Meet your new rash.
Broadly, that means your skin is manifesting animmune system responseto something your body thinks could harm your health.
Dermatologists to the rescue!
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Is your rash itchy?
But some rashes arent usually itchy, so this is still a good question to ask yourself.
One example is the rash that can come with angioedema.
If youre stumped because you have hives that dont itch, this could be a potential cause.
Even if your rash is itchy, the specifics can help you narrow down what might be causing it.
Does it have a clear edge?
Common irritants include nickel, plants like poison ivy, and harsh cleaning agents like bleach.
Does your rash burn?
This can help narrow things down quite a bit.
There arent that many rashes that give a burning sensation, Dr. Zeichner says.
Shingles happens due to a varicella-zoster virus infection, according to theMayo Clinic.
At first, shingles usually causes unpleasant sensations like pain, burning, numbness, and tingling.
Herpes is another potential cause of burning rashes.
National Library of Medicine.
Unfortunately, they also happen because of skin conditions.
A blister-filled rash could be due toeczema, irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, shingles, and herpes.
Is your rash scaly?
But sometimes this process doesnt go as smoothly as it should.
Certain rashes can appear scaly because this natural exfoliating process has been affected, Dr. Robinson says.
This can happen witheczema, which weve discussed above, and also withpsoriasis.
Have you had this rash before?
The answer to this question can help you and your doctor figure out whats triggering the rash.
In some cases,chronic skin conditionslikeeczemaorpsoriasisare to blame, Dr. Zeichner says.
But repeated rashes can also be a sign that continued exposure to something external is setting off your skin.
Have you tried a new cosmetic recently?
Contact dermatitisoften crops up in response to products like soap, lotion, and makeup, Dr. Robinson says.
Sometimes it takes many exposures for your body to begin showing signs of irritant or allergic contact dermatitis.
Could it be related to the heat?
you’re free to wind up with a heat rash from being in hotter temperatures, theMayo Clinicexplains.
This happens when your sweat ducts become clogged, so moisture gets caught under your skin.
Heat can also exacerbate some skin conditions likerosacea.
This health issue causes reddened facial skin and sometimes acne-like bumps.
Do you have a fever?
You could be having a serious allergic reaction to something like a medication, according to theMayo Clinic.
Dont hesitate to see your doctor for just a rash.
You know your body best.
Luckily, dermatologists are well-versed in rashes.
Seeing one can get you one step closer to putting your rash behind you.
