There’s a good chance that, at one point or another, you’ve suffered from a skin rash. Generally speaking, skin rashes refer to any changes in the color and texture of your skin. Besides changes in the appearance of your skin, rashes often cause itchiness, pain, and all-around discomfort.
There are many types and causes of skin rashes, but most of them stem from an allergic reaction or coming into contact with certain types of bacteria or viruses. While many skin rashes will resolve on their own, some of them require emergency medical attention. Getting your rash diagnosed and treated can ease the uncomfortable symptoms it causes and make it go away sooner.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms that a skin rash causes will vary depending on the type of rash you have and how severe it is. However, while the individual symptoms vary, they always include some form of discoloration, inflammation, and texture changes. Here are some of the potential symptoms you will experience.
- Redness
- Severe itching
- Discomfort
- Pain
- Small hives
- Tiny welts
- Blotchiness
- Flakes and scales
- A burning or stinging feeling
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Dryness
Most times, your symptoms will be uncomfortable, but not too dangerous or extreme. However, depending on the type of rash you have and what the cause is, you can develop serious symptoms such as a high fever, loss of appetite, and flu-like symptoms. Certain types of skin rashes are side effects of serious diseases, which is an even further reason to go to a medical facility and get your condition diagnosed.
Different Skin Rashes
While there are dozens of different skin rashes, they all fall into one of two categories – infectious and non-infectious. If the rash is contagious and can get spread to others, it’s infectious. However, if your rash doesn’t spread and stays with you alone, it’s a non-infectious skin rash.
On an individual level, here are some of the most common types of skin rashes.
Infectious Skin Rashes
- Fifth Disease
- Poison Ivy
- Poison Oak
- Ringworm
- Impetigo
- Contact dermatitis
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease
- Chickenpox
- Measles
Non-infectious Skin Rashes
- Eczema
- Rosacea
- Fleabites
- Diaper Rash
- Psoriasis
- Shingles
- Cellulitis
Besides these rashes, there are many others that are less common but no less painful or uncomfortable.
Common Causes of Skin Rashes
As we said before, there are many potential causes of skin rashes. Some of the most common include viral or bacterial infections, such as measles, shingles, or chickenpox. Rashes can also stem from coming into contact with something in the environment, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or things you’re allergic to. In the case of infectious skin rashes, you can also become infected by coming into contact with someone who currently has the rash.
How Are Skin Rashes Diagnosed?
Because of the many types and causes of skin rashes there are, it’s important to have yours diagnosed. That way, you can start the right treatment plan to cure your rash and get rid of your uncomfortable symptoms.
A scrape or biopsy is the most accurate way to diagnose what type of skin rash you have. This includes taking a tiny sample of one welt, hives, bumps, or sores, and testing it for certain viruses or bacteria. You may also need a prick or blood test for further samples to check for allergens or contaminants.
Treatment For Skin Rashes
The right treatment for your rash will depend on what’s causing it. For instance, if the rash is because of an allergic reaction, antihistamines can help get you on the road to recovery. If the rash is caused by a virus or bacteria, antivirals and antibiotics may be necessary.
Regardless of the cause of your rashes, steroids, and anti-inflammatories can do wonders for itchy and painful symptoms. These medications are available as a shot, pill, or as a cream that you rub on top of the rash.
How an Urgent Care Clinic Can Help
If you have a skin rash, it’s important to seek medical attention to ensure it isn’t something serious. The best way to get a trustworthy diagnosis is by heading down to Anderson Walk-In Medical Clinic. The medical professionals at Anderson can perform the necessary tests to diagnose your rash and get you started on the road to wellness.
We can also offer you prescription and over-the-counter medications to ease your symptoms and speed up your recovery.
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