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Skin Rashes

Skin Rashes

About Skin Rashes

If you experience itchiness, skin redness, dry or scaly skin, thick and leathery skin, or small fluid-filled blisters on your skin, you may have a skin rash. Most people develop a rash at some point in their lifetime, whether due to chronic skin conditions, an allergic reaction, or autoimmune disease. At Southwest Michigan Dermatology, the board-certified dermatology team specializes in diagnosing and treating all skin rashes. Call the main office in Portage, Michigan or request an appointment online to improve your symptoms and relieve discomfort. 

Skin Rashes Q & A

What is a rash?

A rash is a skin condition that causes a change in the texture and color of your skin due to irritation. You may experience scaly or bumpy skin, as well as frequent itchiness.

Depending on the underlying cause, rashes can develop anywhere on your body. The cause of these rashes can vary. 

 

What types of rashes exist?

Rashes commonly affect people of all ages, with various kinds of skin rashes existing. At Southwest Michigan Dermatology, the team treats all skin rashes. 

 

Some of these rashes include:

Intertrigo 

This type of rash is a common inflammatory skin condition that’s caused by skin-to-skin friction. Intertrigo typically intensifies with heat and moisture caused by sweating. 

 

Ringworm

Ringworm is a highly contagious, common skin infection that’s caused by a fungus. This rash can spread by skin-to-skin contact and typically appears as a circular, red, and itchy rash that’s shaped like a ring. 

 

Contact dermatitis 

People can develop skin allergies due to a substance touching their skin. These substances include soap, cosmetics, jewelry, fragrances, and poison ivy. It can sometimes be hard to determine what substance is causing this contact dermatitis. 

 

The providers at Southwest Michigan Dermatology use True Test®, a prescription patch test, to diagnose contact dermatitis and find the trigger. 

 

Diaper rash

Diaper rash appears as bright red skin on a baby’s buttocks. This rash is typically caused by a diaper that’s infrequently changed, as well as frequent diarrhea, exposure to new foods, and antibiotics.

 

Shingles 

This viral infection is a reactivation of the chicken pox virus, resulting in a painful rash. It’s unclear what causes the reactivation of the virus; however, anyone who’s had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles.

 

Swimmer's itch

Also called cercarial dermatitis, this type of rash is caused by an allergic reaction to microscopic parasites that infect birds and mammals. These parasites do not mature into adults in the human body.

 

How are rashes treated?

At Southwest Michigan Dermatology, the team of expert dermatologists evaluates your rash to determine your condition's cause, type, and severity. After discussing your medical history and symptoms with you, the team recommends the best treatment options for you. 

 

To learn more about skin rashes and your treatment options, call the office or request an appointment online.