The word “rash” is used to describe a wide range of skin problems which are characterized by an alteration in the color, texture, or appearance of the skin.
Rashes may occur due to environmental reasons such as being exposed to the sun, chemicals or specific plants. Some internal factors may also cause rashes such as medicines or exposure to allergens.
The dermatologist will evaluate the rash during the initial consultation and prescribe a suitable treatment to the patient. Focused board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness provides appropriate diagnosis and treatment for rashes to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding locations in this part of the country.
Treatments
In general, rashes are mild and respond to topical medications. But at times, rashes may signal more serious skin issues such as:
- Allergic response to medications
- Bacterial infection
- Atopic dermatitis
- Chronic skin issues such as psoriasis or acne
- Viral infection
- Contact dermatitis
- Fungal infection
Creams and Ointments
If a rash cannot be treated with other topical medicines, the dermatologist may prescribe corticosteroid creams and ointments. These are powerful treatments. The patient should use these medications only under the guidance of a dermatologist to achieve safe and predictable results.
Immune modulator topical ointments which do not comprise steroids are also available today. These medications are particularly suitable for use on a child’s face as they lead to less atrophy.
Topical treatments that are based on crisaborole are suitable for children as well as adults experiencing mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. This treatment prevents swelling in the skin.
Antibiotics and Antihistamines
Antibiotics can reduce specific disease symptoms. In the case of serious infections and severe rashes, these antibiotics may be applied topically on the skin as an ointment. However, they are usually more efficient when the patient takes them orally as pills.
Specific antihistamines may cause the patient to become drowsy which is helpful if the drugs are taken at bedtime. The patient can experience more restful sleep, and it prevents the accidental scratching of the impacted sites during nighttime. The dermatologist may prescribe the patient specific meds for fungal and viral infections.
Phototherapy
This treatment makes use of UVA or UVB light waves or combines both of these. The dermatologist may recommend phototherapy for children over the age of 12 years experiencing mild to moderate dermatitis. The dermatologist may also recommend photo-chemotherapy (the combination of UV light therapy and a medication known as psoralen) in some cases.
Other Treatments
In case other treatments are not effective, the dermatologist will put the patient on a course of systemic corticosteroids. These medicines can be taken orally or injected into the medicine rather than applied directly to the skin. The dermatologist will recommend this treatment only when other treatments prove ineffective for the patient. This will be a short duration treatment.
Immunosuppressive medications such as cyclosporine can be used to treat serious cases of atopic dermatitis in adults. Successful board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness receives patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and other neighborhoods and cities in this region of the nation for rash diagnosis and treatment.
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.