“Itching” to Start Spring Cleaning?
As you shake off the last remnants of winter, you’re probably ready to give everything indoors a good spring cleaning and then get out and begin working in your garden, again. Unfortunately, itchy skin or rashes can make these rites of spring downright “irritating”.
Contact with irritating substances can cause Itchy, oozy blisters and rashes. This is called contact dermatitis and can be caused by a reaction to something that touches your skin. Contact dermatitis is not contagious and doesn’t spread.
In the spring, allergens in the environment, stings from bees, wasps and other insects, some foods and even stress can trigger a skin reaction known as hives or urticaria. The rash is usually raised, red and bumpy with some pale centers. It can occur all over the body or in just one area.
Itchy rashes can also be caused by psoriasis, eczema (atopic dermatitis) and other inflammatory diseases, infections, medications and rarely, cancer of the skin. While most can be dealt with quickly, if you have a rash that doesn’t go away, see your Advanced Dermatology Dermatologist.
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Six tips for avoiding skin irritation:
If, despite your best precautions you still react to something you touch with a nasty rash, your Advanced Dermatology physician or clinician can determine the reason for your itching and recommend treatment to relieve the itching and redness.
There are several therapeutic ways to help control the problem. Prescription-strength moisturizers, topical prescription medications to put on your skin, (including steroids, coal tars, anesthetics, antihistamines, and sometimes those that help regulate the immune system) may be recommended. Oral medications may be recommended alone or with topical treatments. They may include antihistamines, allergy medicines, and steroids. Phototherapy has also been successful in reducing inflammation and soothing some itchy skin.
Your Advanced Dermatology physicians and other specially-trained medical providers understand how serious and bothersome itchy skin is and will provide a thorough evaluation and treatment plan.
And remember, if you develop a rash and dizziness or fainting, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, drop in blood pressure, or nausea and vomiting with your rash, seek help at a local emergency department immediately or call 911.
Book an appointment online or call 866.400.3376 DERM to schedule a consultation with one of our dermatology professionals who will help explore the best treatment options for your itchy skin or rash.