Meet just a couple of the most common rash-causing contenders.
While a rash isn’t often a cause for concern, this issue can be rather annoying and unsightly. Of course, there are also times when you’ll want to turn to our Daytona Beach, FL, dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey Heller at Heller Dermatology Center for proper care.
Here are just some of the common causes of rashes and how they are treated:
Atopic Dermatitis
Sometimes more commonly called eczema, this condition causes a red, itchy and occasionally scaly rash to appear. While this rash can show up anywhere on the body, it often appears on the face, elbows and knees. This condition is chronic, and symptoms will often come and go. Flare-ups may be triggered by stress, temperature changes, chemicals and other environmental irritants.
How to treat atopic dermatitis: A lot will depend on the severity of your symptoms. If symptoms are mild, moisturizers or even certain antihistamines may be enough to reduce itching and other uncomfortable symptoms when dermatitis flares up. Of course, if your rash is more severe, our Daytona Beach, FL, dermatologist may need to prescribe stronger medications or other treatment options.
Psoriasis
If you find yourself dealing with thick, raised red or white scaly patches on your skin (most often on the scalp, elbows, or knees), you could be dealing with a chronic skin condition known as psoriasis. This is a common dermatological disorder that, like atopic dermatitis, causes flare-ups to wax and wane.
How to treat psoriasis: While there is no cure, we can find ways to help you manage your symptoms through corticosteroids, other topical or oral medications and additional therapeutic options such as light therapy.
Hives
Are you dealing with itchy red bumps that appeared suddenly? If so, you could be dealing with a harmless allergic reaction known as hives. Hives manifest when the body reacts to a specific allergen, triggering a histamine reaction.
How to treat hives: Hives are completely harmless, and in most cases, the condition is acute (meaning that it will go away on its own in less than six weeks). Of course, you’ll want to turn to antihistamines (whether over-the-counter or prescription, depending on the severity of your symptoms) to reduce itching and other annoying symptoms.
These are only some of the common causes of a rash, so if you’re unsure what’s causing it, it’s probably a good idea to turn to our Daytona, FL, skin doctor Dr. Heller. Call Heller Dermatology Center at (386) 239-8700 to book an appointment.