Skin Rashes
Skin rashes are inflamed patches of skin the appear as the result of a trigger. They can happen to anyone at any time, and almost everyone experiences a rash in their lifetime. While rashes are extremely common, they vary in appearance, causes, and symptoms from person to person. Many times, a rash will disappear on its own or with home treatment. However, sometimes, rashes will worsen, and medical attention is required.
If you’re concerned about a new or persisting rash on your skin, make an appointment at any one of our three Minneapolis-area offices. We can assess your rash through observation or by taking a sample, provide a diagnosis, and recommend a treatment plan. Often, not knowing the cause is the worst part of developing a rash. We can help you find the trigger.
Causes of Skin Rashes
A rash can be caused by several different triggers, but it is usually a sign of skin irritation. A rash can be a sign of an allergic reaction, or a rash may appear when skin encounters a specific substance or material, such as a poisonous plant, harsh chemicals, soaps, lotions, jewelry (metals), or latex. Insects or parasites can also cause rashes, as well as prolonged exposure to heat and moisture. Certain medicines can also trigger a rash.
A rash also may be a sign of a viral infection, chronic skin problem, or a more serious disease. If you’re unsure of your rash’s cause, a visit to the dermatologist is a good idea. Inflammation may be a sign of something more serious than a common rash.
Skin Rash Symptoms
Depending on the person, a rash can vary in appearance and have different symptoms. A rash may appear red, swollen, cracked, dry, bumpy, or blistered. It may cause itchiness or feel warm to the touch. If you are experiencing a rash that is accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath or a fever, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Types of Severe Skin Rashes
While some rashes have a known cause and disappear on their own, others are more serious. Below, we’ve detailed some of the chronic conditions and serious rashes we see at our offices.
- Atopic Eczema – This is a chronic form of eczema that flares periodically. The condition makes the skin red and itchy, and it may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever. While there is no cure for eczema, several symptom management treatments exist. Talk to your dermatologist about your options.
- Psoriasis – This is a bumpy, scaly, itchy rash that flakes (rather than oozing or weepy). It most often appears on the scalp, elbows, and knees. Psoriasis is an immune system reaction, and most cases are chronic. Visit our office to talk about psoriasis management strategies.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis – This common rash is not generally dangerous, but when scratched, it can easily develop an infection. Caused by cold climates, yeast, overall health, and genetics, this rash consists of pale yellow, scaly patches that can look greasy. When the patches flake off, they reveal reddish skin.
- Bacterial Infections – Bacterial infections often cause rashes. Some of these patches of inflammation are very common, like folliculitis. Eruptions from bacterial infections are often pustular, and hey can be very painful. Some bacterial rashes will require medical support and antibiotic treatment, such as in the case of spirochetes, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and secondary syphilis.
Skin Rash Treatments and When to See a Specialist
Mild rashes that go away after a few days are probably no cause for alarm, but with severe or recurrent skin rashes, that’s when it’s time to see a doctor. Since the causes and symptoms of rashes can be extremely different, there are many different methods of treatment. This most often includes over the counter and prescription medication (oral or topical). If the doctor suspects that the rash has been caused by an allergic reaction, additional testing may be necessary. If the rash is chronic, like psoriasis or eczema, you may have different treatment options.
If your rash is painful, uncomfortable, or you can’t pinpoint its source, scheduling an appointment with the dermatologist is an excellent idea.
Contact us to schedule an appointment or virtual visit today.
*Results may vary per patient. Services vary by location.
Zel Skin & Laser Specialists – Plymouth ★★★★★ on Google5:27pm
Felt COvid safe ... always a great experience working with professionals
Brian brings a unique combination of medical science, clinical expertise, integrity and compassion to his patients. He provides the latest technology available in the field of dermatology but with a personalized touch for each patient. He is highly respected by his colleagues throughout the country for his expertise and sincerity.
Everyone I have met at Zel is amazing!
It is rare to find a dermatologist who is as knowledgeable about the many facets of clinical and cosmetic dermatology as Dr. Zelickson. Because of his knowledge and honesty, doctors worldwide know they can depend on his assessment of new therapies, procedures and medical devices. This, in turn, has made him a much sought–after speaker for the plethora of professional medical society meetings and engagements that we have throughout the year. I am honored to know Dr. Zelickson and consider him a friend to the profession.
Dr. Brian Zelickson was one of our initial Thermage investigators and helped us understand the mechanisms of non–invasive skin tightening. He is a renowned expert on how collagen can affect skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of this country’s leading laser experts. Not only is he unparalleled as a laser surgeon, it is not an exaggeration to state that his superb research helps determine the future of dermatologic laser surgery.
Dr. Zelickson is a highly regarded skin/light expert in our industry. When Candela looks for both medical and scientific advice for new laser applications, we often turn to him for his counsel. The input he provides us always starts with patient safety and satisfaction. We feel fortunate to be able to tap into Brian as an independent resource. The patients who are treated with Candela devices are often the beneficiaries of Brian’s input to us.
Most patients prefer seeing a doctor who is known for a particular specialty or procedure, but all patients want to see the doctor who invented the procedure or therapy. Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the most respected physicians in the field of cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine. He has lectured around the world and is one of the most sought–after speakers for all major meetings in dermatology.
I would rate Dr. Zelickson's clinic 10 stars!
We have felt honored to have Dr. Brian Zelickson, a world–renowned dermatologist who is distinguished as a high–quality care physician, serving as the investigator evaluating Syneron non–invasive skin tightening technology
I trained with Dr. Zelickson at Mayo Clinic, and I found him to be a very bright and creative dermatologist and scientist. Later, he was our best advisor when we set up our clinic in the Basque Country in Spain. I call him the ‘paparazzi of dermatology.’ His contribution to our speciality is probably among the best of this century.
Tuve la suerte de conocer al Dr. Brian Zelickson en Minneapolis hace muchos anos y desde entonces acudo regularmente a compartir sus conocimientos. Es un científico honrado, brillante, creativo e innovador. Nunca deja de sorprenderte agradablemente.
Dr. Zelickson is a very well–respected dermatologist, not only in the U.S., but also in Europe. He is famous for being the author of relevant dermatological studies published in many prestigious medical journals and for the improvements he’s made on minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that are being used by dermatologists all over the world.
Our view from Europe of Dr. Brian Zelickson is that he is one of the leading four or five U.S. laser dermatologists. His research contributions, his superb lectures and his expert knowledge of laser skin surgery make him a valued friend, colleague and guest.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in cutaneous laser surgery. He has performed groundbreaking research over the past decade, advancing the field as well as expertly providing the most up–to–date laser treatments for his patients.
Brian Zelickson is a world–renowned laser expert who helps develop the lasers and treatment parameters used by the rest of the world. He is where others turn to learn the latest techniques in laser surgery. If you want the best treatment available, delivering the best results in the safest environment available, there is no need to look anywhere else.
I have met many laser experts in my 20 years of teaching, lecturing and running a busy practice. There is no one who I respect more than Brian. If I have a clinical question or research idea, Brian is one of the few individuals I call, as I know I can count on his intellect, integrity and common sense.
Dr. Zelickson is one of America’s most knowledgeable laser experts. He has done pioneering work with many of the laser and light–based technologies developed in the world over the last 10 years. He is a giant in the field.
Dr. Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in the field of lasers for the treatment of the skin. His many years experience in treating thousands of patients with lasers and other medical devices makes him one of the most sought–after doctors in this field. Innovation and caring are his trademarks.