Your skin is the largest and most exposed organ of your body, making it particularly susceptible to pollutants and irritants. Rashes are common skin conditions that are characterised by red, inflamed, and itchy patches or bumps. They can be caused by a variety of factors, such as allergic reactions or contact with irritating substances. The underlying cause of a rash determines not only its appearance but also how it feels and how manageable it is. However, how can you tell when a rash needs professional attention? If you're wondering about this, you're not alone. In this article, we’ll explore the signs and symptoms that indicate it's time to get that rash examined by a doctor.
Also Read: Are Rashes Troubling You? Effective Home Remedies To Deal With It
Common Causes Of Rash![]()
Rashes are extremely common, and everyone experiences them at least once in their lifetime. What varies is the cause of the skin rashes. Some of the common ones include:
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a rash that is caused by contact with an irritant, such as chemicals in soaps, detergents, cosmetics, or clothing dyes. It is also called irritant contact dermatitis and is different and more common than allergic contact dermatitis, which is an inflammatory disease of the skin caused by a type 4 hypersensitivity reaction.
Insect bites and stings
A rash can also occur due to insect bites and stings, which can cause inflammation and itchiness around the bite site.
Heat rash
During summer, you can also develop a rash due to blocked sweat glands, which can happen during exercise or in hot, humid weather. Heat rash can cause small, red lumps or blisters to form on the skin.
Allergic reactions
A rash can be caused by an allergic reaction to food, medication, or other allergen, such as latex, chemicals, plants, or animals. Eczema and hives are two common types of allergic rashes.
Skin disorders
Rashes can be caused by skin disorders such as eczema or psoriasis. Also known as atopic dermatitis, it affects up to 20% of children and up to 10% of adults globally, according to the International Eczema Council. On the other hand, psoriasis, which is an autoimmune skin disorder, affects 12.5 crore people worldwide, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Also Read: Yeast Infection On Skin: Are They Preventable?
Infections
You can also develop rashes due to infections such as chickenpox, shingles, or measles. Fungal infections, like ringworm and candidal intertrigo, can also lead to rashes.
When Is It Time To Visit A Doctor?![]()
Since rashes are common and can occur in anyone, they may be overlooked most of the time. Some treat them at home with natural remedies, while others resort to over-the-counter treatments. But when do you need to get professional help? Here are signs that you need to watch out for:
Persistent or worsening symptoms: If your rash doesn’t improve within a few days or worsens despite home remedies, it’s time to consult a doctor.
Severe itching or pain: A rash accompanied by intense itching, burning, or pain may indicate a more serious condition requiring medical attention.
Sudden onset or spread: If a rash appears suddenly, spreads quickly, or covers a large area of your body, it's essential to get it checked out.
Associated with other symptoms: If the rash comes with fever, swelling, difficulty breathing, or joint pain, it could be a sign of an underlying illness.
Unusual Appearance: Rashes with blisters, sores, or an unusual colour (such as purple or black) could signal an infection or allergic reaction that needs medical evaluation.
How To Treat A Rash?![]()
Treatment of skin rashes depends on the cause of the skin problem. It is therefore important to consult a dermatologist or a doctor to get a confirmed diagnosis. Once you know what you are suffering from, you can seek necessary treatment. If the cause of the rashes is an underlying illness, doctors may advise treating the illness first to see if symptoms on the skin reduce.
Meanwhile, it is best to avoid scrubbing, rubbing, or scratching the rash, using gentle cleansers, applying a cream or ointment as advised by the doctor, or taking oral medications after consultation with a healthcare provider.