We’ve all had those random red spots and scaly rashes that seem to appear out of nowhere, let Dr. Obayan help you quickly get rid of your rash.
A rash can be due to many different things, which is why you might need a dermatologist’s opinion on your rash. A rash can be caused by a bacterial, parasitic, fungal, or viral infection, allergies, skin irritation, dryness, immune problem, or sensitivity to a variety of substances in the environment.
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There are dozens of types of skin rashes. Many people equate skin rashes with eczema, which is a type of itchy skin rash due to an allergy to something in the environment and which is seen more often in children. Other types of skin rashes include these:
Many rashes are uncomfortably itchy. Putting on a cream or ointment like Vaseline can decrease skin dryness and will decrease the itching. Some rashes will be less itchy when you apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or a stronger corticosteroid cream that is prescribed by your dermatologist. Topical antihistamine cream can reduce itching and oral antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can decrease the sensation of itching. Oatmeal baths can be used holistically in order to decrease itching when the entire body is affected.
The treatment for a rash depends on what’s causing it and your dermatologist can help identify the cause in order to treat it. Some rashes require antibiotic creams, antibiotic ointments, and even oral antibiotics. Others respond to antiviral medications, medications to treat fungal infections or anti-parasitic medications. You can best treat your rash in the meantime by using emollients like Vaseline or skin creams (with or without hydrocortisone) to reduce dry, itchy skin and by avoiding anything you think your skin might be sensitive to. Oral or topical antihistamines can also reduce itching and scratching, which can otherwise make your rash worse.
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