Do you have an itchy, red rash that just won't go away? Your dermatologists at Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases in Alpharetta, Cumming, Roswell and Sandy Springs, GA, offer treatments that will ease your uncomfortable symptoms.

Common causes of rashes

Rashes have many causes ranging from skin irritation to viral or fungal infections. Among the most common causes of rashes are:

• Irritating Substances: Your rash may be due to contact dermatitis, a condition that causes a rash when your skin comes in contact with an allergen or irritating substance. Perfume, wool clothing, jewelry made of nickel and exposure to poison ivy can cause contact dermatitis.
• Eczema: Does your rash contain fluid-filled bumps that eventually crust over then peel from your skin? You may have eczema, a condition that can be triggered by immune system conditions, seasonal allergies and irritants.
• Psoriasis: Psoriasis causes a scaly rash due to the rapid growth of skin cells.
• Rosacea: Facial flushing and red bumps that look like pimples are common signs of rosacea.
• Bacterial or Fungal Infections: Impetigo, ringworm or a yeast infection could be responsible for your rash.
• Allergic Reactions: Itchy red welts on your skin may caused by hives. The welts may develop when you're hot or cold but might also be triggered by allergic reactions to medications, foods or insect bites.
• Shingles: The same virus that causes chickenpox can also cause itchy, painful shingles years after you had chickenpox.

Your doctor will diagnose your rash based on a exam and skin biopsy in some cases. Treatment options may include oral or topical medications and other therapies

When to see your skin doctor

Call the Alpharetta, Cumming, Roswell and Sandy Springs, GA, dermatology office if your rash is:

• Still bothering you after a few days
• Extremely itchy or uncomfortable
• Interfering with your sleep or your life
• Spreading, bleeding, oozing or covered in blisters
• Infected (Signs of infection can include warmth or redness, red streaks on your skin, swelling and fever)

If the rash is accompanied by trouble breathing, you may be having a serious allergic reaction. Call 911 or ask someone to take you to the emergency room immediately.

Do you need to see one of the Alpharetta, Cumming, Roswell or Sandy Springs, GA, dermatologists at Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Diseases about your rash? You can reach the dermatology offices by calling (770) 664-5225 for the Alpharetta office, (770) 844-1902 for the Cumming office, (770) 751-1133 for the Roswell office or (404) 252-4333 for the Sandy Spring office.