What's that rash?

Dermatologist Dr Cara McDonald talks Pip Harry through some of the more common types of rash.

Rosacea

Signs: This inflammatory skin condition (which typically affects the face) causes a red nose and flushed cheeks, enlarged capillaries, and at times red bumps and pustules that can resemble acne.

Cause: The exact cause of rosacea is unknown. But experts believe factors like the environment, genetics and infection may lead to overactive facial blood vessels and inflammation of the skin.

Prevention: Avoid skin irritation and known rosacea triggers such as sun exposure, alcohol, caffeine and spicy foods.

Treatment: Daily sun protection and gentle skincare is very important. A dermatologist can also provide topical antibiotics and anti-inflammatory preparations, which can be useful. In more severe cases, oral antibiotics are used and vascular lasers can help treat dilated capillaries and excessive flushing.

Shingles Signs: Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that usually occurs on a localised patch of skin. It also produces flu-like symptoms and swollen glands. An area of persistent pain may remain after the rash has cleared (known as post-herpetic neuralgia).

Cause: Shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus (herpes zoster virus). The virus lies dormant in nerve cells and then reactivates. Shingles is more likely to occur in the elderly or those with a weakened immune system.

Prevention: A vaccine is available for the elderly, which reduces the incidence of shingles by half. A vaccine for kids is now available to prevent the primary infection causing chickenpox.

Treatment: See your GP. Oral anti-viral medication may reduce the duration and severity of the shingles rash if given within three days of appearing. Cold compresses, rest and pain medication will give some relief and, in most cases, shingles usually clears up within a few weeks.

Hives (urticaria)

Signs: Hives are smooth, itchy, circular-shaped red bumps or patches that last minutes to hours and may appear to ‘move’ across the skin. There can also be a swelling of the face and lips called angioedema.

Cause: There are many different triggers for hives. The most common are viral or bacterial infections, medication (such as antibiotics, aspirin and codeine), food allergy (commonly shellfish, eggs, nuts, peanuts, chocolate, cheese, tomatoes, soy products and strawberries), exercise and sweating, stress, sun exposure or less commonly, other associated medical conditions like lupus or rubella.

Prevention: Hives is an allergic skin reaction, so the best way to prevent repeat episodes is to avoid triggers.

Treatment: Oral antihistamines will ease the itch until the hives clear up, but this can take anywhere from hours to weeks. See your GP if symptoms persist for longer than six weeks. Patients with swelling of the face, lips or throat should seek medical attention urgently.

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