Common Causes of Skin Rashes and When to See a Doctor

Man scratching his arms with redness and rashes.

Skin rashes can appear suddenly or develop over time, and while many are mild and temporary, others may signal an underlying condition that requires medical attention. At Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases, with locations in Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA, our dermatology specialists help patients understand and treat the causes of persistent or unexplained rashes with expert care.

What Causes Skin Rashes?

A myriad of different sources can cause rashes. The most common source is probably contact dermatitis, in which the skin reacts to an allergen or irritant. This can include exposure to irritating soaps, perfumes, plants like poison ivy, or metal on jewelry. Another very common cause is eczema, or atopic dermatitis, and it typically manifests as dry, red, itchy patches that occur from time to time. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that creates thick, scaly plaques on the skin and may be confused with other types of rashes.

Infections will also result in rashes on the skin. Fungal infections, such as ringworm or yeast infection, tend to spread in warm, damp areas of the body. Viral infections such as shingles or certain diseases of childhood may also appear as typical rash patterns. Impetigo is a bacterial infection that is contagious and typically needs antibiotics. In some cases, a rash results from reactions to medication, heat, stress, or chronic skin diseases that require long-term management.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

Even though the majority of rashes will resolve with home care, some must be professionally examined and treated. You should see a dermatologist if your rash is spreading, will not go away within a few days, or is accompanied by pain, fever, or blisters. Rashes that interfere with function or that persistently recur also warrant a visit. For the patients of Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases employs a staff to conduct thorough evaluations to identify the underlying reason and recommend the most suitable treatment strategy.

Expert Care for Rashes in Metro Atlanta

If you’re dealing with a stubborn rash or unsure of its cause, don’t wait for it to worsen. The board-certified dermatologists at Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases provide comprehensive rash diagnosis and care across our locations in Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA. To schedule an appointment, call Alpharetta at (770) 664-5225, Cumming at (770) 844-1902, Roswell at (770) 751-1133, or Sandy Springs at (404) 252-4333. Let us help you get relief and restore healthy skin.

Man scratching his arms with redness and rashes.

Skin rashes can appear suddenly or develop over time, and while many are mild and temporary, others may signal an underlying condition that requires medical attention. At Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases, with locations in Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA, our dermatology specialists help patients understand and treat the causes of persistent or unexplained rashes with expert care.

What Causes Skin Rashes?

A myriad of different sources can cause rashes. The most common source is probably contact dermatitis, in which the skin reacts to an allergen or irritant. This can include exposure to irritating soaps, perfumes, plants like poison ivy, or metal on jewelry. Another very common cause is eczema, or atopic dermatitis, and it typically manifests as dry, red, itchy patches that occur from time to time. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that creates thick, scaly plaques on the skin and may be confused with other types of rashes.

Infections will also result in rashes on the skin. Fungal infections, such as ringworm or yeast infection, tend to spread in warm, damp areas of the body. Viral infections such as shingles or certain diseases of childhood may also appear as typical rash patterns. Impetigo is a bacterial infection that is contagious and typically needs antibiotics. In some cases, a rash results from reactions to medication, heat, stress, or chronic skin diseases that require long-term management.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

Even though the majority of rashes will resolve with home care, some must be professionally examined and treated. You should see a dermatologist if your rash is spreading, will not go away within a few days, or is accompanied by pain, fever, or blisters. Rashes that interfere with function or that persistently recur also warrant a visit. For the patients of Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases employs a staff to conduct thorough evaluations to identify the underlying reason and recommend the most suitable treatment strategy.

Expert Care for Rashes in Metro Atlanta

If you’re dealing with a stubborn rash or unsure of its cause, don’t wait for it to worsen. The board-certified dermatologists at Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases provide comprehensive rash diagnosis and care across our locations in Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs, GA. To schedule an appointment, call Alpharetta at (770) 664-5225, Cumming at (770) 844-1902, Roswell at (770) 751-1133, or Sandy Springs at (404) 252-4333. Let us help you get relief and restore healthy skin.

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