AfterOurs Clinics - Colorado
AfterOurs Clinics - Colorado

Rashes

rashes hand
A rash is a prominent change to the color and texture of the skin. In severe cases, the skin becomes inflamed and gets itchy. Under normal circumstances, rashes do not require urgent medical attention but if the rashes persist for more than five days and produce severe itching or pain, then they should be immediately treated.

Causes

Following are some major causes of rash:

  • Allergic reactions to foods, fabric, or other items that come in contact with the skin
  • Some medications
  • Heat
  • Viruses or bacterial infections
  • Autoimmune diseases

The most common cause of rash is atopic (allergic) dermatitis. Our immune system responds to things in our environment that it feels are “not normal” and this response can form a rash. The rashes formed may be itchy or painful. Atopic dermatitis is frequently referred to as eczema. With eczema, skin can become dry and scaly.
Contact dermatitis is also common. This is where the skin reacts to an item that is in direct contact The below mentioned are some common causes of contact dermatitis:

  • Soaps or other chemicals
  • Wood, fiberglass or other building materials
  • Contact with a poisonous plant like poison ivy

Psoriasis is also a kind of rash in which skin becomes bumpier and scalier. Psoriasis is more commonly seen on knees, elbows, and scalp, but can occur anywhere on the body.
[H3] Medication-induced rashes
Medication-induced rashes are common in cases when a patient is allergic to a medication or one of its active ingredients. The rashes may be a side effect of any medication or due to a medication making a person more sensitive to direct sunlight.

Treatment

There are a wide variety of over-the-counter medicines available for treating simple rashes or skin irritation. These include using antihistamine topical creams, lotion, or even moisturizers.
Cortisone creams are also available to treat the swelling caused as a result of the rash.
If a rash persists for more than three to five days, despite using over the counter topical creams, it is a good idea to see a healthcare professional who can examine the underlying cause and initiate an effective treatment.

Contact us

In case of urgent medical care assistance, AfterOurs Urgent Care offers immediate telemedicine services, where medical providers are available to offer assistance. Anyone who experiences signs and symptoms requiring urgent medical attention can simply book their appointment with AfterOurs Urgent Care to directly talk to an expert. If your medical issue is not appropriate for telemedicine, we will let you know and refer you to an in-person facility.

When to visit a doctor:
If you notice any rash on your body that lasts more than three to five days, see a medical practitioner to rule out serious disease.

Treatment for rashes is available at AfterOurs Urgent Care.