What is a skin rash?

A skin rash is an area of irritated, reddened skin that may also be painful and swollen. Rashes are often itchy, and some skin rashes cause blisters — fluid bubbles under the top layer of skin. Oozing, crusting, or flaking skin is also common with rashes. Widespread causes of skin rashes include:

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is your skin’s response to allergens — substances that cause an allergic reaction. Common skin allergens include:

• Metals
• Rubber and latex
• Hair dye
• Clothing dye chemicals
• Topical antibiotics
• Skin or hair care products

Poison ivy and many other plants can also cause contact dermatitis.

Hives

Hives (urticaria) are pink welts (swellings) that itch, sting, or burn. Hives vary from the size of a pen tip to a dinner plate. They sometimes join together to form larger swellings. Hives might disappear in a few hours but can last for days or keep recurring.

Hives are typically caused by allergic reactions to food or medication. However, non-allergic hives can develop in response to things as varied as infections, sunlight, temperature, water, exercise, and pressure, so they can be difficult to identify. 

You could also develop a rash if you have an infectious disease like measles or chickenpox. However, these illnesses are far less common thanks to immunization programs.

How are skin rashes diagnosed?

Your Integrated Dermatology of NJ provider might perform allergy patch testing if you have contact dermatitis. This simple procedure identifies specific substances causing your skin rash.

Your provider places panels containing small quantities of potential allergens on your back, which you must wear for two days. After 48 hours, you return to Integrated Dermatology of NJ, and your provider removes the panels.

Two days after having the panels off, you return to the office again so your provider can evaluate any skin reaction.

How are skin rashes treated?

Skin rash treatments might include:

• Soothing lotions
• Moisturizers
• Baths
• Cortisone creams
• Antihistamines

Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid medication that reduces the swelling and heat in your skin. Antihistamines help reduce itchiness. Laser therapy and photodynamic therapy could be useful for some rashes.

Contact Integrated Dermatology of NJ if you have a severe or persistent skin rash. You can call the office or use the online booking form to request an appointment.