Eczema
While eczema can show up in different ways, it’s generally defined as an itchy inflammation of the skin caused by allergic triggers. It often appears as thickened dark or red skin with scaling or cracking. It is particularly common in babies and children but can occur at any age.
Chronic skin conditions like eczema can cause lifelong intermittent rashes and discomfort. It's an ongoing process to notice triggers that might flare up eczema symptoms, such as irritating body products, laundry detergent, outdoor allergens, or even foods that you eat.
Practical tips to help manage eczema include:
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Identifying and avoiding triggers
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Wearing loose cotton clothing
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Keeping nails short to minimize damage from scratching
Your doctor can also help prescribe medication that will relieve symptoms and preventatively manage future flare ups.
Using moisturizers (emollients) daily helps to hydrate the skin and prevent dryness, in turn alleviating symptoms. Topical corticosteroid creams and ointments can also reduce inflammation, itchiness, and swelling.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is another chronic skin condition which requires lifelong medical management and self-care. Frustrating and sometimes painful, psoriasis symptoms are caused by skin cells building up, forming scales and dry, itchy patches.Psoriasis is a common autoimmune disorder often worsened by things like stress, skin injury, infections, and certain medications. Mild cases can usually be treated with a combination of topical corticosteroids and fragrance-free moisturizers.Severe psoriasis requires a more in-depth treatment plan. Your doctor may recommend oral medication and lifestyle changes in addition to topical prescription and over the counter creams. Our board-certified primary care doctors may refer you to a dermatologist for in-person care of severe psoriasis.
Allergic rash
If you’ve had an allergic rash, you know how quickly your skin erupts, seemingly out of nowhere! It can be tricky to figure out the cause. Something as seemingly subtle as a common food additive, a new cosmetic or body care product, or a common outdoor allergen could be the culprit.The best long-term solution for allergic rashes is to identify and avoid the allergen. An example of an allergic rash is the amoxicillin rash, characterized by pink or purple bumps on the skin. Over-the-counter oral antihistamines like loratadine and steroid creams like hydrocortisone relieve itching and inflammation. Moisturizing creams help keep the skin hydrated.Home remedies such as staying hydrated and taking lukewarm oatmeal baths can help alleviate skin irritation. Topical hydrocortisone cream and oral antihistamines offer relief from itching and redness. If you have a persistent rash, it’s important to talk to a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an itchy skin rash that can be triggered by just about any irritating substance. Common dermatitis culprits include plants like poison oak and ivy, cosmetics, fragrances, rubber gloves, jewelry, and particular soaps.Treatment for mild contact dermatitis typically involves over-the-counter medications like hydrocortisone to alleviate symptoms, but more severe reactions may require prescription treatment.Treatment begins with identifying and avoiding the allergen or irritant. Keeping the skin hydrated with moisturizers and using fragrance-free soap and warm water to cleanse the affected area can help alleviate symptoms. Over-the-counter mild steroids like hydrocortisone cream can provide relief from itching and inflammation. Additionally, barrier creams like petroleum jelly can protect the skin from further irritation.For severe cases of contact dermatitis, you may need a topical or oral prescription medication to help get your symptoms under control.
Hives (urticaria)
A specific type of allergic rash, hives, can appear seemingly out of nowhere, spreading like wildfire over your body. They usually appear as red, itchy raised bumps on the skin. Sometimes it’s impossible to track down the trigger; most commonly they are caused by everyday substances like medication, pollen, latex, certain foods, and stress.How to treat hives depends on severity. Sudden flare-ups cases often resolve on their own with home remedies and staying away from triggers. Mild hives also generally clear up on their own. It can be helpful to wear lightweight, breathable clothing, use cold compresses and gentle non-fragrant aps. Avoiding irritating cosmetics, detergents and body care products.Chronic hives may require over-the-counter antihistamines like loratadine along with self-care treatments such as cool compresses. If your hives are persistent, a doctor can help you with a treatment plan to get lasting relief.
Bacterial rash
Bacteria on the skin cause bacterial rashes such as cellulitis or impetigo. Antibacterial skin ointments are usually recommended for a mild bacterial rash. If the rash affects a larger area, oral antibiotics might be prescribed. It’s important to see a doctor right away if concerned about bacterial rashes, as these can spread quickly and become quite serious.
Diaper rash and skin irritations
There are a lot of things that can be done to help prevent diaper rash, such as changing your baby’s diaper frequently, applying a gentle barrier cream on clean skin, avoiding chemical baby wipes, and using cloth or fragrance-free diapers. However, even with our best efforts, just about every baby gets diaper rash at some point.Diaper rash shows up as redness or irritation in the diaper area. Things like friction, prolonged exposure to moisture, diarrhea, allergies, or infection tend to make it worse. Once a rash shows up, it’s extra important to promptly change wet or soiled diapers, regularly ceanse the affected area with mild soap and water, and gently pat it dry. Applying diaper ointments or creams containing zinc oxide or petroleum can provide relief. Consider allowing diaper-free moments to promote drying of the affected area.Ongoing diaper rash may indicate a yeast infection, characterized by a slightly raised, spreading red rash. Treatment involves using antifungal creams like clotrimazole or nystatin, along with attentive care.If the rash persists despite treatment, consult a doctor. They may recommend stronger medications to help it clear up. For adult diaper rash, a similar approach is needed, including keeping the area clean and dry, along with the use of zinc oxide creams, petroleum jelly, and over-the-counter barrier creams to protect and soothe the skin.
