Here’s the 411 on skin rashes and when you should seek medical attention.

Everything from brushing up against poison ivy while walking outside to being stressed out can lead to an unpleasant rash. While most rashes aren’t serious and will go away on their own it’s also important to recognize the cause of your rash so you know when you should see a dermatologist at Skin Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. After all, some rashes may require medication in order to go away.

Hives

This red, often insanely itchy rash usually appears as a response to stress, infection or an allergy. Hives look like large red, raised welts that may turn whiten when you press on them. While hives will typically go away on their own, you may try to manage symptoms with an over-the-counter antihistamine. If the itching, inflammation or rash is severe then it’s a good idea to see your skin doctor right away.

Pityriasis Rosea

Sometimes referred to as the “Christmas Tree rash” this small, scaly little rash is made up of a bunch of little red spots. It most often develops on the chest, stomach and back, and the rash may be itchy. This rash can also take days or weeks to fully develop, starting as a single red spot and then developing into many smaller spots. There is really no treatment needed for this rash and it will usually go away on its own; however, your Fort Lauderdale, FL, dermatologist may recommend an antihistamine to take away the itching.

Psoriasis

If you develop flare-ups of red, scaly plaques then you could have an autoimmune disorder known as psoriasis. There are many things that can cause psoriasis flare-ups including stress, injury to the skin and certain chemicals. This rash most often forms on the elbow and knees, as well as the scalp. While this condition is chronic our dermatologist can help you manage symptoms through topical and systemic medications, light therapy and other options to reduce the severity and recurrence of flare-ups.

While these are some of the most common types of skin rashes these aren’t the only kind. We can also treat rashes caused by,

• Herpes simplex
• Shingles
• Scabies
• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Allergies
• Athlete’s foot
• Ringworm
• Impetigo

It’s time to see a dermatologist if your rash,

• Is painful
• Is getting worse
• Isn’t responding to home care
• Is showing signs of infection
• Is painful
• Has developed blisters
• Is impacting your quality of life

If your rash appears right after eating or is accompanied by trouble breathing it’s important that you seek immediate medical attention, as this could be a sign of a serious allergic reaction.

Are you concerned about a nasty or painful rash? Any changes in your skin that have you concerned warrant seeing a dermatologist here in Fort Lauderdale. The team at Skin Center is here to help. Call us today at (954) 500 - 7546 to schedule an appointment.

During the much longed-for summer months, people work on their tans. While enjoying a richer skin tone now, tanners take huge risks for premature aging and skin cancer. 

Sun and artificial tanning

It's what we use to get those tans. But, did you know that when you tan, you actually burn the top layer (epidermis) of your skin and damage your DNA, too?

According to Live Science, DNA damage mutates normal skin cells into cancer cells. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common kinds of skin cancer. Malignant melanoma is the most deadly skin cancer as it easily metastasizes to major body organs. About one-third of melanoma cases in the US kill their sufferers annually, says The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Unfortunately, artificial tanning is just as dangerous as sitting in the sun. Intermittent sun exposure or occasional tanning in the sun or tanning beds are harmful, too. Damage to the skin is cumulative, and both kinds of ultraviolet radiation (there are UV-A and UV-B rays) breakdown your skin's DNA over time. Further, UV-B harms your skin's natural elasticity normally provided by a protein called collagen.

Don't tan: protect

To protect your skin, avoid sunburns, intentional tanning and excessive day to day sun exposure with these strategies from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD):

1. Cover up any exposed skin (face, arms, legs, ears) with a broad-brimmed hat, long-sleeves and other sun-protective clothing.
2. Use sunscreen lotion--SPF 30 or higher--on all exposed skin, and re-apply every two hours or whenever you sweat it off or swim.
3. Stay indoors or in the shade from 10 am to 2 pm.

Also, all adults, particularly those 40 or older, should see a dermatologist for an annual skin exam. Do a careful self-exam once a month at home, looking for changes in the color, size, and shape of existing spots or moles. Report changes to your skin doctor as well as any sore which does not heal in a week or so.

It's your skin

Don't sacrifice its health for a little fashionable color. Tanning really is bad for you. Find healthy ways to enjoy the summer months and that wonderful sun. Your skin and your overall health will be better for your efforts.