Rashes may be relatively common, but that doesn’t make them any less of a serious medical condition. While some rashes clear up on their own, others require home remedies or prescription medication. Severe and stubborn skin allergies can also be a sign of something more serious.

If you believe you have one of the following skin conditions, we can help identify your triggers and alleviate your symptoms.

Eczema

Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema affects roughly 10-20 percent of children and 1-3 percent of adults. Typically, eczema presents as red, dry, and itchy. In more severe cases, a person may also notice tiny “bumps” under their skin containing clear or yellow liquid.

Treatment Options

To manage your eczema, we suggest bathing regularly and applying an unscented moisturizer to the affected area regularly. If an over the counter lotion doesn’t alleviate your symptoms, speak with your doctor about a prescription ointment.

Hives

Hives usually appear as red bumps or welts on the skin. Depending on how long your hives last, they’re classified as:

• Acute urticaria: Hives that last for no more than six weeks and are usually caused by an infection or allergen.
• Chronic urticaria: Hives that last for more than six weeks. Currently, the cause of chronic urticaria is largely unknown.

Treatment Options

Depending on the severity and frequency of your hives, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines.

Contact Dermatitis

Should your skin come in contact with an irritant or allergen, you may experience a rash, blisters, itching, or burning — all examples of contact dermatitis. The most common causes of contact dermatitis are scented soaps, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and shampoos.

Treatment Options

The best way to prevent contact dermatitis is to avoid your triggers. In general, we suggest patients with sensitive skin avoid products that contain fragrances and artificial dyes. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe you a steroid cream or oral medication.

The Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia is an Atlanta-based medical practice that specializes in providing the best healthcare for patients suffering from breathing problems due to allergies, sinus, asthma or other medical conditions.