Rashes & Rash Treatment in Dania, FL

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Rashes are changes in the skin‘s color or texture. Simple rashes are called dermatitis, which means the skin is inflamed or swollen. Some rashes are independent symptoms, but many cause itching, burning or other discomfort. There are a great many reasons for individuals to develop rashes.

Types of Rashes

Rashes occur for a variety of reasons, some relatively benign, some extremely serious. Many rashes look similar to one another so their causes may be difficult to diagnose.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is caused by an irritating substance. In some cases, the substance is universally irritating, like certain chemicals. In others, the irritation is the result of an allergen, such as latex, perfume, dye, or animal dander, that irritates only individuals with particular sensitivities. Plants like poison ivy and insect bites cause rashes in some individuals.

Allergic Rashes

Apart from contact dermatitis, patients may develop allergic rashes as a reaction to ingested allergens. Certain food stuffs and medications can trigger hives or other rashes in sensitive individuals.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis occurs when the skin forms red, scaly, flaking patches. Though most common on the face and on the head, where it is known as dandruff or cradle cap, the condition can also be evident in the outer ear, on the eyebrows or eyelashes, forehead, sides of the nose, or chest and upper back.

Viral or Bacterial Skin Conditions

Other skin conditions, like eczema, psoriasis, impetigo, or pityriasis rosea, frequently cause rashes. Each may be diagnosed by its pattern, whether the rash is flat or pustular, and on what part of the body it occurs, although distinguishing the rashes may at times be difficult.

Systemic Diseases

Many systemic diseases have rashes as one of their symptoms. These include disorders often characterized as childhood diseases, like measles, chicken pox, rubella and scarlet fever, shingles, a disease caused by the same virus that is responsible for chicken pox, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and some sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis.

Rashes Caused by Sun or Heat

Heat rash is a common ailment in infants, but can occur in individuals of any age, causing small red spots or bumps which may be itchy. This rash develops when the sweat ducts in the skin are clogged, interfering with the normal process of perspiration. Too much exposure to the sun to the ultraviolet light of tanning salons may also cause a rash on affected areas. This type of rash is sometimes referred to as "sun poisoning" but the scientific name for it is polymorphous light eruption or PMLE.

Stress Rashes

Under certain circumstances, some individuals may develop rashes from stress alone, without another precipitating cause.

Treatment of Rashes

When a rash is caused by an underlying condition or disease process, the patient must be treated for the pervasive disorder. When a rash is the result of a bacterial infection, it is treated with antibiotics. When a rash stems from a virus, it may be treated with antiviral medication. Allergic rashes are normally treated with antihistamines and, when more severe, with corticosteroids. In many cases, avoidance of contact with the irritating substance or material may be sufficient to help the rash abate.

Almost all rashes that cause itching can be treated symptomatically with one or more of the following: antihistamines, soothing lotions like Calamine, topical or oral corticosteroids, baths with colloidal oatmeal, moisturizing creams or cold compresses. Wearing soft, loose clothing and taking over-the-counter pain relievers may also provide relief.

FAQ

What Causes Rashes to Occur?

Rashes can occur for a variety of reasons. In most cases, they are usually caused by an allergic reaction. However, there are other factors that can contribute to the formation of rashes.

These factors include the following:

  • Age
  • Stress
  • Having oily skin
  • Not using enough shampoo
  • Using a lotion that contains alcohol
  • Having a skin infection
  • Having a virus
  • Having a skin condition, such as eczema

Rashes are very common and are not usually serious. There are specific types of rashes that can be life-threatening, such as toxic epidermal necrolysis, but they are incredibly rare.

How Can I Prevent Rashes From Forming?

Despite having a number of causes, there are many ways you can prevent rashes from occurring. The most common way to prevent a rash is to avoid potential triggers. Rashes are usually caused by allergens, like being exposed to dust, dander, and pollen. In addition, allergies can affect everyone differently, so it is important to know which one is triggering the rash.

Another way to prevent a rash is to use hypo-allergenic products, like soaps and lotions. A lot of these products contain ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction. For example, a fragranced soap can potentially cause a rash. Before purchasing the product, check the ingredients list to see if it has what you are allergic to. Alternatively, you can always purchase a fragrance-free and hypo-allergenic product.

Sharing personal items and clothing is another potential cause of rashes. Everyone has different bacteria, especially if the person in question has a virus that causes a rash. Wash your hands very thoroughly if you come into contact with an allergen.

Schedule an Appointment

If you are looking for rash treatment in Dania, FL, Dania Dermatology is here to help. Contact us at 954-807-9433 to schedule your appointment today.

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