Rash is a general term used for a range of skin conditions, which are typically marked by an uncomfortable change in the texture, color, and appearance of the skin. Rashes may be triggered by environment factors such as exposure to chemicals, sunlight or certain types of plants as well as internal factors, including medications and allergen exposure.

During the initial consultation, the dermatologist will assess the condition of the rash and advise appropriate treatment. Sagacious, impeccable, and board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness provides treatments for rashes to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding locations.

Treatments

Rashes are usually mild in nature, which can be treated with topical medications. However, sometimes the rashes could be a symptom of more severe skin concerns, including:

• Allergic reaction to drugs
• Atopic dermatitis
• Bacterial infection
• Contact dermatitis
• Chronic skin conditions such as acne or psoriasis
• Fungal infection
• Viral infection

Creams and Ointments

Corticosteroid creams and ointments are commonly used when the condition cannot be treated with other topical solutions. These treatments can be significantly potent, and the patient should use them under the supervision of a dermatologist to ensure safe and desirable outcomes.

Immune modulator topical ointments are also now available, which do not contain steroids. These are especially useful when used on a child’s face because they are likely to result in less atrophy. Crisaborole based topical treatments can be used for both kids and adults suffering from mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. This treatment inhibits the inflammation in the skin.

Antibiotics and Antihistamines

Antibiotics may be used to mitigate specific symptoms of the disease. For skin infections and severe rashes, antibiotics may be applied to the skin directly as an ointment, but they are often more effective when taken orally in the form of pills.

Certain types of antihistamines may cause drowsiness, which can be helpful if these medications are taken at bedtime. The patient can have more restful sleep and avoid nighttime scratching of the affected areas. In case of fungal or viral infections, the dermatologist may prescribe specific medications to treat the infection.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy involves the use of UVA or UVB light waves or a combination of the two. In case of mild to moderate dermatitis in older children (above 12 years), the dermatologist may recommend phototherapy. In certain cases, photo-chemotherapy, which combines UV light therapy with a drug called psoralen may also be used.

Other Treatments

If other treatments prove to be ineffective, the dermatologist may prescribe a course of systemic corticosteroids. These drugs are taken orally or injected into muscle instead of direct application to the skin. These medications are typically used only where the patient is resistant to other treatments. The course of treatment will be of a short duration.

Severe cases of atopic dermatitis can also be treated in adults with immunosuppressive drugs, such as cyclosporine. These drugs help to restrain the overactive immune system. Stellar, honorable, and board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness receives patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and other neighborhoods and towns in this part of the country for skin rash treatments.

If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)

Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the use of specific drugs that get activated by light. It is designed to eliminate superficial skin cancers (actinic keratoses) and some types of skin cancer cells. PDT is commonly known as blue light therapy. During the initial consultation, the dermatologist will address all questions of the patient about PDT and help them make a salient and suitable choice.

The dermatologist will carefully determine the patient’s candidacy before recommend them PDT for actinic keratosis and certain types of skin cancer. Profound, committed, and board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness provides PDT to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding communities across the landscape.

Are there any advantages of treating actinic keratoses with PTD?

A key advantage of PDT is that it treats only a specific, affected area of skin. Apart from treating the actinic keratosis, it also improves tone, texture and appearance of skin. Its side effects are milder, and get resolved quickly. PDT is more effective on patients having multiple skin lesions.

PDT is ideally suited for patients who do not wish to undergo a longer or more aggressive treatment. Certain treatments can cause severe side effects. PDT has only mild and temporary side effects, and produces superior results.

Am I a fine candidate for PDT?

People with lighter skin usually make good candidates for PTD. People with darker skin, or those who are prone to discoloration due to certain lights, may have to avoid it. People who are unable to stay out of sunlight may not be good candidates.

What is PDT not suited for?

As the drugs used are unable to penetrate deep into the skin, PDT is not effective for thick actinic keratoses.

What side effects are associated with PDT?

The procedure makes use of blue light, which may cause some patients to experience reddening of the skin. However, most patients will have no notable reaction to it.

Other possible side effects include discoloration, prominently emerging blood vessels, pain, infection, blisters, scabs, scars, allergic reactions and prolonged sun sensitivity. Anesthesia used during the procedure comes with its share of side effects.

Does PDT cause scarring?

PDT will usually not lead to any scarring. But the patient could experience temporary redness, discoloration or irritation.

Are there any alternatives to PDT?

Some of the alternatives include freezing (cryotherapy or cryosurgery), burning, chemical peels, cream, local destruction by curettage, and desiccation (scrape and burn) technique. These can be used to treat actinic keratosis. Alternative treatments for acne include oral isotretinoin, oral antibiotics, topical washes, acne facials, and creams.

How much downtime is involved post-PDT?

If the patient avoids sunlight for a few days after the procedure, recovery is quite fast. There is no restriction in activity or movement indoors.

What does post-operative care after PDT consist of?

Side effects such as redness or swelling can be reduced by using ice bags on the skin for about 15 minutes every hour on the first day. It may also help to sleep propped up on pillows or in a reclining chair for the first one or two days.

Outstanding, kind, and board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness receives patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and other towns and neighborhoods in this area of the country for PDT therapy.

If you would like to learn more about procedures and treatments at Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center by Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jamie L. McGinness please contact us here or call (618) 622-SKIN (7546)

Taking new patients in and around the greater St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois area: East St. Louis Missouri, Shiloh Illinois, Belleville, Millstadt, Saint Clair County, Madison County and more.