A skin rash is one of the most common skin conditions your dermatologist treats. A skin rash can develop occasionally and go away without treatment. A skin rash can also stay around and become a chronic problem which needs treatment.
A skin rash can take on many forms, including red, swollen bumps; painful, pus-filled cysts; and diffuse, surface-level redness.
A skin rash can also cover different parts of your body, including your face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and legs.
Some examples of occasional rashes include exposure to harsh chemicals, like alcohol; exposure to an allergen, like certain foods; environmental exposure, like poison ivy; and exposure to the elements, including wind, heat, and cold.
These types of rashes may be treated with antibiotics, if the rash has caused an infection; cortisone cream, to reduce itching; oral corticosteroids, to decrease redness, swelling, and itching; Aveeno or oatmeal baths, to reduce itching; and prescription antihistamines to decrease itching.
If your rash becomes chronic, it could be a sign of eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.
For a chronic rash due to an underlying medical condition, your dermatologist may recommend the same treatments listed above, along with laser light and heat therapy to fade away the rash, topical creams to reduce the appearance of blemishes, and prescription medications to reduce breakouts.
A skin rash is also associated with serious medical conditions like lupus erythematosus. For this reason, when you have a persistent rash, you should visit a skin specialist–your dermatologist. The dermatologist may want to order laboratory testing or take a small sample of tissue to be sent off for a biopsy.
Depending on the results, your dermatologist may refer you to another specialist for further evaluation and treatment, but it all begins with a visit to your dermatologist.
In addition to diagnosis and treatment of skin rashes, you should also visit your dermatologist for acne breakouts, early signs of aging, and moles and other skin growths.