When Should I Seek Medical Advice on a Rash?

When most of us get a rash, we think of it as annoying, but easy to treat with conservative home care. Though this is the case for some rashes, others need care from a dermatologist and can even be dangerous without professional medical treatment.

Our skilled team at Easton Dermatology Associates, headed by board-certified dermatologists Michael Del Torto, MD and Donald R. Stranahan, Jr., MD, provide comprehensive treatment for all types of rashes. Discover when you should seek medical care for a rash.

What is a rash?

Rashes occur when your skin is irritated and becomes inflamed. Though rashes differ in appearance, most cause your skin to redden and develop raised bumps in a localized or large area of your body. Rashes range from benign, mild skin conditions that clear up on their own to being or indicating serious health conditions that need immediate treatment.

When should I see a dermatologist for my rash?

It’s always a good idea to see our dermatologists at Easton Dermatology Associates when you develop a new rash, to ensure the rash is not serious and gets proper care. However, it’s especially important to make an appointment immediately if your rash displays any of these symptoms.

Your rash shows signs of infection

If your rash is infected, you’ll need to get medical treatment to treat the infection and stop it from spreading. Symptoms of an infected rash include the rash oozing green or yellow pus or fluid, developing a red streak, swelling, crusting, or feeling warm when you touch it.

You have a fever

Developing a fever alongside a rash can indicate you have an infection, allergic reaction, or a serious illness such as mononucleosis, scarlet fever, or shingles. Please come in for treatment right away if you have a rash and fever.

Your rash begins and spreads quickly

A rash that starts suddenly and spreads can indicate you’re having an allergic reaction. As allergic reactions can be life-threatening, please see our dermatologists right away, or go to the emergency room if you’re having difficulty breathing.

Your rash is blistering or painful

Blistering, pain, and open sores developing in your rash can sometimes be signs of infection or another condition that requires medical treatment. It’s particularly important to make an appointment at Easton Dermatology Associates if a rash with these symptoms appears near your mouth, eyes, or genital area.

Your rash occurs in warm skin folds

Rashes occurring in the warm folds of your skin can sometimes be fungal infections that need treatment. If your rash occurs in one of these areas, such as between your fingers or on the underside of your breasts, make an appointment for an evaluation.

Your rash isn’t going away

Our dermatologists can diagnose and treat any rash that isn’t going away with conservative home care. If your rash doesn’t show signs of improvement, it’s time to come in for further treatment.

What are the treatment options for rashes?

The course of treatment for your rash depends on the cause of it. When you come in for your appointment at Easton Dermatology Associates, our doctors perform an examination and develop a unique course of treatment to resolve your symptoms. 

Common treatments for rashes include topical creams, such as corticosteroids, tacrolimus ointment, and pimecrolimus cream. If your rash is infected, our doctors prescribe antibiotics.

For a thorough treatment of rashes, eczema, and any other skin condition in Easton and Salisbury, Maryland, make an appointment with our team at Easton Dermatology Associates by calling your preferred practice location.