash is a form of eczema. Atopic eczema describes a rash that appears itchy and red, and that might also have dryness, scales, and fluid-filled blisters. Eczema often occurs in children, but may appear at any age. It usually is a genetic condition that flares when you’re exposed to certain irritants, such as specific detergents, stress, or allergens.
Granular annulare is a type of rash that forms in a circular pattern with raised bumps. It’s unclear why young people develop this rash, which often strikes women more than men.
Lichen planus is another rash diagnosis that often has an unknown cause. It may be related to Hepatitis C or linked to certain medications. A lichen planus rash is characterized by shiny, flat-topped bumps with a purplish color. It can appear anywhere, including the scalp and nail beds.
