Rashes

What are rashes?

Rashes are areas of skin irritation that often involve swelling, itching, and pain or discomfort. Sometimes, it’s easy to find out why you developed a rash: You may have switched to a new soap or detergent, or maybe your rash is a reaction to a known allergen like a type of food or pollen. 

If you’re not sure why you have a rash, or if a mild rash doesn’t go away, Dr. Collins can evaluate your symptoms at Heber Valley Dermatology. A rash can be a symptom of:

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Contact dermatitis
• Hives
• Allergic reactions
• Ringworm
• Shingles
• Chickenpox
• Staph infection
• Lupus
• Psoriasis

Dr. Collins takes note of your rashes features, like oozing, welts, bumps, or widespread redness. She performs a rash evaluation and may include additional tests if a physical exam alone isn’t conclusive. Other tests include patch tests, blood tests, and skin biopsies.

What are some common rash triggers?

If your rash doesn’t come from an underlying disease or condition, it may have appeared because of something in your environment. You might have an allergy to something you’ve touched or something you’ve eaten, or the trigger is a known irritant. 

If you develop a rash suddenly and unexpectedly, consider these possible triggers:

• Plants (e.g., poison ivy, poison oak)
• Chemicals 
• Cosmetics
• Fragrances
• Metals
• Sunlight
• Bodily fluids
• Insect stings or bites
• Food allergens (e.g., milk, eggs)

Allergy tests in the office at Heber Valley Dermatology can determine whether or not you have an allergy or if your skin is simply sensitive to the trigger. Finding out what triggers a rash for your skin can help you avoid getting the same rash in the future. 

How are rashes treated?

Stopping a rash from itching can be as simple as purchasing some over-the-counter medications or ointments. The less you scratch your rash, the less irritation you cause. Still, it can be very difficult to refrain from scratching such an itchy patch of skin. 

For more severe or persistent rashes, Dr. Collins can prescribe stronger products. Cortisone creams, pills, and shots can all reduce inflammation and provide relief for your rash. Antihistamines help relieve itching, and antibiotics can prevent a possible infection from an itchy rash. 

Phototherapy, an ultraviolet light treatment, is often effective in treating certain rashes like eczema. 

If you develop rashes as an allergic reaction, Dr. Collins can help you explore treatments for the underlying allergy. 

If you have a rash that appeared suddenly and doesn’t seem to go away, call either Heber Valley Dermatology office to schedule an appointment or book online today.