From coming in contact with poison ivy to dealing with a high dose of stress, there are many reasons a rash might appear. Most of the time, a rash will go away on its own without treatment; however, it’s also important to recognize when a rash may warrant turning to a dermatologist for treatment.What causes rashes?
There are so many reasons why a rash may surface. Rashes may be the result of a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, or it could be caused by an allergy. Common causes of a rash include,
- Atopic or contact dermatitis
- Eczema
- Pityriasis rosea
- Hives
- Insect bites and stings
- Poison ivy, oak, or sumac
- Rosacea
- Measles
- Ringworm
- Impetigo
- Psoriasis
- Diaper rash
- Shingles
- Lichen planus
- Chickenpox
- Lupus
- Scabies
- Allergy to a drug/medication
Most rashes are mild, self-limiting, and can be treated on your own without having to turn to a doctor. Some ways to ease a rash and promote faster healing is by,
- Using only gentle cleansers and soaps that do not contain harsh chemicals or fragrances
- Avoiding hot water and only using lukewarm or cold water
- Being gentle when cleansing, bathing, and handling the skin
- Not covering the rash (let it breathe)
- Using only unscented products
- Applying calamine lotion to control itching
- Using hydrocortisone cream to reduce itchiness, swelling, and redness
- Not scratching the rash, as this can lead to an infection
It’s important to recognize when a rash probably requires medical attention. You should schedule an appointment with your dermatologist if,
- The rash is widespread and takes over most of your body (this could be a sign of an allergic reaction, which requires immediate attention)
- The rash is spreading quickly and suddenly
- Your rash is accompanied by a fever (this is often a sign of serious infection)
- The rash is painful or contains blisters
- There are signs of infection such as oozing, crusting, or skin that’s warm to the touch
If you or a loved one is bed-bound, one of the main concerns is bedsores, which can develop when there is persistent pressure placed on the skin for extended periods. Bedsores can develop within as little as 2-3 hours. Bedsores most often develop on bonier areas of the body where there isn’t as much skin, such as the shoulder blades, buttocks, hips, and tailbone.It’s important to follow these tips to treat bedsores,
- Immediately take the pressure off the area
- Apply dressings to the area to cover the wound
- Make sure to clean and dress the wound daily to prevent infection
A dermatologist can easily remove damaged or dead tissue and prescribe medications such as antibiotics to treat any infection that may be present. Your doctor will need to closely monitor bed sores to make sure it is responding to treatment and isn’t getting worse. If you or a loved one is dealing with bedsores, call your physician immediately.
How do you prevent bedsores?
Even though they are called bedsores, these ulcers can develop in any part of the body in which a lot of pressure is being placed. Therefore, people who are sitting or lying down for long periods, as well as those who are wheelchair-bound, are more at risk for developing bedsores. The person must be checked every day for redness and early signs of bedsores so the problem can be treated right away.
Some ways to reduce your risk for developing bedsores include,
- Moving or at least changing position every 2-3 hours
- Using additional pads or cushions in your bed or wheelchair to help take the pressure off certain areas of the body that are prone to bedsores
- Making sure that you get adequate and proper nutrition to assist in healing
- Properly care for and clean the skin every day
Don’t let acne problems cause you distress. It might be easier to treat than you realized.
There are many ways that our Honolulu, HI, dermatologists - Dr. Kevin Dawson, Dr. Douglas Chun, Dr. Sarah Grekin and Dr. Erin Fuller - can help you conquer your acne outbreaks if you aren’t able to get the results you want through over-the-counter remedies. Some of the options we offer for treating your acne include:
- Prescription medications (oral or topical)
- Laser therapy
- Extractions
- Chemical peels
During your consultation, our Honolulu, HI, skin doctors will be able to examine your skin, determine the cause or causes of your outbreaks and then determine the best course of action. We may just recommend taking medication or we may recommend multiple treatment options depending on the type and severity of your acne.
Of course, did you know that there are ways for you to keep skin free from acne? People have a lot of bad habits that they may not even be aware of that could be making them more susceptible to breakouts:
Touching Your Face
How often do you find yourself rubbing your face? Perhaps you like to rest your face in your hands. Now think about where your hands have been and the last time you washed them. You could easily be rubbing bacteria and germs all over your skin, which could be leading to those annoying little pimples along the jawline or hairline.
