Skin Rashes

What is a skin rash?

A skin rash causes your skin to become red, inflamed, and irritated. Rashes are caused by various things, including viruses, bacteria, and allergens. They can also be caused by skin problems, such as eczema. 

Most skin rashes last for a day or two and improve on their own. However, if your symptoms continue for longer and don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments, identifying the underlying cause is crucial. 

Are there different types of skin rashes?

Doctor’s Own Urgent Care treats several types of skin rashes, including:

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in contact with a substance it doesn’t like. Common irritants that cause contact dermatitis include soap, perfume, and jewelry. 

Eczema

Eczema is a chronic, non-contagious inflammatory skin condition that develops during infancy. It often improves as a child grows, but not always. Eczema runs in families and tends to affect people with allergies and asthma. 

Hives

Hives are large, red welts that form on the skin because of an allergic reaction. This type of rash is often triggered by insect bites or airborne allergens. 

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes a red, scaly rash. This type of rash typically forms on the elbows, knees, and scalp. There’s no cure for psoriasis, but it can be managed with medication and healthy lifestyle changes.

Viral rashes

Viral rashes are caused by viral infections, such as shingles and chickenpox. These rashes typically resolve after the vial infection is gone. 

How are skin rashes diagnosed?

Your Doctor’s Own Urgent Care provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines your skin. Then, they may order one or more tests:

Allergy tests

These tests expose your skin to several allergens, like latex and pollen. If your skin turns red, swells, or itches after exposure, it means you have an allergy. 

Blood tests

Some skin diseases cause antibodies to circulate in your blood. A blood test analyzes your blood for the presence of these antibodies and/or infections that could cause skin problems. 

Biopsy

During a biopsy, your provider collects a small skin sample and sends it to a nearby lab for testing. 

How are skin rashes treated?

Doctor’s Own Urgent Care treats skin rashes using a conservative approach. Your provider might suggest:

• Allergy medication to reduce inflammation and itching
• Anti-inflammatory creams
• Immunosuppressants to prevent an immune system response
• Steroids to reduce inflammation and itching
• Oatmeal baths
• Topical immunomodulators (medications that reduce your immune system’s allergy response)

The type of treatment that will most benefit you depends on the cause of your skin rash and the severity of your symptoms.

Call Doctor’s Own Urgent Care to schedule skin rashes treatment, or book your appointment online today.