Wondering when a rash is a cause for concern?

We’re all going to deal with a rash at some point, and while the good news is that many of them can be treated from the comfort of your own home, sometimes you will need to turn to a dermatologist for medication. Here are the causes of a rash,

Fungal Infection

One of the most common fungal infections that result in a rash is ringworm. Fungal infections can also affect the nails and hair. Yeast infections caused by the candida fungus can also result in rashes of the mouth, groin, or vagina. Less common fungal infections may result in those with compromised immune systems (e.g., patients who have HIV).

Minor fungal infections may be treated with over-the-counter anti-fungal creams or ointments. A dermatologist should treat more severe or persistent fungal infections.

Viral Infection

The most common virus to produce a rash is the herpes simplex virus, both type 1 and type 2. Type 1 usually causes cold sores of the lips and nose, while type 2 leads to sores on the genitals. Those with an HSV flare-up may develop a tender rash on the palms. Chickenpox and shingles (caused by the herpes zoster virus) also result in itching, burning, and painful rashes.

Epstein-Barr virus, best known as mononucleosis or “mono,” can also lead to a mild rash that appears within a few days of being infected. If you develop a rash, a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and a fever, you should see a doctor.

Bacterial Infection

Staphylococcus (e.g., folliculitis; cellulitis; impetigo) and streptococcus (e.g., strep throat; scarlet fever) are two common bacterial infections that lead to a rash. Sometimes Lyme disease is characterized by a bull’s eye-like rash surrounding the tick bite.

Parasitic Infections

Parasites that cause a rash include lice and scabies, which can be passed from person to person. Lice most commonly affect the scalp, while scabies can cause an itchy, pimple-like rash that usually appears on the armpits, wrists, elbows, beltline, and buttocks.

Other Causes

Noninfectious rashes are also caused by drugs, eczema (e.g., atopic dermatitis), allergic dermatitis, autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus), and food allergies.

It isn’t easy to tell what’s causing your rash, but if you are dealing with new, worsening, or severe symptoms or the rash is spreading, it’s always good to turn to your dermatologist for treatment.

From coming in contact with poison ivy to dealing with a high dose of stress, there are many reasons a rash might appear. Most of the time, a rash will go away on its own without treatment; however, it’s also important to recognize when a rash may warrant turning to a dermatologist for treatment.

• Atopic or contact dermatitis
• Eczema
• Pityriasis rosea
• Hives
• Insect bites and stings
• Poison ivy, oak, or sumac
• Rosacea
• Measles
• Ringworm
• Impetigo
• Psoriasis
• Diaper rash
• Shingles
• Lichen planus
• Chickenpox
• Lupus
• Scabies
• Allergy to a drug/medication

• Using only gentle cleansers and soaps that do not contain harsh chemicals or fragrances
• Avoiding hot water and only using lukewarm or cold water
• Being gentle when cleansing, bathing, and handling the skin
• Not covering the rash (let it breathe)
• Using only unscented products
• Applying calamine lotion to control itching
• Using hydrocortisone cream to reduce itchiness, swelling, and redness
• Not scratching the rash, as this can lead to an infection

• The rash is widespread and takes over most of your body (this could be a sign of an allergic reaction, which requires immediate attention)
• The rash is spreading quickly and suddenly
• Your rash is accompanied by a fever (this is often a sign of serious infection)
• The rash is painful or contains blisters
• There are signs of infection such as oozing, crusting, or skin that’s warm to the touch

Some many conditions and problems could lead to itchy skin; however, if you’ve been exposed to poison ivy, sumac, or oak you must be able to recognize the symptoms. It’s possible that you came into contact with poison ivy or any of these plants while on your typical walk or you may not even realize that the plants are hanging in your garden. If you do come into contact with poison ivy, sumac and oak here are what you should know.

• Take cool, oatmeal baths to alleviate inflammation and itching
• Apply calamine lotions to the skin to temporarily alleviate itching
• Steroid creams (aka: cortisone cream) may also alleviate redness and inflammation
• Apply cold compresses to the area when symptoms flare-up
• Whatever you do, do not scratch your rash (this can lead to an infection)

• Pus develops on the rash
• You also have a fever over 100 F
• You experience severe itching
• The rash keeps spreading
• You aren’t sure whether the rash is caused by poison ivy, oak, or sumac
• The rash spreads to the mouth or the eyes
• Symptoms don’t improve within a week

Rashes will happen to most people at some point during their lifetime, whether it’s from coming in contact with poison ivy while on a camping trip or from an allergic reaction to a skincare product. While most rashes aren’t anything to worry about, we know that the other symptoms that accompany them—redness, itching and burning—can be annoying. Find out the most common causes for rashes and when your rash requires an evaluation from a dermatologist.

What causes a rash?

There are a variety of reasons rashes develop. Your rash could be caused by:

• Eczema
• Contact dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Hives
• Certain medications
• Heat rash
• Viral infections
• Asthma or allergies
• Bug bite
• Poison ivy, oak and sumac

When do you seek medical attention?

Most rashes will go away on their own and won’t require medical attention; however, while all rashes might look the same it’s also important to be able to recognize when a rash is serious enough that it needs to be evaluated by a skin doctor. Since there are so many different things that can cause a rash it’s important to have a proper diagnosis so you know exactly how to treat it.

You should have a rash checked out if:

• It’s all over your body
• It’s accompanied by a fever
• It’s painful
• It’s showing signs of an infection (oozing; warm to the touch; swelling)
• It’s blistering
• It appears suddenly and continues to spread quickly

How do you treat a rash?

The treatment plan your dermatologist creates for you will really depend on the cause of your rash. Sometimes over-the-counter creams such as hydrocortisone or calamine lotion can help manage itching and other symptoms until the rash goes away. Oatmeal baths can also be soothing for rashes caused by poison ivy or poison oak. While the rash heals, avoid using any products on your skin that contain fragrances or harsh chemicals. Try not to cover the rash, as it needs to be able to breathe.

If you do have to come in for an evaluation, we will provide you with the proper medication or treatment necessary to get rid of the root cause of the rash. It’s important that you follow the treatment as prescribed in order to effectively get rid of the rash.