Rash

What is a rash?

A rash is an area of skin irritation that develops because of some irritant, infection, or another trigger. Some rashes come with chronic conditions, while others come with acute conditions. They vary in how and where they appear based on your circumstances, but common symptoms of rashes include:

• Redness
• Hives
• Irritation
• Pain or burning
• Itching

Some rashes develop cracks, especially when you scratch them, leaving your skin prone to infections from bacteria or viruses entering the cuts. This is one reason why it’s important to try your best not to scratch a rash even if the itching is severe. 

How did I get a rash?

There are many conditions that cause rashes as well as triggers that set the stage for rashes to appear on your skin. You might get frequent rashes because of an underlying condition like eczema or psoriasis. Each of these conditions can flare up with triggers too. 

Generally, common triggers for rashes include:

• Stress
• Insect bites or stings
• Allergens (e.g. chemicals, latex, animal dander)
• Heat
• Pressure on your skin
• Sweating
• Vibration
• Sunlight

The team at Dermatology Associates of Western Pennsylvania examines your rash and notes its features. They also review your medical history in search of possible causes or contributing factors to your skin irritation. 

How are rashes treated?

Once the team at Dermatology Associates of Western Pennsylvania makes a diagnosis, they recommend appropriate treatments for the type of rash you have. Often, one of the most effective ways to prevent a rash in the first place is to identify the triggers that tend to cause your rashes and avoid them to the best of your ability. 

Many treatments can help reduce the inflammation of a rash to calm your skin. The team at Dermatology Associates of Western Pennsylvania may recommend topical or oral medications. Phototherapy can also help with rashes because ultraviolet (UV) light helps calm irritated skin from eczema, psoriasis, and other rash-causing conditions. 

For more information on rashes, what causes them, and how to treat them, schedule an appointment over the phone or request one online at Dermatology Associates of Western Pennsylvania today.