Rashes
Rashes
Skin rashes can be caused by many different factors, including infections, allergens, immune system disorders, medications, and heat.
Different types of rashes include:
- Eczema causes intense itching with the most common type being atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis is triggered by touching something that causes an allergic reaction
- Seborrheic dermatitis (sometimes called scalp eczema) causes intense scalp itching
- Fungal infections can result in jock itch, athletes foot, and ringworm
- Bacterial infections can start small but then spread throughout the body.
- Hives have many triggers such as foods, extreme heat or cold, drugs, insect bites, and illnesses
- Herpes simplex and oral herpes cause cold sores and little blisters on your lips
- Shingles causes an outbreak of a painful rash or blisters on the skin.
Rashes should be evaluated and treated by your primary care provider. While some rashes do not require urgent attention, if a rash comes on suddenly with the following symptoms, you should contact your provider immediately or go to an urgent care or emergency room promptly:
- A rash is all over your body
- Fever accompanies the onset of your rash
- The rash is sudden and spreads rapidly
- The rash begins to blister and is painful or infected
Some infections or diseases cause rashes, including:
- Shingles
- Chickenpox
- HIV
- Measles
- Syphilis
- Roseola
- Lyme Disease
- Sepsis
- Candida
For some contact rashes, self-care habits include avoiding harsh soaps and laundry detergents and applying medicated anti-itch creams. Treatments for a rash can be multifaceted. Your provider will evaluate your particular reaction and recommend the appropriate ongoing medications, daily habits, and treatments. Call Catawba Valley Healthcare for an appointment or acute visit at (828) 695-5900.