Body skin problems and rashes

The symptoms of a rash vary from person to person and depend on your diagnosis and the type and severity of your rash. 

Symptoms of rashes may include: 

• dry skin

• flaking or scaling

• blistering

• swelling 

• blotches

• pain, burning, stinging or itching

• redness 

• hives (urticaria) – raised, red, itchy welts on your skin 

Rashes can have many causes, including allergies, infections or an underlying health condition. In some cases, a rash may occur with no obvious cause. 

Some common causes of rashes include: 

• allergies to triggers such as pollen, dust, perfume, certain chemicals, or medications 

• skin conditions like  eczema and psoriasis 

• infections 

• underlying illnesses, such as problems with your liver, lung, gut, kidney, bone marrow, or connective tissue

• nutritional problems such as vitamin deficiencies

• hormone imbalances 

• stress

• autoimmune diseases like lupus 

• environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight, heat, or cold 

• anaphylaxis – rarely, a rash can be a sign of a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical attention if you have an itchy, raised rash accompanied by facial swelling, difficulty breathing, dizziness or collapse

At your initial consultation, your dermatologist will ask you about your symptoms, general health, medical history, and any medications you take regularly. They’ll then perform a physical examination. 

Your consultant may order some tests to find out what is causing your rash, rule out any underlying medical issues, or confirm their diagnosis. 

These may include: 

• blood tests

• skin allergy tests (skin prick tests/patch tests/light tests)

• swabs/skin scrapings (to check for infections)

• skin biopsy  

• a scan or X-ray (to check for any underlying health conditions) 

Your consultant will make a diagnosis using a combination of your symptoms, physical examination and test results. They will explain your diagnosis to you and create a personalised treatment plan that best suits your needs. 

Sometimes, rashes can’t be prevented, but if you know the cause of your rash, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of it coming back, including: 

• avoiding contact with substances you know can trigger your allergy

• avoiding tight, synthetic clothing and opt for loose-fitting clothes made from natural materials 

• avoiding exposure to sunlight and extreme heat or cold 

• applying emollients and moisturisers to your skin regularly 

• using mild, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic soaps and skincare products

• managing any underlying health conditions that may be causing your rash 

Most rashes are harmless and either go away on their own or can be easily treated. Rarely, untreated rashes can lead to complications, including: 

• infections – persistent scratching can break the skin and lead to infections such as cellulitis or abscesses, which may need treatment

• long-term skin changes – after your rash heals, you may have skin changes such as discolouration or changes to your skin texture

• mental health problems – if your rash is visible or unsightly, it can lead to problems such as low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. Long-term pain and itching can also lead to mental health issues and sleep problems 

Treatment for your rash depends on your diagnosis. Your consultant will perform the necessary tests and investigations to ensure an accurate diagnosis and decide on the best treatment option for you. 

Treatment for rashes may include: 

• topical treatments, including hydrocortisone creams or topical immunomodulators

• light therapy

• tablets such as antihistamines or immunosuppressants 

• injections such as steroids 

At Welbeck, our dermatologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.