Southside Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery
Dermatologists located in Tulsa, OK
Rashes are irritated patches of skin that are often painful, itchy, and red. If you or your child have a rash that hasn’t responded to over-the-counter treatments, contact board-certified dermatologists Alison Fischer, MD, and Robert Fischer, MD, at Southside Dermatology in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for expert diagnosis and treatment. Call Southside Dermatology today or use the online booking tool to schedule a consultation online.
Rashes Q & A
What is a rash?
A rash is a condition where your skin looks abnormal. Your skin may appear red, scaly, flaky, or blistered. Rashes are often itchy and can be painful and tender to the touch. They can lead to skin ulceration.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common rash that inflames your skin, making it red and itchy.
Contact dermatitis is another widespread rash that develops when you come into contact with an irritating substance like an allergen. Diaper rash is a form of contact dermatitis that develops with prolonged exposure to a wet or dirty diaper. Hives — raised, itchy, red welts on your skin — also develop after you touch or eat an allergen.
What causes rashes?
Rashes are usually a symptom of another condition such as an allergic response or a viral or bacterial infection. In many cases, doctors and medical researchers don’t fully understand the cause of rashes. Some of the common causes of rashes include:
- Allergens like poison ivy, pet dander, and certain foods
- Viruses like chickenpox and shingles
- Bacterial infections like ringworm and athlete's foot
- Autoimmune conditions such as lupus and psoriasis
Allergic rashes may not develop immediately after you come into contact with an allergen, which can make it challenging to diagnose the rash as an allergic symptom.
How are rashes diagnosed?
At Southside Dermatology, Dr. Alison Fischer and Dr. Robert Fischer diagnose the cause of your rash by examining your skin and discussing your personal and family medical history. They may take a skin or blood sample to test for certain diseases and infections. If your doctor suspects that your rash is an allergic reaction, they might suggest allergy testing to identify the specific allergic trigger.
How are rashes treated?
Your dermatologist provides customized treatment to heal your rash and soothe your skin and other disruptive symptoms.
Many rashes respond well to topical creams and ointments. For example, infections such as athlete’s foot and ringworm usually clear up with the application of anti-fungal cream. Allergic rashes are soothed by antihistamine creams. Even eczema responds corticosteroid ointments to reduce swelling.
Your dermatologist may also prescribe oral medications and other treatments such as light therapy to heal your skin and reduce your rash.
In addition to medical treatment, you can treat your rash at home by keeping your skin clean and moisturized. Calamine lotion and oatmeal baths are two options to reduce itchiness.
If you have frequent rashes that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatments, schedule a consultation today by calling Southside Dermatology or booking online.