Do Rashes Typically Go Away on Their Own?

You probably know the uncomfortable itch and irritation of a skin rash. Just about everyone gets one at some point in their lives, and they typically clear up within a week or two, but not always.

Are you wondering whether your rash will go away on its own? It really depends on what’s making your skin react. 

At Shady Grove Dermatology, our expert medical team can help you find answers and relief. Read on to learn which rashes you can handle at home and which ones need professional care.

Minor rashes: when to wait it out

Most minor rashes are short-lived and often improve on their own without professional medical care. These rashes are usually triggered by exposure to irritants or allergens. Here are some examples:

Irritant contact dermatitis

This kind of rash occurs when your skin comes into contact with something that damages its outer layer, such as harsh soaps, cleaning chemicals, or even excessive rubbing. 

Irritant contact dermatitis typically appears as red, dry patches of skin that may crack or blister. It should go away fairly quickly, as long as you avoid repeated exposure to the trigger.

Allergic contact dermatitis

If your skin is sensitive to a particular substance, like nickel in jewelry or fragrances in lotions, you can develop allergic contact dermatitis. It usually causes an itchy, red rash, and you may notice small blisters or mild swelling. The rash may appear several days after exposure to the allergen.

In rare cases, allergic reactions can be severe. If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, or dizziness, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Heat rash

Heat rashes happen when your sweat ducts are blocked and sweat accumulates beneath the skin, causing small, red bumps or tiny blisters. It’s more common in hot, humid weather, and usually disappears once you cool down.

When to seek a professional opinion

If your rash is playing the long game — persisting for more than a week or constantly reappearing — it could be a sign of a chronic skin condition like eczema (atopic dermatitis) or psoriasis. 

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects as many as 8 million Americans. It causes painful, scaly patches of skin in response to triggers such as stress, injury, infection, or certain medications.

Eczema typically develops in childhood and causes lifelong skin sensitivity. This makes the skin react strongly to things like dry air, certain fabrics, soaps, or detergents. Stress and hormones can also play a role. 

While there’s no definitive cure for these conditions, we can help you identify your triggers and provide solutions to alleviate symptoms. We offer a range of effective treatments for eczema and psoriasis, including phototherapy, injections, topical formulas, and oral medications.

If your rash is accompanied by a fever or severe pain, is spreading rapidly, or is showing signs of infection, like pus, warmth, or redness, call us right away. These signs may indicate a potentially serious medical condition like cellulitis, shingles, or a drug reaction.

Are you worried about a persistent or recurring rash? Make an appointment at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, Maryland, online or by phone, for expert diagnosis and personalized care.