A rash is an embarrassing and vexing skin problem that doesn’t always go away on its own. It can happen due to flare-ups related to medical conditions or exposure to certain irritants. If you have a problem with chronic skin rashes, your dermatologist at North Branch Dermatology in Chicago, IL, Dr. Elizabeth Fahrenbach, may recommend a number of treatments to help ease the symptoms.

What Causes Skin Rashes?
A skin rash is an irritation or inflammation of the skin that makes your skin turn red and itchy. Sometimes a rash causes bumps, blisters or ulcers to form on the skin. There are a number of reasons why a rash may develop, which you should talk about with your dermatologist. Eczema and psoriasis are skin diseases that often causes these rashes. Skin allergies are also a culprit—many people are unknowingly allergic to detergents, chemicals and certain plants. Bug bites can also cause rashes to form on the skin. In rare cases, a patient’s rash may be due to a staph infection or a similar bacterial disease.

Treatments for Rashes
The ideal treatment for rashes is a topical ointment that helps relieves the inflammation, redness and itching. Your Chicago dermatologist will prescribe one of the following:

- Hydrocortisone cream (for eczema, dermatitis and similar conditions).
- Clotrimazole, fluconazole or a similar anti-fungal (for rashes related to yeast infections).
- Chlorhexidine, bacitracin or a steroid cream for poison ivy and similar allergic reactions.
- Antibiotic cream or oral medication for bacterial infections.
- Antihistamine medicine for allergic skin reactions.

Rash Prevention Advice
Though it may not be able to prevent every rash, here are a few tips for how to minimize the occurrences:

- See your doctor to identify any allergies that may be behind the appearance of rashes (skin irritants or food allergies) and make lifestyle adjustments as needed.
- Wear sunscreen and bug repellent when exploring outdoors. Avoid touching plants.
- Keep your skin clean and moisturized with a non-irritating lotion.
- Keep your environment (especially places where you sit and sleep) clean and sanitized as much as possible.

Get Help from a Dermatologist
There are some rash cases that can only be treated by a qualified dermatologist. That’s just what you’ll find when you visit North Branch Dermatology in Chicago, IL. Call 773-763-6000 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Fahrenbach.