PHOENIX -- Is your skin itching, breaking out and covered in a rash? Skin inflammation, changes in texture or color, and spots may be the result of infection, a chronic skin condition, or contact with an allergen or irritant.
Shingles start with burning, tingling, or very sensitive skin. A rash of raised dots develops into painful blisters that last about two weeks. Shingles can appear anywhere.
A common allergic reaction that looks like welts, hives are often itchy, and sometimes stinging or burning. They may appear anywhere and last minutes or days. Medications, foods, food additives, temperature extremes, and infections are some causes of hives.
Psoriasis is a non-contagious rash of thick red plaques covered with white or silvery scales. Psoriasis usually affects the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
Eczema is a non-contagious condition causing the skin to become inflamed, red, dry, and itchy. Stress, irritants (like soaps), allergens, and climate can trigger flare-ups though they’re not eczema’s exact cause.
Rosacea often begins as a tendency to flush easily, causing redness on the nose, chin, cheeks and forehead.
Cold sores (fever blisters) are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the mouth or nose. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus and last about 10 days. They very contagious. Some triggers can include fever, too much sun, stress or hormone changes such as menstruation.
Contact with the oily coating from poison ivy, oak and sumac causes a rash in many people. It begins with redness and swelling at the contact site, and then becomes intensely itchy and red with the development of blisters usually 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Prescription or over-the-counter medication may soothe the itching. Cool compresses and oatmeal baths may help with symptoms. However, severe rashes require oral corticosteroid. If the skin becomes infected, antibiotics may be necessary.
Dr. Art Mollen's practice is located at 16100 N. 71st St. in Scottsdale. For more information, call 480-656-0016 or log on to www.drartmollen.com.