What Is Causing My Skin Rash?

What Is Causing My Skin Rash?

A skin rash. It's unsightly, itchy and uncomfortable, and you want to be rid of it. Of course, you want to know what is causing it, too. At Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD, your skin rash will be diagnosed and treated by our expert board-certified dermatologists. They value patient education. So they'll tell you how to prevent this bothersome condition and help your skin look and feel its best.

Skin rash symptoms

Along with varying symptoms such as redness, blisters, bumps and swelling, many skin rashes cause uncomfortable itching. Some rashes, such as allergic hives, appear suddenly, while others develop more slowly. Also, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says that skin rashes can be caused by something internal--a response to medication or food for instance.

Other skin conditions happen because of contact with something such as an insect (a bee sting or mite bite), irritant (detergent or fabric), plant (poison ivy or oak) or bacteria (Streptococcus). Whatever the cause, Dr. Josef Yeager, Dr. Sanders Berk, Dr. Thomas Keahey or Dr. Caroline Yeager will inspect the area involved and provide relief and management for your condition.

Common skin rash causes and remedies

The following items can cause our skin to react with a visible rash:

• Heat: Also called Miliaria, a bumpy, red heat rash appears in a baby's diaper areas or in the skin folds under an adult's arms, breasts or upper thighs. Cool compresses, loosely fitting clothing and exposing the rash to the air help dry and heal it.
• Allergy: People prone to allergies and asthma develop hives (raised itchy blisters) or ectopic dermatitis, a scaly raised rash. Chlorine in municipal water systems and swimming pools commonly causes sensitive skin to react with an outpouring of histamines. Animal dander, sun exposure, cold weather and excessively dry air (from forced air furnaces) precipitate dermatitis and hives. Hives can occur suddenly during periods of stress as well. Avoiding the allergen is important as is application of over the counter moisturizers or topical hydrocortisone creams.
• Fungus: Rashes nicknamed jock itch or athlete's foot originate in a fungus spread in moist environments such as locker rooms, showers and pool decks. Antifungal preparations such as Lamasil usually clear the bumpy, itchy patches when applied properly.
• Insects: Mites, bedbugs, bees and other annoying bugs disrupt skin integrity. Scabies comes from mites and requires prescription medication.

Preventing skin rashes in Rockville

The team at Shady Grove Dermatology recommends common sense precautions to help you avoid skin rashes:

• Avoid what you are allergic to--woolen fabrics, harsh detergents, latex gloves.
• Cover up when you are outside to prevent poison ivy and insect bites. Don't wear perfume or aromatic deodorants when going in the woods.
• Wear loose fitting, breathable clothing on hot days and in the gym.
• Keep your skin clean and dry. Use moisturizing cream on areas of very dry skin.

Come see us

If you are suffering from a skin rash or have other concerns, please contact Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD for an appointment. Call (240) 246-7417. We can help you have your best skin ever.