While a sudden rash can be a startling condition, some rashes clear up on their own without the need for medical intervention. However, other
rashes may be signs of other conditions or a serious allergic reaction. Find out when you should be concerned about a rash, when you should contact your doctor and how rashes are treated with Dr. David Thomas and Dr. Margaret Hobson Dupree at North County Dermatology Center in Encinitas, CA.
Common Rashes
While a rash can be a concerning condition, knowing how to identify some common rashes can help you determine if you should contact your doctor. Some of the most common rashes include:
- Atopic Dermatitis: This rash manifests itself as red bumps and is also referred to as eczema. While the cause of atopic dermatitis is not known, it is thought to be linked to allergies.
- Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis can look like a red patch or a scaly rash. This type of rash occurs when the skin comes into contact with something that causes a reaction, such as an allergen like latex or poison oak.
- Heat Rash: These red or clear, fluid-filled bumps occur when the flow of sweat becomes blocked, usually due to hot and humid weather and friction with clothing.
- Psoriasis: This condition occurs when the skin’s cells reproduce too quickly and cause scaly patches of red, irritated skin. These patches are often dry, painful and thick.
- Rosacea: This common skin rash causes redness in the facial area and sometimes causes raised, red bumps. While there is no cure for rosacea, there are treatments to help deal with the symptoms.
Rash Treatments in Encinitas, CA
Treating skin rashes depends on your diagnosis and your condition. Many treatments begin with topical ointments, steroid creams, or cortisone creams applied to the area of the rash to help reduce symptoms and clear up the rash. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter treatments and, if those treatments fail to produce results, prescribe prescription-strength versions. Some rashes may require pills or lifestyle changes like avoiding the sun or humidity. Your dermatologist can help you determine the best course of treatment for you and your rash.
For more information on rashes or their treatments, please contact Dr. David Thomas and Dr. Margaret Hobson Dupree at North County Dermatology Center in Encinitas, CA. Call today 760 230-2805. Same day appointments usually available.