Many people believe that all rashes are the same, so they tend to treat them with hydrocortisone cream or oral antihistamines. However, a dermatologist knows that rashes differ in terms of clinical manifestation. Some rashes are concentrated in one area while others occur on all parts of the body. There are rashes that disappear after a period of time and others that linger. In addition, rashes may emerge as blisters, blotches or welts, and they may feel dry, itchy or scaly.
While rashes are usually not a serious health threat, they may be signs of an underlying medical condition. Those who have certain symptoms accompanying their rash should either visit the emergency room or a board-certified OC dermatologist. These are some different types of rashes and their possible causes:
- A blistered rash with or without open sores may be an allergic reaction, medication allergy or internal disease; immediate medical attention is needed if the blistered rash is located around the eyes, mouth or genitals.
- A painful rash necessitates a visit to the dermatologist.
- A rash and a fever could be caused by an allergic reaction, shingles, mononucleosis, measles or streptococcal bacteria.
- A sudden, rapidly spreading rash may be due to a medication allergy, which is a potentially life-threatening emergency.
- A widespread rash can be an indication of an allergic reaction or infection.
- An itchy rash may become infected when the sufferer scratches it; common signs of an infected rash are a red streak near the site of the rash as well as crusting, pain, green or yellow fluid and warmth.
There are multiple forms of rashes including blistered, painful, sudden and itchy, each of which have varying signs and symptoms. Rashes may take up to several weeks to heal, depending on the issue that causes them. In order to receive the proper skin treatment for a rash, patients should schedule an appointment with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tony Nakhla who can diagnose and treat such rashes.