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When is it Time to Get a Rash Checked Out?

July 28, 2017
By: Dermatology Consultants of Frisco

Rashes can be a common skin ailment that any person can develop.

The cause can be as small as skin chafing in the summer heat. Not all skin rashes fade overnight and some may be the sign of something far more serious going on. Skin care is important to a person’s overall health as it protects them from outside contagions that could make them very ill. Getting care from a professional dermatologist when potential skin problems arise will keep your whole body healthy and strong. Determining when to see a dermatologist in Frisco for a rash is a challenge without knowing what signs are cause for concern. Knowing more about rashes and their causes can help a person identify skin irritations that need medical attention.

What Causes a Rash?

Rashes come in many different shapes and sizes. Marked by skin irritation, a rash can cause itching, reddening, blistering, peeling, and pain. 

Many rashes are caused by simple skin irritation caused by rubbing, chafing, and chemical irritants in clothing detergent. These common rashes usually diminish and vanish within a few days with the proper skin care. More difficult rashes can be caused by allergies, reactions to medication, stress and even heat exposure. These rashes can last longer and be more painful and uncomfortable.

Illnesses and infections can also cause rashes. Chickenpox and shingles are two notable conditions that can have uncomfortable skin rashes as a primary symptom. People with autoimmune diseases like Lupus may also be prone to developing rashes due to their diminished abilities to fight off the infections that cause them. 

Taking note of what you’ve eaten, where you’ve been and what you’ve been in contact with over the past day or so can help you to determine the cause of your rash. Comparing your rash to images of common rashes may help you to discover the cause and the severity, as well.

Warning Signs

There are certain signs that can mark that you or your loved one has a rash that needs rash treatment in Frisco. A persistent rash that continues to be prevalent or gets bigger even after a few days have passed may be a sign of infection or illness. It may also be a sign that you are in regular contact with an environmental hazard or allergen that could cause other health problems.

The shape of a rash can also be a sign of more concerning health problems. If you develop a facial rash over your cheeks and nose that resembles a butterfly or raised discs, it could be a sign of a serious autoimmune disease called Lupus. A persistent rash in an oval shape could indicate that you or your family member has ringworm, an infectious but treatable fungal infection that can be easily handled by a dermatologist in Frisco. 

If you develop other symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, joint pain, swelling or headaches, you should make an appointment with a dermatologist in Frisco. These may be signs of a more serious condition and it is better to be diagnosed as early as possible. Pus, leakages and bleeding can also be signs of infection or disease and should receive rash treatment in Frisco before the condition worsens.

Dermatology Consultants in Frisco can help you treat your rashes and other skin conditions. We work to keep our patients’ skin healthy and can detect potential health problems that could be causing the ongoing symptoms of a rash. For a consultation, call Dermatology Consultants and set up an appointment with one of our trained specialists today.