What your dermatologist in Daytona Beach, Florida wants you to know
If you’ve ever had a rash, you know how unsightly and uncomfortable rashes can be. Rashes can cover just a small area of your body, or they can cover almost your entire body. Symptoms can range from minor irritation to itching that is almost impossible to ignore. Dr. Jeffrey Heller at Heller Dermatology Center in Daytona Beach, Florida wants to share the facts about rashes. He has offices in both Daytona Beach and Port Orange, Florida to help you.
There are many different causes of rashes. Here are just a few:
- A hot, humid environment causing blockage of your pores
- An allergic reaction to foods, plants, pets, and other triggers
- An allergic reaction to medications, especially antibiotics
One of the most common plant reactions is poison ivy. Once you’ve brushed up against the plant, you may not develop a rash until 12 to 72 hours later. The rash is itchy and can form blisters, streaks or lines, resulting in scaly skin.
An allergic reaction to a medication can cause a red, spotty rash that can cover large areas of your body. Certain medications including diuretics, antibiotics and anti-seizure medications are the most common causes of a drug-related allergic reaction. You may not have a reaction until the first week after beginning the medication.
Dermatitis is a type of rash caused by inflammation of your skin. There are several types of dermatitis, including:
Contact dermatitis, caused by chemical exposure; this rash is dry and doesn’t typically itch.
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, which can appear in the folds of your skin, behind your knees, on your neck, face or trunk.
If you develop a rash, you can try anti-itch lotions, creams or sprays, oatmeal baths, and over-the-counter antihistamines. For stubborn rashes that don’t resolve on their own, it’s best to visit your dermatologist.
Dr. Heller may recommend prescription-strength antihistamines and steroids to relieve itchy symptoms. Other treatments include topical antibiotics or cortisone creams.
Common rashes are an annoying part of life, but you don’t have to let a rash take over! Get some help by calling Dr. Jeffrey Heller of Heller Dermatology Center, with two convenient office locations in Daytona Beach and Port Orange, Florida. Call today!