Rashes
Medical Dermatology & Surgical and Cosmetic Dermatology in Fenton, Chesterfield and O'Fallon, MO
Rashes are a common skin problem that often develops because of an allergic reaction. If you have a rash that won’t clear up or keeps coming back, visit the Missouri Dermatology Laser and Vein Center office in Fenton, Chesterfield, or O’Fallon, Missouri. The experienced dermatology team offers allergy testing and effective therapies for skin rashes. To benefit from expert diagnosis and treatment for your rash, call your nearest Missouri Dermatology Laser and Vein Center office today or book an appointment online.
A skin rash is an area of irritated, reddened skin that may also be painful and swollen. Rashes are often itchy, and some skin rashes cause blisters — bubbles of fluid under the top layer of skin. Oozing, crusting, or flaking skin is also common with rashes. Common causes of skin rashes include:
Contact dermatitis is your skin’s reaction to allergens — substances that cause an allergic reaction. Common skin allergens include:
Poison ivy and many other plants can also cause contact dermatitis.
Hives (urticaria) are pink welts (swellings) that itch, sting, or burn. Hives vary from the size of a pen tip to a dinner plate. They sometimes join together to form larger swellings. Hives might disappear in a few hours but can last for days or keep recurring.
Hives are usually due to an allergic reaction to food or medication. However, non-allergic hives can develop in response to things as varied as infections, sunlight, temperature, water, exercise, and pressure, so they can be difficult to identify.
You could also develop a rash if you have an infectious disease like measles or chickenpox. However, these illnesses are far less common thanks to immunization programs.
If you have contact dermatitis, your Missouri Dermatology Laser and Vein Center provider might perform allergy patch testing. This simple procedure identifies any specific substances causing your skin rash.
Your provider places panels containing small quantities of potential allergens on your back, which you need to wear for two days. After 48 hours, you go back to Missouri Dermatology Laser and Vein Center, and your provider removes the panels.
Two days after having the panels off, you return to the office once more so your provider can evaluate any skin reaction.
Skin rash treatments might include:
Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid medication that reduces the swelling and heat in your skin. Antihistamines help reduce itchiness.
If you have a severe or persistent skin rash, contact Missouri Dermatology Laser and Vein Center. You can call the nearest office or use the online booking form to request an appointment.