Symptoms, causes, and treatments for
Rash
Rashes are when your skin changes its color or texture, such as becoming red, bumpy, and scaly. A rash is a visible sign that your skin is having a problem. You may break out in a rash if you’re having an allergic reaction to a food, plant, or chemical.
There are dozens of rashes and countless causes, so we’ve narrowed this article down to the most-common rashes seen at ZOOM+Care.
Many people are allergic to one or more substances, and their allergies may cause minor to moderate rashes. Contact dermatitis is common. Your rash can include redness, bumps, warm skin, inflammation, and so on.
Rashes caused by food allergies can be very mild, or much more dangerous: anaphylaxis, which is a serious type of allergic reaction, can lead to shock or even death. Severe food allergies cause hives, a swollen tongue, closed airways, and more. You should seek immediate medical attention if you think you’re experiencing a severe food allergy.
Commonly called a heat rash, these types of rashes aren’t always caused by an allergic reaction. While some people are allergic to the sun, a heat rash appears if perspiration is trapped under your skin by clogged pores. This isn’t an allergic reaction or contact dermatitis, but rather a sign that your sweat isn’t properly escaping your body.
The outdoorsy lifestyle of many Pacific Northwesterners means ZOOM+Care sees its share of poison oak cases. If you’re allergic to the oil produced by the plant, your body will react accordingly and break out in a rash.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing anaphylactic shock.
While rashes are common, you should also see a doctor immediately if you’re experiencing one of these severe allergic reactions in addition to a rash:
Otherwise, minor rashes and symptoms caused by allergens can be managed with non-prescription antihistamines. Talk to a ZOOM+Care Doctor to create an allergen management plan.
Rash
Prevention Tips:
Consider these tips to help prevent a rash:
