A rash is a visible change to the skin’s color, texture, or appearance, often caused by inflammation, allergies, infection, or irritation. Because many different skin conditions present as a “rash,” accurate diagnosis by a dermatologist is essential.

Rashes are a core part of our medical dermatology services at MDCS Dermatology.

Common symptoms include:

• Redness
  
• Bumps or patches
  
• Burning or stinging
  
• Itching
  
• Dryness or flaking
  
• Blistering or oozing
  
  

Some rashes are harmless and temporary, while others may require medical treatment to prevent worsening or spreading.

Common Types of Rashes We Treat

We evaluate and treat all types of rashes, including:

• Eczema (atopic dermatitis)

Chronic itchy, dry, or inflamed skin.

• Contact dermatitis

Allergic reactions from skincare, metals, plants, fragrances, or chemicals.

• Psoriasis

Thick, scaly plaques; may affect scalp, elbows, knees, or body.

• Urticaria (hives)

Sudden raised welts triggered by allergies or stress.

• Fungal rashes

Tinea, ringworm, yeast, groin rashes.

• Viral rashes

Shingles, hand-foot-mouth, viral exanthems.

• Heat rash

Blocked sweat glands leading to red bumps.

• Medication reactions

Rashes triggered by prescription or OTC medications.

• Seborrheic dermatitis

Flaky, red, irritated patches along the scalp, face, and chest.

Specialized conditions such as rosacea are treated extensively at MDCS—learn more on our rosacea treatment page.

How Rashes Are Diagnosed

Your dermatologist will:

1. Review your symptoms and medical history
   
2. Examine the rash type, pattern, and location
   
3. Identify possible triggers (stress, allergens, skincare, illness, medications)
   
4. Order testing if needed, such as:
   
   
• Skin scraping
  
• Culture
  
• Patch testing for allergies
  
• Bloodwork
  
• Biopsy for unclear or persistent rashes
  
  

Proper diagnosis guides the most effective treatment plan.

Rash Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and symptoms. Options may include:

• Prescription topical medications

Anti-inflammatory creams, steroid creams, antifungals, antibacterial treatments, calcineurin inhibitors.

• Oral medications

Antihistamines, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, or immunomodulators.

• Moisturization & barrier repair

For eczema and irritant rashes.

• Allergen avoidance

For contact dermatitis or product irritation.

• Light therapy (phototherapy)

For chronic conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

• Lifestyle & skincare modifications

Sensitive-skin routines guided by your dermatologist.

If you have pigmentation changes after a rash, treatments like chemical peels or microneedling may help improve residual discoloration or texture.

Why Choose MDCS Dermatology for Rashes?

• Expert diagnosis by experienced dermatologists
  
• Treatment for adults, children, and infants
  
• Ability to treat complex, chronic, or recurrent rashes
  
• Access to advanced therapies and testing
  
• Multiple convenient locations across the tri-state area
  
  

Visit our Manhattan, Long Island, and New Jersey locations for prompt evaluation and relief.

 

Experiencing a new or worsening rash?
Schedule your rash evaluation with MDCS Dermatology today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes rashes?

Rashes can be caused by allergies, infections, irritants, autoimmune conditions, heat, medications, or underlying skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis.

2. When should I see a dermatologist for a rash?

You should seek care if the rash is painful, spreading, persistent, blistering, itchy, infected, or not improving with home care.

3. Are rashes contagious?

Some rashes (fungal infections, viral rashes) are contagious, while others (eczema, psoriasis, allergic rashes) are not.

4. How are rashes treated?

Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include prescription creams, oral medications, antifungals, antivirals, antihistamines, moisturizers, or lifestyle modifications.

5. Can stress or allergies cause rashes?

Yes. Stress and allergic reactions to skincare, products, metals, medications, or foods are common triggers.

6. Can rashes leave dark spots or discoloration?

Yes. Post-inflammatory pigmentation is common. Treatments like chemical peels or microneedling may improve pigmentation afterward.

7. Do children get rashes?

Yes. MDCS Dermatology treats rashes in infants, children, and teens, including eczema, viral rashes, allergies, and irritant rashes.

8. Where is rash treatment offered at MDCS?

Rash evaluations are available at all Manhattan, Long Island, and New Jersey offices. Visit our locations page.