Treating a Rash
Apr 03, 2018
A rash can be uncomfortable, distracting, and even painful, especially if you're unsure of its source or how to treat it. We see a lot of varying rashes at Shady READ MORE
Treating a Rash
A rash can be uncomfortable, distracting, and even painful, especially if you're unsure of its source or how to treat it. We see a lot of varying rashes at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD, and while most rashes are not serious, there are effective treatments available to help with the itching and dryness that often accompanies them. It is also important to prevent a secondary infection from forming. Below, are a few of the common reasons people develop skin rashes and how they're typically treated.
Allergic rashes
An allergy is the body's immune system overreacting to a stimulant. Often this response manifests as a rash on the skin; certain animals, metals, and chemicals are often the trigger. Your Rockville dermatologist usually suggests avoiding contact with the allergen to keep your skin rash at bay. In the meantime, the itching can be treated with a topical ointment. Oral antihistamines can also help to reduce the discomfort and to control the allergic response; these can be both over-the-counter and prescriptive, depending on your needs.
Bacterial rashes
Staph or strep-class bacteria can cause folliculitis or impetigo, both of which cause sores that can be widespread across the surface of the skin. These types of rashes tend to occur more often in children. Cellulitis is a condition that can occur around a previous wound, such as a surgical site, and causes a red, painful rash that penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics.
Other rashes
Psoriasis is a common rash that your Rockville dermatologist treats; it's an itchy and scaly rash that results from an overproduction of skin cells, usually on the scalp, knees, or elbows. It's not curable, but is often treated topically or with steroid injections; the goal is to encourage remission. Parasites, fungus, and viruses may also be characterized by a rash.
If you have an itchy, uncomfortable rash or any other skin-related problem, contact Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD for an appointment today!