Rashes

The causes of rashes vary widely. Symptoms of many rashes are similar, often making them a challenge to diagnose. Because the causes are numerous, they are also often difficult to treat. Often rashes will disappear on their own in several days or may be relieved with simple lotions and creams.

If you suffer from a rash, our skilled providers will try to determine the cause by asking questions about what you may have been exposed to and what your family health history entails.

Some causes of rashes include:

• Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis refers to a variety of rashes that are brought on by skin contact with something that irritates the skin or that causes an allergy. Rashes will generally appear within 48 hours of contact with the irritant. A common example of contact dermatitis is poison oak or poison ivy. Other common materials causing rashes include: soaps, detergents, perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, certain fabrics, or latex. Usually, rashes caused by allergies or irritants only affect the area of the skin exposed to the rash-causing material. Symptoms generally include: inflammation of the skin, redness, small bumps, and itching. Treatment may involve avoiding the allergen that caused the rash, as well as using topical steroids.
• Bacterial Infections: The most common bacterial infection is impetigo, which is caused by staph or strep germs. It is more common in children and is contagious. The rash may appear as small blisters or scabs, with swollen glands nearby. Impetigo is not serious and may go away on its own. If not, prescription antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics will be prescribed.
• Viral Infections: Viral infections such as herpes, shingles, or chicken pox, are contagious conditions that may produce a rash. The rash is generally characterized by red, itchy bumps all over the body. Patients with viral rashes will usually have other symptoms such as nausea, sneezing, and coughing. These infections usually last a few days to a week and go away on their own. Treatment is generally not necessary, but may include cream for itch relief.
• Fungal Infections: Fungal infections affect the skin and often cause rashes. For more information, see the section of the website “Medical Conditions” and click the “Fungus” link.
• Skin Conditions: Other types of skin conditions such as acne, hives, eczema, rosacea and psoriasis, may also cause rashes. See the section of the website “Medical Conditions” for more information about these diseases.