5 Types of Skin Rashes and When to See a Doctor

Skin rashes: one of the most painful and annoying problems any man can get. They’re uncomfortable and distressing, affecting guys of all ages and backgrounds.

But what if they get worse? It’s good to know some of them to have really effective solutions. For example, if you suspect having genital herpes, you can see this post to learn more about the latest high-tech treatments for the condition.

Before you go ahead, here are some common types of skin rashes. Get your very first dermatologist appointment from ArabiaMD.

Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes dryness, itchiness, and inflammation. It's also a fairly common condition, affecting millions worldwide and most commonly found in children and infants.

The exact cause is not known. But its most recognizable symptom is the red, scaly patches on the skin, often on the face, neck, elbows, and knees, that are itchy and painful. In severe cases, eczema can lead to serious infections.

Eczema may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The common triggers are stress, certain foods, exposure to irritants such as soap or detergent, and temperature changes.

Treatment usually involves moisturizing the skin, avoiding triggers, and taking anti-inflammatory medications. Topical or oral corticosteroids may also be prescribed to relieve symptoms.

If you have eczema, work closely with a doctor to develop an effective treatment plan and manage the condition effectively.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is another chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches. Also known as plaques, they usually develop on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, and other body areas.

The condition is caused by a faulty immune response, which triggers the increased production of skin cells. This results in the visible malformations.

Symptoms of psoriasis vary and can range from mild to severe. The patches may be accompanied by itching, burning, and stinging sensations. If it reaches the nails, it may cause them to become thick and discolored. Even joints may get painful and swollen.

There is no cure for psoriasis to this day. But there are solutions for managing the symptoms. These include topical creams and ointments, light therapy, and oral medications. Whichever you receive depends on the severity and type of your psoriasis, your medical history, and your lifestyle.

Hives

Hives, also known as urticaria, are red, itchy welts on the skin. They're often the result of an allergic reaction to a trigger such as food, medication, insect bites, or stress. Some can be raised and swollen or flat.

Hives can develop quickly and disappear just as fast, or they can linger for days or even weeks. In some cases, they can also cause swelling in other parts of the body, such as the throat, which can be dangerous.

Treatment for hives typically involves avoiding triggers and then taking antihistamines to relieve symptoms. A doctor may prescribe a stronger medication or a corticosteroid for severe cases.

Shingles

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful, blistering rash. The virus responsible is the same one that causes chickenpox, which remains dormant in the body until later in life.

Shingles typically affect only one side of the body. It starts with pain, tingling, or burning sensations in the affected area, followed by a rash that turns into blisters and scabs over several days. This comes with fever, headache, and fatigue.

For treatment, you may be prescribed antiviral medications to suppress the symptoms and shorten the outbreaks. Pain relievers and topical creams can also help with the pain and itching.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It causes painful blisters on or around the genital area. These eventually break and turn into sores taking several weeks to heal. It also causes flu-like symptoms, like fever, body aches, and headaches.

It’s highly contagious and is spread through direct contact, including during intercourse. Once infected, the virus remains in the body for life and can cause periodic outbreaks.

Because of this, treatment revolves around relieving the symptoms and reducing the frequency and severity of outbreaks. Antiviral medications can help reduce the risk of transmission.

If you suspect you have genital herpes, it is vital to see a doctor as soon as possible for proper evaluation and treatment.

Know What To Do

Skin rashes can have a variety of causes and manifest in different ways. But whether they go from mild to worse, treatment and management are always possible. Smart men know when to get help to keep their lifestyles.