Rashes

There are a variety of reasons why you may have a rash. From the foods you eat to the plants that you come into contact with, these instances and more could provoke a rash. In order to know if you should be seen by a medical professional, you need to first understand what your rash could be. 

Eczema 

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, most commonly occurs in people with asthma or allergies. This skin disorder causes itching scaly, red rashes that affect the neck, wrists, cheeks, ankles, inner elbows, and inner knees. Oftentimes a doctor will prescribe hydrocortisone as rash treatment for a patient suffering from eczema. On their own, however, a person with this rash can make sure to moisturize their skin and avoid scratching.

Seborrheic eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis, can occur in babies (referred to as crib cap) and adults. This type of eczema will cause red, scale-like rashes on the scalp, as well as dandruff. This skin disorder can also affect the nose, mouth, and ears. 

Rosacea 

This skin rash is chronic, therefore it goes through stages of remission and relapse. These relapses can not only be triggered by a specific intestinal bacteria, but can also be triggered by spicy foods, alcoholic drinks, stress, and sunlight. Rosacea often appears on the skin as a flushed rash with raised bumps. Patients with this disorder cannot heal their condition, but they can apply topical creams to help with their breakouts. 

Hives

Hives are commonly caused by allergic reactions to certain foods, medication, insect stings, and sunlight exposure. Hives appear as itchy red bumps and occur quite suddenly. If you have experienced hives after consuming a particular food, medication or after receiving a particular insect sting, you may want to look into being seen about a possible allergy. Hives can be treated topically, but if you have an allergy that is causing these hives, you would do best to avoid the trigger for these reactions. 

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Contact Dermatitis 

Contact dermatitis is another skin rash that occurs from particular allergens. This skin rash can appear hours or days after encountering an allergen. Contact dermatitis appears where your skin touched the allergy and makes the skin look raw, scaly, and red. This skin condition can blister and is treated with steroid creams or oral medication. 

Ringworm 

Ringworm is caused by a parasite that resembles mold. This parasite lives on the outer layer of your skin and can easily spread when you make contact with another person’s skin. Ringworm appears as a raised, red circular ring with normal skin in the middle of the ring.  This parasite can be contracted from pets, people who are infected, soil, and objects coated in fungus. Antifungal cream is the best way to treat ringworm, depending on how severe it is. 

Diaper Rash 

As the name implies, diaper rash is found in infants who have worn a dirty diaper for too long. This skin rash often consists of red, swollen patches and causes a baby distress. Keeping a baby’s diaper clean and dry is the best method of preventing diaper rash. When dealing with a diaper rash, hydrocortisone, antifungal creams, antibiotics will help to clear up the rash. 

When to See a Medical Professional 

While some rashes may appear to be manageable, others require immediate medical attention. If your rash has appeared suddenly or all over your body, you may have had an allergic reaction or have an infection. If you have a fever with your rash, you may also be showing signs of an allergic reaction or infection. 

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For quick, attentive help, BASS Primary Care offers its services throughout the day and through some of the evening. We are equipped to help you find the correct skin rash treatment to relieve your irritation and are always ready to receive patients. With us, you can find a quick, efficient diagnosis and treatment for your rash.