Rash Treatment
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale
“Rash” is a general term for a wide variety of skin conditions. A rash refers to an uncomfortable change in the color, texture, or appearance of the skin. Rashes can be triggered by environmental factors (exposure to sun, chemicals, and poisonous plants) or internal factors (exposure to allergens, medications, acne, hormones, and more). Knowing your skin is the first key to properly treating rashes.
At Phoenix Skin, we understand that rashes can affect daily life and self-esteem. Fortunately, most rashes are curable. We are here to help you treat your rashes to improve your health, confidence, and overall well-being. Schedule a consultation with one of our expert providers today to begin treating your condition.
If you have any questions or would prefer to schedule over the phone, please call either our Phoenix or Scottsdale office at (602) 222-9111 or (480) 473-9111, respectively.
Contents
About Rashes
Rashes are a widespread condition affecting people of all ages. While rashes are common, they can result from many underlying issues, making understanding them essential for effective treatment. Understanding your rash is important as it can elaborate on possible allergic reactions, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, hives, and other skin irritations or inflammatory responses. Since some rashes may indicate more serious health issues, addressing them promptly with a qualified professional is crucial.
Common symptoms of rashes are red bumps and red patches of skin, itchiness, burning sensations, cracked and scaly skin, blisters, and more. Many rashes are mild and can be treated effectively with topical medications. However, rashes can be a symptom of more significant skin problems requiring expert care.
The more prevalent of these are allergic reactions (especially to certain medications); atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema); bacterial infections, such as impetigo (common in children, this infection is from bacteria that live in the top layers of the skin that appear as red sores that turn into blisters, ooze, then crust over); contact dermatitis, a type of eczema caused by coming into contact with an allergen; chronic skin problems, such as acne, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis; fungal infections, such as ringworm and yeast infections; and viral infections, such as shingles (a painful blistered skin condition caused by the same virus as chickenpox).
If you experience a rash that does not go away on its own after a short time, then treatment at Phoenix Skin may help you improve your condition.
Benefits
Seeking treatment for rashes offers multiple advantages. Phoenix Skin patients typically benefit from:
- Improved comfort: Managing rashes alleviates itching, burning, or discomfort, allowing for a better quality of life.
- Enhanced appearance: Effective treatment can reduce redness and inflammation, providing clearer and healthier-looking skin.
- Accurate diagnosis: Professional evaluation ensures that the underlying cause of significant rashes is identified.
- Prevention of recurrence: Understanding triggers can help prevent future outbreaks.
- Informed treatment options: Patients receive personalized plans tailored to specific needs, potentially incorporating medications, lifestyle changes, or both.
- Reduced risk of secondary infections: Untreated rashes may become infected. Timely intervention minimizes this risk.
- Reduced risk of contagion: Many rashes are contagious, and seeking treatment is an effective way to prevent your rash from spreading to others.
- Supportive care: Working with a dermatology expert means having access to ongoing support and follow-up care.
- Emotional well-being: Alleviating skin concerns boosts confidence and can improve overall mental health.
Candidates
At Phoenix Skin, treatment is available for any patient with any degree of rash severity. If you have a rash or other skin condition that has not shown any improvement, then you may see impressive results with personalized treatment from us. In addition to having a frustrating rash, patients should be in good overall health as well. Because we are an all-encompassing dermatology clinic, you do not have to delay treatment until you have healthy, hydrated skin elsewhere on your body; rather any patient with any degree of skin health can receive treatment at either our Phoenix or Scottsdale locations.
Personal Consultation
Your unique rash treatment plan will begin with a consultation and examination. By studying your rash and diagnosing your condition, our expert providers will be able to create an effective treatment that helps you see an improvement quickly. At this appointment, your medical history will also be reviewed. Rash treatments are often non-invasive and have low risks for complications, but screening your records for any past or existing conditions, allergies, medications, and more is a routine step to help optimize your health.
Preparation
The best way to prepare for your rash treatment is to take a few detailed notes about your rash. You should consider where the rash is and how long it has been there. It also helps to think about any new products you have tried recently, whether those be skin care, soaps, food, hygiene products, or more. Exposure to new environments may also be a factor, like hiking through an area with poison ivy or being in a city with poor air quality. Be sure to document any symptoms you experience, not only those directly related to your rash; things like coughing, sneezing, aches, and more may be related to your rash’s underlying causes. When this information is readily available to your provider, diagnosing your condition and selecting treatment is much easier.
Procedure
Treating a rash focuses on identifying and mending the underlying causes of the rash while also mitigating its physical symptoms on your skin. (1) Rashes can emerge for several reasons. Things like allergic reactions, stress, hormonal changes, poisonous plants, genetics, diet, lifestyle, and countless other factors can all cause rashes to form, and each patient’s unique medical requirements and dispositions may cause certain rashes to be more persistent.
Treatment will first focus on treating the symptoms of your rash and helping reduce the irritation you face. Anti-itching creams, mentholated cooling creams, topical corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medications, oral corticosteroids, and more may be prescribed to you to help you combat things like pain, burning, and itching. You may also receive prescriptions for medicated moisturizing creams to help hydrate your skin, especially if it is dry and cracked.
Topical corticosteroid medications have anti-inflammatory, anti-mitotic (prevents the reproduction of damaged cells by inhibiting mitosis), and immunosuppressive effects. (2,3) These work in tandem to halt the reproduction of damaged cells, reduce swelling and redness, and bolster the immune system and lymphatic system to help repair the rash area with new, healthy cells.
The staff at Phoenix Skin are experts in dermatology and rash diagnosis and management. We offer many effective rash solutions, and we are dedicated to finding a treatment that works for you.
Recovery & Results
By adhering to your prescribed treatment and regularly communicating with your Phoenix Skin provider, depending on the severity, you could begin seeing an improvement or clearing in a few weeks. Some patients will see their results in less or more time than this depending on the type of rash. If your rash is itchy or burning before treatment, then you may see this fade first with the use of anti-itch and cooling medications.
Cost of Rash Treatment in Phoenix
When you meet with one of the Phoenix Skin professionals, you will receive a price quote for your rash treatment. Most rash cases will be covered by insurance, and our staff will be happy to help you navigate your insurance coverage. We also offer various financing plans for our patients. If you have any questions about payments, pricing, procedures, our practice, or more, please call either of our offices to get the best information possible.
FAQ
What should I do if my rash gets worse?
If your rash gets worse, you should let your Phoenix Skin doctor know immediately and halt your treatment. Some rashes may get worse before they get better, even with a medicated treatment, so your provider will instruct you on how to best proceed.
Can I treat my rash at home?
While many minor rashes may be managed at home, obtaining professional evaluation for severe or persistent rashes is important.
Are rashes contagious?
Certain rashes, like those caused by infections (e.g., shingles), can be contagious. Always consult your physician for more information.
How long does it take for a rash to heal?
Healing time varies based on the rash type and individual response to treatment. Following the recommended care plan is essential.
Why do rashes form?
Rashes can form for many reasons. Stress, hormonal changes, allergic reactions, poor hygiene, and environmental factors are some of the most common causes of rashes.
References
- Marwaha S. Comanagement of Rashes by Primary Care Providers and Dermatologists: A Retrospective Study. The Permanente Journal. 2021;25(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/20.320
- NHS. Topical corticosteroids. NHS. Published 2019. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/topical-steroids/
- Gabros S, Zito PM. Topical Corticosteroids. PubMed. Published July 10, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532940/