Which Types Of Doctors Treat Rashes
Dermatologists are best equipped to diagnose and treat most rashes, especially those that require biopsy or special tests. Unfortunately, there may be quite a delay in obtaining a dermatologist consult in some areas. For that reason, most primary-care physicians , as well as those who work in urgent care and emergency departments, will be the first to see a patient’s rash and, in many cases, can make accurate diagnoses and advise effective treatment. Allergists treat many rashes also, especially those related to hives. Occasionally, an infectious-disease specialist may be involved in the treatment of rashes caused by severe or unusual infections. Medical or surgical oncologists may have a role when a skin rash is due directly or indirectly to an underlying cancer.
Immediate Action Required: Call 999 Or Go To A& e Now If:
Your child is unwell with a rash and has any of these symptoms:
- a high temperature
- difficulty breathing , breathlessness, or they’re breathing very fast
- a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when you press a glass against it
- their skin, lips or tongue look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
On brown and black skin, it may be easier to see the rash or colour changes on the soles of the feet, palms, lips, tongue and inside the eyelids.
Rash Due To Parasites
One of the most common rashes from a parasite infection is scabies.Scabies is produced by a small mite . This mite is usually contracted by prolonged contact with another infected individual. The mite lives in the superficial layers of human skin. It does not produce symptoms until the host becomes allergic to it, which occurs about three weeks after the initial infection. It can resemble eczema. Bedbugs cause a series of eruptions where they pierce the skin.
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What Are The Different Types Of Rashes
While there are many different types, rashes may basically be divided into two types: infectious or noninfectious.
Noninfectious rashes include eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, drug eruptions, rosacea, hives , dry skin , and allergic dermatitis. Many noninfectious rashes are typically treated with corticosteroid creams and/or pills. Even a noncontagious, noninfectious rash can cause discomfort and anxiety.
Infection-associated rashes, such as ringworm , impetigo, Staphylococcus, scabies, herpes, chickenpox, and shingles, are treated by treating the underlying cause. Infectious agents that can cause a rash include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
Determining the specific cause of rash usually requires a description of the skin rash, including its shape, arrangement, distribution, duration, symptoms, and history. All of these factors are important in identifying the correct diagnosis. Accurate information about past treatments, successful and unsuccessful, is very important. Treatments that work may be a clue to the cause of the rash, may mask symptoms, or change the appearance, making a definite diagnosis harder. Sometimes good quality pictures of an earlier stage of the rash may aid diagnosis.
There are some rashes that only appear in association with pregnancy, either during pregnancy or even after the delivery of the baby. Most of these are not serious but can be very irritating.
Skin Rashes In Children
Childhood rashes are common and aren’t usually a cause for concern. Most rashes are harmless and disappear without the need for treatment.
However, see your GP if your child has a rash and seems unwell, or if you’re worried. They’ll be able to investigate the cause and recommend any necessary treatment.
This page may give you a better idea about what could be causing the rash, but don’t use this to self-diagnose your child’s condition always see a GP for a proper diagnosis.
The most common causes of rashes in children are:
Although meningitis has become less common over recent years, it’s important to be aware of the rash and the other signs and symptoms of meningitis.
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Check If You Have Heat Rash
The symptoms of heat rash are:
- small, raised spots
- an itchy, prickly feeling
The rash often looks red, but this may be less obvious on brown or black skin.
The symptoms of heat rash are often the same in adults and children.
It can appear anywhere on the body and spread, but it cannot be passed on to other people.
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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Clinical Presentation: Petechiae on the palms or soles
Principal age group: Any age
Cause: Tick-borne bacteria called Rickettsia rickettsii
Course: One to two weeks
Rocky Mountain spotted fever classically presents with rash, headache, and fever that occurs after a recent tick bite.
With Rocky Mountain spotted fever, older children and adults first develop a headache, followed by pains and aches in the muscles and joints.
Although Rocky Mountain spotted fever is found throughout the United States, it is most common in the southern Atlantic and south central states. It is also found in Oklahoma. Typically, people are infected with Rocky Mountain spotted fever during warm months of the year when ticks are active.
Several steps can be taken to prevent tick bites, including the following:
- Wearing long-sleeved clothing
- Using clothing and gear that is treated with permethrin
- Performing tick checks on yourself and pets
- Showering as soon as you return home from a wooded area
The rash is first maculopapular and occurs on the wrists and ankles. The rash then spreads to the body where it manifests as petechiae. Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet count, is common with Rocky Mountain spotted fever and causes petechiae.
