If your skin is red and irritated, your first instinct may be to treat it with over-the-counter creams. Though this may clear up some skin rashes, if your skin is still irritated or you have concerns about your rash, the board-certified dermatologists at Elite Dermatology in Houston, Fulshear, Kingwood, Vintage Park, Pearland and the Heights, TX can diagnose and treat your rash. Call today or schedule an appointment online.
Rash FAQs
What is a rash?
A rash is usually a symptom of a medical condition, such as an allergy, or is caused by a substance that’s irritating to your skin.
Rash symptoms vary and may include:
- Red and irritated skin
- Dry, scaly skin
- Blistering
- Dry patches
- Itchy areas
Rashes can occur immediately or take several days to develop. Most rashes go away fairly quickly; however, certain types of rashes are chronic and require regular treatment.
When should I go to the doctor for my rash?
To be safe you should always have your rash evaluated by the board-certified dermatologists at Elite Dermatology, but there are certain symptoms that require immediate attention, such as:
- Rash that covers your entire body
- Fever with the rash
- Painful blistering or infection
You should also call the team at Elite Dermatology right away if your rash developed suddenly and spread quickly.
What kind of rash do I have?
There are many different types of rashes, and the skin experts at Elite Dermatology need to evaluate your rash to determine the type and best treatment.
Contact dermatitis
One of the most common types of rashes usually caused by an irritant touching your skin such as poison ivy, certain types of soaps, or makeup. Causes your skin to become itchy and red.
Ringworm
A fungal infection that causes itchy, red, scaly skin. Ringworm is contagious and spread by skin-to-skin contact.
Development of thick, silvery, dry patches on your skin that can also sometimes be painful.
Lichen planus
Formation of itchy, purple blotches on your skin. It’s caused by an inflammatory condition that affects your mucus membranes.
Eczema, rosacea, and shingles are also types of rashes that the skin experts at Elite Dermatology can diagnose and treat to relieve symptoms.
How can I treat my rash?
Treatment for your skin rash depends on the cause. Some common treatments the team at Elite Dermatology may recommend include cortisone cream, antihistamine, or phototherapy.
The team may also make recommendations on how to care for your skin at home to reduce symptoms, such as:
- Limiting stress
- Moisturizing
- Avoiding the skin irritant
- Using hypoallergenic products
- Limiting your exposure to extremes in temperature
- Regular use of sunblock
If you have concerns about a rash on your skin, the dermatology experts at Elite Dermatology can diagnose and treat your skin condition. Call today, or schedule an appointment online.
