Acute Conditions
Skin Rashes 
What are skin rashes?
A skin rash occurs when one or several areas of the skin become swollen or irritated. Skin rashes are extremely painful and itchy, varying in appearance on several skin tones.
What are the signs of skin rashes?
The skin appears lumpy, swollen, itchy and red. The primary reason is dermatitis, which occurs when the skin reacts adversely to allergens. Furthermore, the presence of viruses, bacteria, and allergens, including disorders such as hives, psoriasis, and eczema, can be the main source of skin rashes.
In addition, skin rashes can also induce itchiness and dry skin.
Additional symptoms include the following:
- Hives
- Pain over affected parts of the skin
- Red and blotchy patches over certain regions of the skin.
How do you diagnose skin rashes?
There are many reasons for a skin rash. Dr Thomas will inspect the rash, evaluate your symptoms, and provide a thorough medical history.
He may decide to order the following diagnostic studies:
- A biopsy entails removing a skin/tissue sample to assess the overall health of the skin and check for the presence of viruses or bacteria impacting skin health.
- Allergy testing, such as a skin prick test, is done to identify potential allergens causing skin rashes.
- Blood testing can detect conditions that arise from antibodies circulating the blood, which are only traceable through blood tests.
How do you treat skin rashes?
The specified treatment for skin rashes depends on the reasons for these conditions. For example, treatment for skin rashes consists of the following:
- Medication for allergies involves taking prescribed antihistamines to minimise itchy skin.
- Topical anti-inflammatories such as Hydrocortisone reduce itchy skin and skin inflammation.
- Immuno-suppressants are taken if the skin rash arises from an unfavourable immune response from an autoimmune condition or eczema.
- Topical or oral steroids are prescribed to alleviate itchy skin and minimise skin inflammation.
FAQ
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