Your Rash Could Be A Sign Of Something More

While normally nothing to worry about, rashes could be your body alerting you to an allergen or a sign of an underlying condition. However, recognizing the difference between a harmless rash and something more severe is often unclear. Learn how to tell when your rash could be the sign of something more with your doctor at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD.

What causes a rash? 
Rashes are defined as a sudden or abnormal change in the skin. Some of the more common reasons for rashes include:

• Eczema: Eczema causes the skin to become inflamed, irritated, itchy, red and scaly. This condition occurs in children and adults and has no known cause though many people with eczema also have asthma or seasonal allergies.
• Hives: Hives are a rash that causes the skin to swell and become itchy and pink or red. The skin may also sting or burn. Most cases of hives last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Most cases of hives occur due to allergic reactions.
• Contact Dermatitis: This condition occurs due to an allergen irritating the skin. Many cosmetics or medications cause contact dermatitis. The condition presents itself as redness, bumps, blisters and general skin irritation.
• Psoriasis: This autoimmune disease causes the skin to become flaky, scaly and thick and occurs in patches. The patches become silvery with scales and can occur anywhere on the body.
• Heat Rash: Also called prickly heat, heat rash occurs when sweat blocks the pores and occurs most often where skin rubs skin and causes friction. The condition produces small red bumps which may sting or itch.

When should I see a Rockville doctor? 
Many rashes will go away on their own within a few days. However, you have fever, joint pain, headaches, sore throat or a swollen tongue, you should seek immediate medical attention. See your doctor if your rash does not go away with a week, is painful, is infected, begins to grow and cover a large area, your daily activities are affected or your skin begins peeling, changing colors or swelling.

For more information on rashes, please contact Dr. Josef Yeager, Dr. Caroline Yeager, Dr. Sanders Berk and Dr. Thomas Keahey at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD. Call (240) 246-7417 to schedule your appointment for an examination today!