What is Your Skin Telling You?

Skin is the largest organ of the human body and your first protection against germs and toxins. When you experience an unexplained inflammatory outbreak or a long-lasting change in your skin’s color or texture, pay attention and seek treatment to discover the cause.

Watch for the Signs

Our dermatologists will make note of the following three characteristics while identifying your rash:

1. Configuration: circular, ring-shaped, linear, or snake-like
2. Features: density, color, size, consistency, tenderness, shape, and temperature
3. Distribution: where on the body is the rash presenting?

Noninfectious Rashes

These rashes usually indicate an autoimmune issue, allergic reaction or irritation to external or ingested substances and will present as:

• Atopic, seborrheic, or contact dermatitis (eczema, diaper rash, poison ivy)
• Psoriasis
• Hives
• Heat rash
• Drug eruptions

Infectious Rashes

These rashes are caused by infections and all require different types of treatment (an antifungal cream will do nothing to treat a parasitic outbreak, for example). They include ringworm, scabies, bedbugs, roseola, measles, herpes, shingles, folliculitis, impetigo, etc.