Rashes

Sue Kangas, PABy Sue Kangas, PA

Have you or a loved one ever gotten a rash and wonder what caused it?  Sometimes we never find the cause, but I will share some information on some common rash causes and things you can do for treating them.

Viral Rashes:

Shingles rash from the Varicella virus. Coxsackie (some people know this as Hand, Foot and Mouth) Parvovirus B-19 (also known as fifth disease or slap cheek).

Chickenpox, Measles, Rubella, Roseola. As more and more parents decline childhood vaccinations, we may start seeing more of these types of rashes.

Bacterial Rashes: Staphylococcal or Streptococcal Infections.

Food Allergy related rashes.

Drug Eruption Rashes: Especially Antibiotics and our Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs.

Autoimmune Diseases: Lupus and Psoriasis.

Allergic/Contact Dermatitis Rashes: These are a form of dermatitis/eczema and caused by an allergic reaction to a material that comes in contact with the skin rather than from internal sources or food. They are a delayed hypersensitivity reaction that occurs 48-72 hours after exposure to the allergen. Common allergens are nickel, acrylate that is associated with nail cosmetics, topical antibiotics in patients over 70 years of age.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Irritation or repetitive injury to the skin. Irritants include water, soaps, detergents, solvents, acids, alkalis and friction. These reactions can occur immediately after a single injury or develop slowly after repeated exposure.

Fungal Infection Rashes: can appear in several area different areas of the body from the head to the nails.

Treatments:

Viral: most are self- limiting meaning they go away in time and needs no treatment unless itchy.

Dermatitis/Eczema: Emollient Creams like Eucerin, Cerave or Cetaphil are ones most dermatologists recommend in place of lotions as they are more moisturizing for the skin. Topical steroids help reduce itch and inflammation. Topical or oral antibiotics are sometimes needed or even short courses of oral steroids. Autoimmune rashes like Psoriasis respond well to phototherapy. Some allergic contact dermatitis rashes require immune-modulating creams to help improve them. These drugs change the body’s immune response.

Fungal rashes need antifungals. These are commonly found over the counter. They tend to be what I call labor intensive to use because one normally has to use them for weeks to see resolution.