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Who Is At Risk For Diaper Rash
As many as one in three children develop diaper rash. Breast-fed babies are at lower risk, due to reduced acidity in their diets. All infants and toddlers who wear diapers can develop diaper rash. Usually, diaper rash does not become a problem until the age of three weeks. Risk is highest for babies between three months and one year old.
Occasionally, diaper rash is passed from infant to infant.
Rashes From Bites And Stings
Bites and stings usually cause pain and slight swelling, but they can cause a severe skin reaction in some people, particularly if they are allergic to stings. Sometimes the reaction is localised to swelling at the site of the bite or sting. This may be many centimetres wide but gradually goes away over a few days.
In some people the reaction to the bite or sting affects their whole body and can cause itchy skin anywhere on the body, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, and upper airway, a fast heart rate and low blood pressure.
A severe allergic reaction affecting the whole body is called anaphylaxis and is a medical emergency.
Read more about bites and stings.
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What Are Treatment Options For A Rash
In general, most noninfectious rashes are usually treated symptomatically and often with cortisone creams and/or pills. Infection-associated rashes are frequently treated by addressing the underlying infection. Some treatments, such as oatmeal baths, may help control the itching of both infectious and noninfectious rashes.
Infectious Rashes
- Tinea or ringworm infections of the skin, hair, and nails are treated by topical and/or oral antifungal medications like terbinafine.
- Candida infections are treated with topical antifungal medications like clotrimazole and sometimes with oral antifungal drugs like fluconazole . Nystatin will not treat ringworm, nor will griseofulvin treat yeast.
- Atypical fungal infections, including cryptococcosis, aspergillosis, and histoplasmosis, are generally treated with an oral or intravenous course of special antifungal medications.
Noninfectious Rashes
Raised Itchy Spots Or Patches
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Raised, itchy patches or spots could be caused by an allergic reaction .
Hives can usually be treated at home. But call 999 if there’s swelling around your child’s mouth or they’re struggling to breathe.
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One Study Found That A Rash Was The Only Symptom Of Covid
In the beginning days of the pandemic, there was a focus on three main signs of COVID-19: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. But as experts began to understand the disease better, it became clear that many health changes could indicate someone has the virusloss of taste or smell, diarrhea, and headache, just to name a few. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists many symptoms that may signal a COVID-19 infection. The list is not exhaustive, though, and the CDC says it will continue to update the list as they learn more about the disease.
Skin rashes are a potential sign of COVID-19 that aren’t included on the list.
Science Photo Library / Getty Images
According to a 2021 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, there is an association between skin rashes and a positive COVID-19 swab test result. Researchers determined that by looking at information from 336,847 people in the UK who had uploaded their health history, including any COVID-19 test results and symptoms, to the COVID Symptom Study app. The app data showed that, among those who had a positive swab test result, 8.8% also reported skin-related changes. And of those, 6.8% reported body rashes and 3.1% acral rashes .
Identifying Other Rashes Not Related To Dermatitis
Although inflamed skin is a symptom of many types of rashes, not all rashes are a form of dermatitis.
Skin can become irritated by the seasons and temperature changes. You may also notice skin changes when youre more stressed than usual. Rashes are also symptoms of some illnesses, like autoimmune conditions.
Lets explore more of these causes in detail.
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Rash : The 5 Most Common Types Of Skin Rashes
Skin rashes can occur because of a variety of factors including heat, infections, medications and environment stimulants. Here is a rundown of the most common types of skin rashes.
Atopic Dermatitis
Also known as Eczema, atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease in children. It is rare for adults to develop atopic dermatitis. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 90% of people get atopic dermatitis before the age of 5. About 50% of people who get atopic dermatitis during childhood continue to have milder signs as an adult. If a child gets atopic dermatitis, it will show as dry and scaly patches, often located on the scalp, forehead and face. This type of rash is extremely itchy, but scratching can lead to skin infection. While treatment for atopic dermatitis cannot cure it, it can control it. Your local Forefront Dermatologist will work with you to create a treatment plan that often includes medicine, skincare and lifestyle changes.
Contact Dermatitis
Shingles
Swimmers Itch
Pityriasis Rosea
When to Seek Treatment
Your Local Skincare Experts at Forefront Dermatology are Here to Help
If you have concerns about the health or appearance of your skin, schedule a visit with your local Forefront board-certified dermatologist or esthetician to discuss how we can help.
Need Help Clearing Up A Rash
Whatever type of rash you have, the knowledgeable team at U.S. Dermatology Partners can help you relieve itch and irritation and clear up skin. When youre ready to get started, simply take a few moments to complete our scheduling request form. A local team member will be in touch to answer your questions and finalize all the details of your visit.
