Find out how to treat your rash at home, as well as when a rash may require medical attention. Rashes come in all different shapes, sizes, textures, and colors. Some READ MORE
Find out how to treat your rash at home, as well as when a rash may require medical attention.
Rashes come in all different shapes, sizes, textures, and colors. Some are intensely itchy while others may burn or hurt. While rashes are typically innocuous and self-limiting, certain rashes may appear as a result of a serious underlying issue. It’s important to recognize when it’s time to turn to our Rockville, MD, dermatologists for your skin rash.
Causes of a Skin Rash
There are countless issues that can lead to a rash. Some of them include:
- Allergies
- Insect bites and stings (e.g., tick bites)
- Bacterial or viral infections (e.g., shingles, chickenpox, measles)
- Heat rash
- Stress
- Certain skin problems (e.g., eczema, rosacea, yeast infections)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus)
- Drug reaction
- Scarlet fever (more common in children)
At-Home Care Tips
Most rashes will clear up on their own. Some simple ways to ease any discomfort you may experience with your rash include:
- Applying cold compresses to the area to reduce itching and swelling
- Soaking in an oatmeal bath, which can soothe red, itchy skin
- Not scratching the rash, as it could lead to infection
- Applying calamine lotion if your rash is itchy
- Applying over-the-counter anti-fungal cream to the rash if the rash is caused by a fungal infection (e.g., athlete’s foot, ringworm)
- Using a hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation and itching caused by eczema
When to See a Doctor
It’s important when to recognize that your rash needs more than just a little at-home care. It’s time to turn to our Rockville, MD, dermatologists if your skin rash:
- Covers the majority of your body
- Is very painful
- Develops blisters or sores
- Develops pus, swelling, skin that’s warm to the touch, and other signs of infection
- Isn’t responding to at-home care
- Is accompanied by a fever
- Oozes yellow or green liquid
- Continues to spread
- Is accompanied by tongue or throat swelling or trouble breathing (signs of an allergic reaction)
Our Rockville, MD, dermatologists have treated a wide range of skin rashes in patients from children to older adults. If a rash has you concerned, play it safe and call Shady Grove Dermatology today at (240) 246-7417.