Rashes

Simply put, a rash is a change in the texture or color of your skin. Most rashes include redness, bumpiness, and itchiness on your skin. In some cases, your skin becomes scaly. Insect bites, prolonged exposure to heat, or eating certain foods cause rashes. If rashes include other symptoms such as fever or blistering sores, or if they affect your eyes, see your doctor immediately.

Rashes are different for each person. Some people have rashes with slightly raised spots, with a ring shape, or with accompanying oozing. There are no symptoms common to all rashes, but most rashes are usually all red and itchy. If you think you have a rash, contact Dermatology Associates of Central NJ today to get expert diagnosis and treatment.

Rashes occur from a variety of factors and common skin disorders. The most common rash types include:

• Eczema
• Poison ivy
• Drug interaction
• Heat rash
• Psoriasis
• Ringworm
• Rosacea
• Shingles
• Chickenpox

Rashes can be the symptom of another infection, disorder, or disease and should not be ignored. It’s important to get to the source of the rashes, not just treat the symptoms. The experts at Dermatology Associates of Central NJ discuss causes of your rash and how to treat them.

If the source of your rash isn’t easily evident, your doctor may suggest patch testing. This involves lightly scratching the skin on your back with known allergens. If your skin reacts to the allergen, the patch test confirms your allergy and treatment begins.

You doctor at Dermatology Associates of Central NJ may suggest steroid creams and ointments first. Other medications, like steroids, work by controlling your skin’s response to the allergens instead of boosting your skin’s healing process.

Phototherapy is another option in treating rashes. Phototherapy uses light to alter the components of your skin affected by the rash.