Unknown Rashes
MEDICAL DERMATOLOGY
What are Unknown Rashes?
A rash is a skin condition in which there is a visible or palpable change to your skin. The color or texture might change and you might see the appearance of bumps, lesions and scales. Your skin may begin to feel different as well. It may feel itchy or irritable. Most of the time, unknown rashes are acute conditions that will pass on their own or are else easily treated. In rare situations, a rash can be an indication of a more serious health condition.
Signs and Symptoms of Unknown Rashes
The signs of a rash vary from one condition to the rest. Symptoms of a rash can include:
- Unexplained itchiness or irritation on the skin
- The appearance of red patches
- The appearance of pustules, bumps, lesions or scales
- Blisters that weep or ooze
Rashes may come and go. They can also be triggered by allergens or toxins. Typically, they do not cause problems beyond mild irritation.
What Causes Unknown Rashes?
There can be any number of causes for an unknown rash. Common triggers of rashes include:
- Plants such as poison ivy or mango
- Allergens
- Cosmetics
- Viruses
- Fungal infection
- Bacterial infection
- Immune system response and inflammation
In some scenarios, when the trigger is removed the rash begins to heal. Further exposure to a trigger should be limited as much as possible.
How an Unknown Rash is Treated
Unknown rashes first require diagnosis by a medical professional before treatment. After confirming the diagnosis, your doctor can recommend a plan for intervention. If you have a fungal infection, you may be prescribed antifungal creams or medications. Bacterial infections may require topical treatments as well as antibiotics. If a virus is suspected, treatment will include management of the symptoms, including medicinal ointments and creams. If your doctor suspects that an underlying medical condition may be involved, they may request that you undergo additional testing and diagnosis.
