Most people will develop at least one rash during their lifetime. This usually innocuous symptom can be caused by a viral, bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infection, or it can be caused by other health conditions, allergies, and environmental factors. While most rashes aren’t a cause for concern and will often go away on their own, here are the most common causes of a rash and when it might be necessary to see our dermatologists at Shenandoah Dermatology.

Rash Symptoms

Not everyone will experience the same type of rash. Some rashes may have scales or ulcers while others might form blisters or itchy bumps. If your rash symptoms last more than a couple of days then it might be time to see our dermatologists for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Common Rash Types

While there are many causes of skin rashes, some of the most common include,

Eczema:

A skin disease that causes inflammation and weepy, itching blisters that may crust over or ooze. Eczema is often triggered by exposure to certain irritants including soaps and detergents.

Poison ivy:

This itchy, oozing rash can last up to three weeks after being exposed to poison ivy, poison oak, or sumac.

Hives:

Red raised itchy patches of skin that usually disappear within a few hours. Hives are commonly triggered by certain kinds of stimuli including allergic reactions or even stress.

Heat rash:

When sweat glands are blocked and sweat cannot be produced, this skin inflammation results in a heat rash. Heat rash causes red, prickly or itchy bumps on the skin that often fade as the skin cools.

When to See Your Dermatologist

So when is it time to see our dermatologists about a rash? While most non-infectious rashes can be treated with over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream, rashes caused by viral infections, rashes that don’t go away after a few days, and rashes accompanied by fever or trouble breathing warrant an immediate trip to our office.

If you are experiencing unpleasant rash symptoms that don’t seem to respond to over-the-counter remedies, then call our team of dermatologists to find out what’s causing your rash and how to best treat it. Shenandoah Dermatology provides comprehensive dermatological care to the Staunton, Afton, Raphine, Fishersville, and Waynesboro, VA, communities. To schedule an evaluation with a dermatologist, call us at (540) 885-4500 .