Rashes

Rashes are often itchy, irritating, or cosmetically undesireable and may not clear up with over-the-counter (OTC) ointments and creams. Adam Whittington, MD, and providers provide individualized care for rashes at Whittington Dermatology in Munster and Hobart, Indiana. The dermatology practice aims to find the cause of your rash and provide the most effective treatment. For help with your rashes, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What are rashes?

Rashes are areas of inflammed skin that may itch or cause pain. The skin irritation may have blisters or welts or patches of dry scaly skin. You can have a rash that develops quickly and goes away in less than a day. Or, your rash may last days or weeks or recur. 

Though common and not usually life-threatening, not all rashes are the same. 

What are the types of rashes?

Rashes come in various types that cause different symptoms. Common types of rashes include:

Eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin rash that first appears during childhood. People with eczema develop dry, itchy patches of skin that come and go. This type of skin rash is common in people with seasonal allergies (hay fever) and asthma.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes thick, scaly plaques of red skin that may itch.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis causes a rash when your skin comes in contact with an irritating substance such as a detergent or chemical. Poison ivy is a type of contact dermatitis.

Infection 

Ringworm and shingles are rashes that develop from an infection.

When do I need dermatology care for rashes?

You don’t always need professional help for a rash, especially if it goes away as quickly as it appeared. However, you should schedule an appointment at Whittington Dermatology if your rash fails to improve with at-home care, covers more than half your body, or is a recurring problem.

When you visit Whittington Dermatology for rashes, the dermatology experts closely examine your skin and review your medical and family history. They may provide a diagnosis after a physical evaluation, but may take a biopsy of your rash to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

They may also perform further testing if necessary to correctly identify your rash. 

What are treatment options for rashes?

Whittington Dermatology customizes treatments for rashes based on the underlying cause. Treatment options for rashes might include:

• Using chemical and dye-free detergents and soaps
• Moisturizing your skin
• Avoiding allergens or skin irritation
• Taking quick showers
• Practicing good skin care habits
• Prescribing disease-specific medication
• Taking antihistamines
• Using corticosteroid cream
• Administering light therapy

With rash care, Whittington Dermatology aims to improve your skin and reduce risk of a recurrence. 

For expert rash care, call Whittington Dermatology or schedule an appointment online today.