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Things To Know About A Rash
- Rash is not a specific diagnosis. Instead, it refers to any sort of inflammation and/or discoloration that distorts the skin’s normal appearance.
- Some dermatologists have reported cases of so-called “COVID toe” in both adults and children.
- Infections that cause rashes may be fungal, bacterial, parasitic, or viral.
- Over-the-counter products may be helpful treatments for many skin rashes.
- Rashes lasting more than a few days that are unexplained should be evaluated by a doctor.
What Causes Diaper Rash
Diaper rash occurs when someone sits too long in a soiled diaper. Diarrhea can exacerbate the problem. Sometimes a child will first experience diaper rash when beginning solid food or taking antibiotics. Breast-fed children can develop diarrhea from what is passed on by their mothers diet.
Babies soil diapers every three to four hours, so its important to keep them changed. The acidic nature of human waste allows bacteria and yeast to thrive. All of these elements can irritate the skin.
Sometimes, diapers that are too tight or that dont fit properly will cause chafing. Chemicals from detergents or other products that touch the babys skin, including the diapers themselves, can cause irritation.
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What Are The Complications Of A Skin Rash
Theyre bothersome and unsightly, but skin rashes usually respond well to treatment. They rarely cause serious problems. Potential issues include:
- Anaphylaxis: A severe allergic reaction can cause a skin rash and a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis. Extreme swelling from anaphylaxis can close air passages. People in anaphylaxis need an immediate epinephrine injection to counteract this allergic response. If youve ever felt your throat or mouth swelling when you get a rash, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to carry an EpiPen®.
- Infection: Scratching an itchy rash can break open the skin, allowing germs to get in. Scratching puts you at risk for developing a bacterial skin infection.
Causes Of Skin Rashes
Because there are so many types of rashes, there are many reasons why they develop. Usually, a skin rash forms when you encounter something that leads to an allergic reaction or infection. Lotions, soaps, cleaning products, pollen, or animal dander are some of the common allergens that lead to an allergic reaction and a rash or hives on the body. Patients who have allergies, sensitive skin, hay fever, or asthma are most likely to develop a skin rash.
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When To Call Your Healthcare Provider
While most skin rashes are not life-threatening, a rash can sometimes mean something more serious is happening in your body.
If you have a rash and notice any of the following symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider for an evaluation:
- The rash hurts.
- The rash comes and goes.
- The rash is made up of blisters or open sores, or the sores affect the skin around your eyes, mouth, or genitals.
- The rash prevents you from getting sleep or interferes with your daily activities.
In some cases, a rash can be a sign of a life-threatening condition. Should you notice any of the following, call 911 or go to the emergency room:
- The rash is all over your body or is spreading rapidly. This could mean you are having an allergic reaction.
- The rash is painful, oozing pus, swollen, warm to the touch, or there is a red streak coming from the rash. These are signs that the rash is infected.
- The rash is accompanied by a fever, which could mean you have an infection. It can also be a sign of a disease such as herpes, measles, shingles, or mononucleosis.
- The rash is accompanied by dizziness, difficulty breathing, vomiting, a stiff neck, or any other unusual or worrisome symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms Of Diaper Rash
Diaper rash causes the skin to look red and irritated. Affected skin may also feel warm to the touch. Parents and caregivers should call a doctor if a bright red diaper rash lasts longer than 48 hours or is accompanied by a strong odor of urine, which may indicate dehydration .
Other times to seek medical help include when rashes form blisters or become weepy, or if the baby develops a fever .
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Is Heat Rash Eczema
No. Heat rash is not dermatitis but rather a temperature-sensitive condition called miliaria.
The small, red heat rashes typically found on the neck, groin, armpits and underneath the breasts are actually confined elevations of the skin, called papules. Nevertheless, they are skin rashes that can itch.
Miliaria is caused by blocks in your sweat glands, forcing sweat to leak deeper into the skin and provoke an inflammatory responsehence the redness.
This is why miliaria occurs more often in hot, dry climates and in children. Treating it is as easy as wearing lighter clothing to better regulate ones temperature or applying calamine lotion.
What Is Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
An estimated 2 out of 3 people with lupus develop a skin disease called cutaneous lupus erythematosus . The word cutaneous means skin. People with CLE develop skin rashes or sores, typically on sun-exposed parts of their body.
Some people have CLE alone, while others have CLE along with a different type of lupus. In about 1 in 5 people first diagnosed with CLE, the disease progresses to systemic lupus erythematosus . SLE is the most common type of lupus.
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