A skin rash is one of the most common skin conditions your dermatologist treats. A skin rash can develop occasionally and go away without treatment. A skin rash can also stay around and become a chronic problem which needs treatment.

A skin rash can take on many forms, including:

• Red, swollen bumps
• Painful, pus-filled cysts
• Diffuse, surface-level redness

A skin rash can also cover different parts of your body, including your face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and legs.

Some examples of occasional rashes include:

• Exposure to harsh chemicals, like alcohol
• Exposure to an allergen, like certain foods
• Environmental exposure, like poison ivy
• Exposure to the elements, including wind, heat, and cold

These types of rashes may be treated with:

• Antibiotics, if the rash has caused an infection
• Cortisone cream, to reduce itching
• Oral corticosteroids, to decrease redness, swelling, and itching
• Aveeno or oatmeal baths, to reduce itching
• Prescription antihistamines to decrease itching

If your rash becomes chronic, it could be a sign of:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea

For a chronic rash due to an underlying medical condition, your dermatologist may recommend the same treatments listed above, along with:

• Laser light and heat therapy to fade away the rash
• Topical creams to reduce the appearance of blemishes
• Prescription medications to reduce breakouts

A skin rash is also associated with serious medical conditions like lupus erythematosus. For this reason, when you have a persistent rash, you should visit a skin specialist–your dermatologist. The dermatologist may want to order laboratory testing or take a small sample of tissue to be sent off for a biopsy.

Depending on the results, your dermatologist may refer you to another specialist for further evaluation and treatment, but it all begins with a visit to your dermatologist.

In addition to diagnosis and treatment of skin rashes, you should also visit your dermatologist for:

• Acne breakouts
• Early signs of aging
• Moles and other skin growths

To learn more about different types of rashes and their treatments, talk with an expert. Call your dermatologist now.