Rashes

A rash that’s irritating, swollen, itchy, or ugly can be a sign of an allergic reaction or a chronic skin condition. If you develop a rash suddenly or experience them chronically, consult with the board-certified dermatologists at Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists. The experienced team have the training necessary to find the root cause of your rash and offer treatment. Call one of the offices in Trumbull, Westport, or Derby, Connecticut, today, or use the online tool to schedule an appointment.  

Why do I have a skin rash?

Skin rashes may occur because you come in contact with an irritating substance, like a chemical or allergen. Skin rashes can also develop as a side effect of an underlying disease or viral infection like: 

• Shingles
• Lupus
• Arthritis
• Lyme disease
• COVID-19

If you notice plaques of itchy, scaly skin, make sure you get that evaluated to rule out psoriasis. Itchy, red lesions may indicate skin cancer. Chronic rashes that flare up on areas like your elbows, back, or scalp may indicate eczema.

If you have a rash that persists, weeps, itches, looks unusual, or disappears and recurs, schedule an appointment to have it evaluated at Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists. 

Don’t put off your appointment. It’s important to determine the cause of your rash before it develops into something more serious or spreads.

What indicates my skin rash is eczema?

Eczema causes itchiness, dry skin, scaly patches, blisters, and skin infections. It’s an inflammatory condition and usually responds to triggers in the environment. Eczema often begins in childhood but can persist or develop in teens and adults.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. This condition causes extreme itchiness, with symptoms usually worsening at night. Scratching an eczema rash can cause it to worsen and develop bumps and reddened skin. The bumps may burst open, weep, and ooze.

Atopic dermatitis is typically the result of an allergic reaction. Outbreaks occur with seasonal allergies but may also intensify due to temperature changes, sweat, stress, and certain chemicals.

Eczema can also appear in different forms, including on your scalp and hands or as scaly plaques on the arms or legs. The dermatologists at Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists examine your rash to determine if it is a form of eczema so you get the most appropriate treatment.

How do you treat rashes?

The dermatologists at Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists thoroughly examine your skin and ask about the nature of your rash. A rash that suddenly appears may be due to the use of a new detergent, skin product, or soap. 

Avoiding irritants and allergens may be enough to prevent a recurrence. The providers at Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists recommend over-the-counter creams and ointments and at-home care to help acute rashes clear up on their own within a few days.

Rashes that recur or that cover much of your body may require prescription topical or oral medications for treatment. If you have eczema, your dermatologist works with you to identify triggers so you can avoid them. They can also help you treat any underlying conditions responsible for your rash outbreak.

If you have a concerning rash or regular rash outbreaks, call Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists or use the online tool to schedule.