The term “rash” refers to a change in the texture and color of skin that typically results in the appearance of red patches or bumps on the skin’s surface. Rash is often used as an umbrella term to describe different types of common skin conditions that causes minor itching or redness in the affected area.
Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness provides appropriate diagnosis and treatment for rashes to patients in Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and surrounding communities.
Determining Causes and Symptoms
The cause of a rash can be directly or indirectly related to bacteria, viruses, or fungi. On the other hand, a rash may be entirely unrelated to an infectious organism and may occur due to existing medical condition. Among the various causes of rash are medicines, chronic medical conditions, and allergic responses (hives).
Dermatologists describe rashes using specific terms. A macular rash appears as small, flat red patches on the skin. On the hand, papular rash looks like tiny raised red bumps. In case the patient has signs and symptoms of both types of rashes, the rash is known as maculopapular.
Along with the rash, there may be blister development or ulceration of the skin. A rash that occurs with blisters is called a vesicular rash. The rash may or may not be accompanied by pruritus (itching).
Many individuals with a rash display similar symptoms. Some patients explain that their rashes oozed and subsequently scabbed over as well as bled easily. Other patients state that their rashes appeared with seasonal change, when they consumed specific foods, or when they started a new course of medication.
Identifying a Specific Type of Rash
Some common forms of rashes are poison ivy, athlete’s foot, eczema, and hives. Fungal, bacterial, or viral infections may cause rashes. The patient should visit a dermatologist if the rash persists for more than a few days and are inexplicable.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
The most common rash impacting adults is seborrheic dermatitis. It develops as red scaling with itchy eruptions that typically form on the forehead, scalp, cheeks, brows and external ears. Seborrheic dermatitis may occur on the scalp (cradle cap) and diaper area in babies.
Contact Dermatitis
This type of rash occurs due to contact with a particular chemical that the patient is allergic to or with a substance that causes irritation directly to the skin. Certain chemicals are allergens as well as irritants. This form of rash is usually oozy and weepy. It impacts skin areas that have come in direct contact with the allergy-causing substance.
Diaper Rash
A diaper rash is a commonly occurring irritant contact dermatitis. It primarily impacts infants as well as some adults who use diapers. It happens when feces and urine remain in contact with the skin for a long duration.
Stasis Dermatitis
This rash is a weepy and oozy dermatitis which develops on the lower part of the legs of people who suffer from chronic inflammation due to poor blood flow in the veins.
Hives
Hives are red and itchy bumps that occur suddenly and then subside in around eight hours. This rash has a tendency to recur quickly.
Board certified dermatologist Dr. Jamie McGinness receives patients from Shiloh, IL; St. Louis, MO, and nearby areas 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.