Rashes

Many allergens, chemicals, and autoimmune disorders can cause skin rashes. At Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology in Alpharetta, Canton, Cumming, Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Lavonia, Johns Creek and Toccoa, GA, the dermatologists treat all kinds of skin rashes, from psoriasis to contact dermatitis. Call Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What are rashes?

A rash causes color and texture changes in your skin. Your skin can be red, itchy, scaly, or a combination of these textures, depending on the kind of rash you have. Some substances trigger rashes, while other rashes have no cause that can be determined. Underlying conditions like Lyme disease and shingles can cause skin rashes.

What kinds of rashes are there?

Many different rashes can affect your skin, but the most common are:

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a reaction to your skin touching a specific allergen. Your skin can be dry, red, itchy, and scaly. In some cases, it becomes raw with oozing blisters.

Eczema

Eczema causes red, itchy, dry patches of skin. While eczema can develop anywhere, it often affects the knees, inner elbow, and arms.

Lichen planus

Lichen planus causes itchy bumps with flat tops and can attack the skin cells and mucous membranes. Lichen planus can appear nearly anywhere on the body, including inside the mouth.

Diaper rash

Diaper rash affects infants and toddlers and is caused by friction between the diaper and skin. Your child’s skin will be red, swollen, and warm to the touch if they have a diaper rash.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes red, scaly, silvery patches of skin on the scalp, back, knees, or elbows.

Shingles

Shingles is a viral infection that shows as a painful rash, often with tender blisters. Many people with shingles experience a long, stripelike rash down the trunk of the body.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is caused by bacteria that enters the skin through small cracks. The skin can be swollen, tender, and warm to the touch.

How are rashes treated?

Depending on the cause of your rash, your dermatologist at Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology could recommend trigger avoidance. Preventing a rash can be as simple as switching to a fragrance-free laundry detergent or bath soap and avoiding perfumes. Other rash treatments include:

• Prescription-strength cortisone creams
• Antihistamines
• Cortisone shots
• Antibiotics
• Light therapy
• Steroid injections

Call Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about skin rashes and their treatments.