Using Your Cell Phone
We are about to ask you a potentially gross question. How often do you disinfect your cell phone? We will let your answer sink in for a moment. We know that most people don’t clean their phones at all, let alone every day. Of course, people are often glued to their phones, which harbor tons of bacteria. Make sure to pack those disinfecting wipes and use them on your phone at least once a week.
You Use Too Many Products
That’s right; you can overdo it on acne products. Some people think that if one acne product will work then two or three may be even more effective. Don’t buy into this misconception. You have to use a product for several weeks before deciding that it isn’t working and switching to something new. Using too many harsh products, particularly together, could end up making acne worse. If you aren’t sure which products are good to use we would be happy to provide recommendations.
Acne can be a difficult skin problem to handle on your own. If you feel like you are losing the battle then turn to the medical professionals at Dawson Dermatology in Honolulu, HI, to get one step closer to acne-free skin.
When we think of skin disorders, we most often assume that these are problems that mostly adults deal with; however, children and teens can also deal with a wide range of skin problems. One of them is atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis, also referred to as pediatric eczema, is a chronic skin problem that causes flare-ups of itchy, dry, red skin.What causes atopic dermatitis in children?
Atopic dermatitis is surprisingly common among newborns and kids. Certain factors may play a role in whether your child develops atopic dermatitis. Some of these factors include genetics, weather, environment, temperature, and allergies. If dermatitis runs in your family then your child may be more at risk.
What are the signs of pediatric atopic dermatitis?
Not sure if your child is dealing with atopic dermatitis? Many of the symptoms are not unique to atopic dermatitis so it can be difficult to tell. This is why it’s important to turn to a qualified dermatologist if your child is dealing with any of these issues,
- Dry skin
- Intensely itchy skin
- Thick, red, or swollen skin
- Fluid-filled or crusty bumps on the skin
- Rough bumps on the face or arms
- Hives
There are several factors that a dermatologist will need to take into account to determine the best treatment plan for your child. Factors such as their overall health as well as the severity of their symptoms will play roles in the type of treatments we recommend. Your child’s treatment plan will include,
- Avoiding known irritants and triggers such as certain soaps, detergents, and allergens (e.g., pet danger)
- Keeping your child’s nails trim to prevent scratching and infection
- Using gentle cleansers and products on your child’s skin
- Corticosteroid creams
- Antihistamines
- Phototherapy (light therapy)
- Biologics (strong medications used only in severe and unresponsive cases)
If you’ve ever noticed a little piece of dangling skin on your body, then you’ve most likely found a skin tag. While these little growths are completely benign, they can develop in places where clothes can rub against them and cause discomfort. Skin tags are most often found in and around the armpits, eyelids, groin, and neck. If you find that your skin tag is in an awkward or uncomfortable place, a dermatologist can easily remove it.Treating Skin Tags Yourself
Chances are good that you’ve already googled “skin tags” and found a variety of home remedies and ways to remove the skin tag yourself. While some methods are safe and even effective at removing skin tags, it’s incredibly important that you consult your dermatologist first before trying any of these at-home treatments.
Not all skin tags should be treated with home remedies. Any large skin tags, are bleeding or painful, or are located in sensitive areas such as the genitals or the eyes should be treated by a dermatologist who will make sure to provide a safe, effective removal treatment.
Turning to a Dermatologist
There are several ways in which a dermatologist can remove skin tags. Some of these methods include,
- Cryotherapy: Just like with warts, a dermatologist will freeze off the tag with liquid nitrogen (it usually only takes 1-2 treatments to remove the tag)
- Cauterization: Burning off the skin tag can also effectively remove the benign growth after a couple of treatment sessions
- Ligation: Tying a thread around the tag will cut off blood flow and make the growth eventually fall off
- Excision: Your dermatologist may simply cut off the skin tag
If you want to have a skin tag removed, or if you aren’t sure whether a skin growth could be a tag, you must see your dermatologist first before you start trying any home remedies or treatments. It’s also important that everyone get an annual skin cancer screening with their dermatologist to check for suspicious or potentially cancerous growths.
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