Austin’s Trusted Rash Treatment Services
Almost everyone has suffered from a rash at some point: While a rash in and of itself is not a specific diagnosis, a rash is any type of inflammation or discoloration that alters the skin’s usual appearance. A rash could range from eczema to poison ivy to athlete’s foot, and could be caused by a virus, bacteria, parasite, or fungi. While many rashes come and go, you may find yourself with an unexplained rash that stays for an extended period of time. If so, you should contact our experienced dermatologists at Tru-Skin Dermatology in Austin to find an appropriate skin rash treatment for you.
Common skin rashes
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that happens when the body’s immune system misdirects and causes inflammation and injures the body’s tissue. It can affect many parts of the body, including the joints and skin, causing severe skin rashes over a prolonged period of time. Many people may experience butterfly rash across the cheeks and nose bridge, as well as skin sensitivity and rashes over the face, neck, or arms.
Allergic contact dermatitis takes place when your body reacts to something your skin comes into direct contact with it. This happens not because of irritants (stronger chemicals such as acids or solvent), but because of something to which the skin is sensitive. Dermatitis symptoms include swelling, water blisters, and scaly skin.
A fungal infection typically occurring between the toes, athlete’s foot is usually caused when feet are sweaty due to being confined in tighter shoes. It is closely related to ringworm and jock itch, other fungal infections.
If you have ever had chickenpox, the same virus will lie dormant for years and may then cause shingles, a very painful rash that is often fluid filled and frequently forms around the waist. However, shingles can form anywhere around the body and cause itching, burning, and pain.
Also sometimes known as atopic dermatitis, eczema often causes irritated and dry, itchy skin. When infected, it may make small bumps form that ooze a yellow or clear liquid. Eczema is chronic but noncontagious, and tends to be correlated to allergies.
Defined as bumps or welts that show up on the body, hives generally last for a shorter period of time. If the red bumps stay for fewer than six weeks, it is called acute urticaria; if it lasts longer, it is referred to as chronic urticaria.
However, skin rashes may form for a truly extensive range of reasons, and may be difficult to accurately pinpoint immediately. At Tru-Skin Dermatology, our experienced team will use their experience and expertise to identify the reason for your skin rash as quickly as possible.
Rash treatment options
When you visit Tru-Skin Dermatology, we will run a thorough investigation to determine the cause of your skin rash. As it could be related to a host of issues, treatment will vary. These are some of ways we treat more common skin rash issues.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms and how much your organs have been affected, we can prescribe corticosteroid creams to help manage the rashes over time. We can also accurately diagnose your rash with a skin biopsy to make sure it is a lupus rash.
If you are allergic to a certain substance, such as rubber or metal, we can create an action plan for you, such as prescription ointment or cream, oral antibiotic, and moisturizers. We will also suggest lifestyle changes, such as wearing gloves for certain tasks.
If you have a case of athlete’s foot that persists after using OTC creams, we may prescribe antifungals. This also applies for other fungal rash treatments such as ringworm.
Treatment depends on the severity and progression of shingles; antiviral medications such as Acyclovir are commonly prescribed. We may also suggest certain OTC medications, as well as other prescriptions such as capsaicin, numbing medications or oral medication to treat lasting nerve pain. If bacteria are involved, we may prescribe antibiotics.
We will work together with you closely to develop a routine to help you control your itch, allow the skin to heal, and prevent flare-ups and infections. Your symptoms may vary, so we will search for the best treatment options for you. Common solutions include corticosteroid creams, ointments, solutions, or foams, which help to reduce inflammation. Newer treatments include NSAID ointments or antibiotics.
If you are not able to quickly resolve whatever triggers your hives and antihistamines do not provide relief, oral corticosteroids or cortisone mediation may be provided.
Working together with you
No matter the type of rash you may suffer from, the friendly team at Tru-Skin Dermatology will work together with you to find the ideal solution for your individual needs and history. From allergy rash treatments to fungal rash treatments, we are confident we can help you regain a clear complexion in a matter of time. To learn more about skin conditions such as rashes, we invite you to listen to Dr. Ladd’s radio show with his wife Lurleen, “The Dr. Dan Show.” It airs each Sunday at 11 a.m. on KLBJ 590 AM and 99.7 FM7.
As always, if you want to schedule an appointment, call us today at (512) 451-0139—we may even have same-day availability.
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