Rashes can be itchy, bothersome, and unsightly, especially when they appear in a prominent area of your body, such as the face. When they do appear, you might wonder whether to rely on over-the-counter creams or see your doctor. While some rashes tend to disappear after a few days, others are chronic and could require treatment. This is why you should learn to identify the symptoms of a serious rash. Understanding the signs can help you seek help early from a Vintage Park rash specialist.
What Is a Rash?
A rash or skin rash is a discoloration or inflammation of the skin that results in symptoms like swelling, redness, or itchiness. It is not an actual medical diagnosis but can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as an allergy. In other cases, it is usually caused by a substance that irritates the skin. Most rashes can be treated through over-the-counter creams but others can persist and require medical attention. Common rash symptoms you might experience include:
- Skin redness and irritation
- Blistering
- Dry and scaly skin
- Dry patches on the skin
- Itchiness
Common Types of Rashes
There are several types of rashes you might develop and your doctor will usually determine the one affecting you before recommending a treatment. Common types include:
- Contact Dermatitis: This is one of the most prevalent rashes. It usually results from contact with an irritant, such as a harsh soap or poison ivy.
- Lichen Planus: This rash involves the formation of purple skin blotches that are also itchy. It occurs due to an inflammatory condition affecting your mucus membranes.
- Ringworm: Ringworms are fungal infections that result in red, scaly, and itchy skin. They are contagious and can be spread through contact.
- Psoriasis: This condition involves the formation of patches on your skin that are silvery, thick, dry, and, in some cases, painful.
Other types of rashes that a doctor can diagnose and treat include shingles, rosacea, and eczema.
Signs You Should See a Doctor About Your Rash
Most skin rashes will usually resolve within a few days and are not life-threatening. However, you should be concerned about a rash – and get immediate help – if you notice the following signs:
- You are running a fever. This could indicate an allergic reaction or infection.
- The rash has spread to your entire body
- It is very painful
- It developed during your pregnancy
- The rash is spreading quickly
- It contains open sores and blisters
- OTC creams are ineffective
- There are infection symptoms like extreme pain, crusting, swelling, or puss
- The rash is affecting your day to day activities
A rash can signify an allergic reaction if it is accompanied by tongue swelling, throat tightening, and breathing difficulties. When this happens, call 911 immediately or go to the emergency room.
Conclusion
When your skin gets red and irritated, your initial thought is to hurry down to the pharmacy and get an OTC cream. Sometimes, this will solve your problem but it is not always the case, especially if your rash is a symptom of an underlying condition. If you are concerned about your rash, contact Elite Dermatology to enlist the help of their team of board-certified dermatologists. Set an appointment online or call one of the Texas offices.
