What Is Causing My Rash?
Everyone experiences skin irritations and the occasional rash from time to time. Dry and cracked winter hands, a bad sun burn, or a mild allergic reaction to a new laundry detergent or lotion can cause temporary itching and blotchiness on the hands, face, and even the scalp. But like pain or a fever, rashes can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying condition that requires medical attention and rash treatment.
Rash Diagnosis and Treatment in Lancaster
The most common causes of a skin rash are acne, eczema, psoriasis, and allergic reactions (hives). Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can also cause rashes, depending on the type of infection (the most common being shingles, ringworm, and yeast). In some cases, rashes can be a symptom of a more serious illness or health problem, like skin cancer, rubella, and chicken pox in young children.
Dr. Jeffrey Ross Gunter, a board certified dermatologist at AV Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in Lancaster, CA advises patients to pay attention to potential triggers, and to schedule a dermatology appointment for rashes that do not respond to conservative treatment or clear up on their own, and persist for more than two weeks.
Treatment for a rash depends on the cause. Outbreaks caused by common allergens can typically be treated with topical or oral antihistamines. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics. Depending on the severity, acne can be treated with benzoyl peroxide or extractions to open clogged pores. Rashes like shingles usually result from weakened or compromised immune systems, and should be evaluated by a dermatologist as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Contact a Dermatologist in Lancaster, CA
If you are suffering from a persistent or recurring rash, contact AV Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in Lancaster by calling (661)949-0004 to schedule an appointment for a consultation and thorough evaluation and diagnosis today.