Rashes and Dermatitis Treatment in Tampa

A rash that is spreading, itching for more than a week or two, blistering, painful, or not responding to over-the-counter cream is worth a dermatologist visit. Rashes can come from allergies, irritants, infections, medications, or underlying skin conditions, and the same red, itchy patch can mean very different things depending on the cause. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the fastest path to relief.

Common Rashes We Diagnose and Treat

Contact dermatitis is one of the most common rashes we see, whether allergic or irritant, triggered by poison ivy, nickel in jewelry, or fragrances in soaps and lotions. We also treat atopic dermatitis (eczema), a chronic itchy rash that tends to run in families with allergies or asthma, and seborrheic dermatitis, which produces flaky, red patches on the scalp and face.

Other rashes we regularly diagnose and treat include hives (urticaria), heat rash, fungal rashes such as tinea and ringworm, pityriasis rosea, and drug rashes that appear after starting a new medication. Shingles, a painful blistering rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus, needs prompt evaluation and treatment. We also see rashes in children, which have their own set of common causes and require an age-appropriate approach.

When to Be Seen Right Away

Most rashes can wait for a scheduled office visit, but some combinations of symptoms need emergency care, not a clinic visit. Seek emergency care immediately for a fever accompanying a rash, a rash that is spreading rapidly, blistering or skin peeling, or a rash with facial swelling or trouble breathing. These can signal a serious allergic reaction or infection that needs urgent attention.

What a Visit Looks Like

A rash visit starts with a history of when the rash appeared, what it feels like, and any new products, medications, or exposures. Dr. Brady then examines the affected skin closely. Depending on what he finds, he may perform a skin scraping to check for a fungal infection, recommend patch testing when contact allergy is suspected, or take a biopsy when the diagnosis is not clear from the exam alone. In most cases, a treatment plan starts the same day.

Treatments

Treatment is matched to the cause and severity of your rash. Options include topical steroids and non-steroid topical medications to calm inflammation, antihistamines to control itching, antifungal medications for fungal rashes, and oral medication when a rash is more extensive or does not respond to topical treatment alone. Just as important is identifying and avoiding the trigger, whether that is an allergen, an irritant, or an environmental factor, so the rash does not keep coming back.

If you are dealing with a rash or persistent itchy skin and want an answer instead of another guess, Dr. Brady can help. Book online or call our office to get started.