Rashes

If you’re experiencing any changes in the color or texture of your skin, then you may have developed a rash.

About

Rashes

What triggers a rash? Rashes can arise from various sources and may indicate either a temporary condition or an underlying health issue.

Common causes of rashes include:

Dermatitis – Dermatitis, a straightforward rash, inflames the skin due to exposure to irritants like specific soaps or poison ivy. Dana Point Dermatology provides allergy testing for pinpointing the exact cause of your breakout.

Seborrheic dermatitis – Seborrheic dermatitis, a benign rash, manifests as scaly patches on the face or body trunk. Dandruff is a form affecting the scalp.

Eczema – Eczema results in a red, itchy, scaly rash, often occurring in individuals with asthma or allergies.

Psoriasis – Psoriasis accelerates skin cell growth, leading to thick, scaly patches.

Molluscum Contagiosum – Molluscum is caused by a harmless virus that results in small bumps appearing on the skin in children.  For more information, visit: skinbumpgone.com

Additional causes of rashes include insect bites, medications, and certain infectious diseases like various bacteria and fungal infections.

Patch testing:

Patch testing is a crucial procedure for pinpointing specific allergens responsible for skin rashes. It assesses the immune system’s reaction to various substances. This test is particularly indicated for individuals with chronic rashes on areas such as the hands, feet, face, or eyelids.
 
Preparation information: It’s important that patients know that patch testing is a time-intensive procedure, requiring at least three visits within a designated week. Patients should avoid showering, exercising, and exposure to extreme heat and humidity. Patients should also be aware that positive reactions may cause itching and discomfort. A typical schedule for the testing might look like this (with most appointments lasting about 20-30 minutes): On Monday, patches are applied to the upper back; on Wednesday, the patches are removed and an initial reading is taken 30 minutes later; on Friday, a further assessment is conducted; and on the following Monday, additional evaluation occurs. Patients do not need to discontinue any medications during the process.   

Rashes Q & A

Rashes refer to changes in the color, texture, or feel of your skin. Rashes can be red, bumpy, scaly, and itchy. 

While the changes to your skin may not be life-threatening, they can cause bothersome symptoms that can affect your quality of life. 

Rashes develop from a range of causes and can be an acute condition or the sign of a chronic health problem. Common causes include:

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a simple rash that causes inflammation of your skin. These rashes usually develop due to contact with a substance that irritates your skin, such as a certain type of soap or poison ivy.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a harmless rash that causes scaly patches of skin on various areas of your face or the trunk of your body. Dandruff is a type of seborrheic dermatitis that affects your scalp.

Eczema

Eczema causes a red, itchy, scaly rash. This type of rash is commonly seen in people with asthma and allergies.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes your skin cells to grow at a rapid pace, creating thick, scaly patches of skin. You can also develop a rash from an insect bite or medication. Certain health conditions, such as chickenpox and measles, also cause rashes.

You may be able to treat your rash with an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. However, if your rash isn’t improving or you have other symptoms, such as a fever or joint pain, then you should contact the team at Dana Point Dermatology to schedule an evaluation. 

You should also contact the team if your rash is an ongoing problem that’s affecting your quality of life.

The team can evaluate your rash and may conduct a biopsy of the tissue to determine the cause, which can help direct your treatment.

Treatment for rashes depends on the underlying cause. The skin care experts at Dana Point Dermatology develop personalized treatment plans based on the cause, the severity of your symptoms, and your overall health. Treatment may include topical or oral medication, as well as a skin regimen aimed at easing your symptoms.

For an evaluation of your rash from a skilled team of skin experts, call Dana Point Dermatology today. 

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