A rash deserves an actual diagnosis.

A rash is a finding, not a diagnosis. Contact allergy, irritation, infection, medication reaction, autoimmune disease and internal illness can all produce skin changes that look superficially similar.

Because the treatment for one cause can worsen another, it is worth identifying the cause before layering on creams. This is one of the most common reasons patients are referred to dermatology.

Rashes are scheduled as standalone appointments at our practice, because a thorough history, examination of the whole skin surface and a discussion of options cannot be squeezed onto the end of another visit.

• New bumps, patches, scaling or blistering anywhere on the body
• Itching, burning or pain in the affected skin
• Rash that appears after a new medication, product, plant or workplace exposure
• Rash that comes and goes, or moves
• Rash with fever, joint pain, mouth sores or feeling unwell
• Skin changes that are not healing or keep returning

Treating the cause. Antifungal, antiviral or antibacterial therapy for infection; removal of a culprit product or medication; management of an underlying condition.

Topical anti-inflammatories. Prescription topicals matched to the site and severity of the rash.

Systemic therapy. Oral or injectable treatment for widespread, severe or immune-mediated rashes.

Symptom relief. Practical measures for itch, sleep and skin comfort while the underlying process is treated.

Evaluation begins with a detailed history — timing, spread, symptoms, exposures, medications, occupation, travel and prior treatment — and an examination of the skin, and often the scalp, nails and mouth.

Depending on the findings, Dr. Gaul may recommend a skin biopsy, a scraping or culture for fungus or bacteria, patch testing for contact allergens, or laboratory work. A biopsy is a brief in-office procedure using local anesthetic.

Biopsy results are typically available within 2 weeks. We will contact you with them.

Please come to your appointment without makeup or tinted sunscreen, and bring a list of medications, supplements and products you have applied to the skin.