Treating Skin Rashes

Skin rashes can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Treating skin rashes can seem like a mysterious process, since the cause of the problem isn’t always clear.
There are several different kinds of rashes, and they will each require different treatment.
One common type of rash is a contact rash. This kind of rash is caused when a person touches something with the skin that then causes an allergic reaction. A common type of contact rash is caused by poison oak or poison ivy, or the less common poison sumac. Other plants can cause a rash in some people. The oil (urushiol) that causes the rash may also be spread from clothing, tools, or pets that come in contact with the plant, so the affected person may not realize where the rash came from.
These rashes are best treated by quickly washing thoroughly with soap if you suspect contact with a poisonous plant. If a mild rash develops, use over-the counter poison ivy creams or hydrocortisone. Oatmeal/baking soda baths can help in some cases. If an infection develops or the rash becomes very severe, see a dermatologist.
Other contact rashes include those caused by latex, elastic, cosmetics, detergents and soaps. The best treatment for these rashes is to discontinue use of the product. This may take some time using the process of elimination.
Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitus is another common rash that causes itching scalp and white flakes. It may be connected to age, stress, or fatigue. Sometimes it is exacerbated by weather extremes, and can be connected to oily skin, too infrequent shampooing and alcohol based lotions. It may also be a hereditary condition.
The good news is that there are shampoos that can be very effective in treating this condition. Different people respond to different treatments, so you may have to try several. Tar based shampoos like T-Gel help some people. Others respond to prescription shampoos like Clobex, which contains cortisone. There are also treatments such as Niproxol, now available over the counter. Ask the pharmacist for their location. For serious dermatitis conditions, general use dandruff shampoo is not effective, and one of these stronger remedies is necessary.
If the problem does not respond to over-the-counter remedies, see your dermatologist for a prescription shampoo.
Eczema, Psoriasis, Impetigo, and Shingles are more common rashes. There are also rashes caused as a result of childhood diseases that normally appear immediately following a fever.
Eczema is perhaps the most common of these rashes, and the symptoms can be severe. A mild case of eczema can be treated with thick, over the counter cream remedies like Eurcerin. If the condition is severe, a dermatologist will recommend steps beyond such creams, like changes in lifestyle and food intake or prescription creams. Sometimes, photo (light) therapy is helpful in severe cases. Eczama is known for being a particularly stubborn rash to control, so it may take several tries at different therapies and a a good deal of time to completely eliminate the symptoms.