Drool rash
A drool rash occurs when a baby's skin is exposed to saliva for extended periods, resulting in irritation. To treat a drool rash, gently cleanse the baby's face with warm water and a soft cloth, then pat it dry. Apply a protective barrier cream like petroleum jelly or a healing ointment such as Aquaphor.
To keep the affected area dry, use a clean tissue or an absorbent bib, and change them frequently. This helps prevent further irritation and promotes healing.
Heat rash (sweat rash, miliaria)
A heat rash, also known as a sweat rash, miliaria, or a prickly heat rash, occurs when sweat becomes trapped beneath the skin or sweat ducts become blocked. During hot and humid weather, a heat rash can show up as blisters or red lumps, typically in areas where sweat accumulates, such as under the breasts, armpits, back, and groin.
For heat rash relief, opt for lightweight, breathable clothing that promotes airflow and consider using fans or staying in air-conditioned environments. Taking a cold shower and allowing the body to air dry can also provide relief.
For adults on bedrest, frequently changing positions, clothing, and bedding helps prevent heat buildup and reduce the discomfort of a heat rash. Anti-itch creams like calamine can soothe itching, while medications like paracetamol may be helpful if a fever is contributing to sweating. Corticosteroid creams such as 1% hydrocortisone cream can reduce irritation and itching associated with heat rash.
Sunburn
Most of us have suffered from a sunburn at some point. The best short-term relief for a mild sun rash is to apply cool compresses to help alleviate burning and irritation. Wearing lightweight clothing promotes airflow and using moisturizers prevents dryness and further irritation.
If the sunburn is severe, talk to a doctor. They may prescribe stronger antihistamines, corticosteroids, or painkillers to provide relief from discomfort. Some common medications and OTC supplements may make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Road rash
A road rash, commonly referred to as a friction wound, often occurs during active sports accidents, resulting in skin abrasions, particularly on areas like the knees, elbows, and hands.
Always gently clean the wound to remove debris and prevent infection. Applying an antibiotic ointment aid in healing and reduces the risk of infection. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage, such as Tegaderm™, or gauze protects it from further harm. Be sure to monitor for signs of healing or infection.
Hot tub rash
A hot tub rash, caused by exposure to contaminated water, can lead to uncomfortable inflammation and itching. Treatment involves applying 1% hydrocortisone cream to soothe discomfort and reduce inflammation. Additionally, using antibacterial ointments can prevent infection and promote healing.
Underarm rash
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An underarm rash, often a result of blocked sweat ducts, can be managed with over-the-counter calamine lotion to ease itching and discomfort. Hydrocortisone cream is effective in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
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There are several types of rashes caused by viral infections. Some common viral rashes include:
Viral rashes are typically managed through supportive care to alleviate symptoms and aid in recovery. Treatment may include:
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Symptom relief: Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce fever and relieve discomfort associated with the rash.
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Hydration: Encouraging adequate fluid intake helps prevent dehydration, especially in cases where fever is present.
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Rest: Getting plenty of rest supports the body's immune system in fighting off viral infection and promotes healing.
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Skin care: Keeping the affected areas clean and dry can help prevent secondary bacterial infections and promote healing. Calamine lotion or oatmeal baths may provide relief from itching and discomfort.
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Medical attention: In some cases, especially with more severe symptoms or complications, medical intervention may be necessary. Your healthcare provider can prescribe, antiviral medications or other treatments as needed.
If you suspect you or your child has a viral rash, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance on the best course of treatment.
Fungal rash
Fungal rashes, like ringworm, are common in both children and adults. They are treated using antifungal creams, gels, solutions, or shampoos. Common antifungal drugs include nystatin, clotrimazole, and miconazole, among others. Discuss with your doctor to discuss the best management.
Insect bite reactions
Insect bites can also cause painful and comfortable skin symptoms. There are no shortage of biting bugs, with common culprits including mosquitos, wasps, bees, stings, tick bites and flea bites. Treatment typically involves soothing the affected area with calamine lotion and applying 1% hydrocortisone cream to alleviate inflammation and itchiness.
Scabies and bed bug bites, as insect-like parasites, can also trigger similar skin reactions. Treatment typically involves prescription medications to get rid of the parasites and alleviate symptoms, along with environmental control measures to prevent re-infestation. Scabies rashes can frequently show up in between your fingers, and bed bug rashes are itchier at night and can show up
Autoimmune rash
An autoimmune rash may appear in several ways due to your underlying condition, including psoriasis, lupus, Sjögren’s Syndrome, and vasculitis. The main treatment for these rashes it to address the underlying disease. Mild to moderate symptoms may be treated using over-the-counter or prescription corticosteroid creams to help reduce inflammation. For a severe rash, consult your doctor who can refer you to specialists like dermatology and rheumatology who prescribe immunosuppressants.
Chronic rash management
Chronic rash treatment requires a detailed examination by a physician to find the cause of the rash. Treatment is based on the cause.
