Rashes and Burns Fort Lauderdale, FL
People can develop a rash or suffer a burn for numerous reasons, so it can be difficult to determine the exact cause or level of severity. Fortunately, a primary care doctor can accurately determine both the severity and cause before recommending an effective method of treatment. Subsequently, medical assistance is often required to effectively and efficiently treat rashes and burns.
Even though it is possible to treat minor cases at home, rashes or burns that show concerning symptoms can benefit from prompt professional examination and treatment. Our primary care doctor at Proactive Medical Group in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area can diagnose the severity of your rash or burn and help you on the path toward a full recovery. Call us at (954) 938-2843 to find out more or to make an appointment.
About Rashes and Burns
While prevention is the best way to deal with a rash or burn, avoiding them is not always possible. Understanding the severity of the rash or burn and seeking care, when necessary, is crucial to prevent infections or skin conditions. We are able to determine the exact cause and the level of severity, before creating a treatment plan to eliminate the rash or burn and help prevent others from developing in the future.
Facts From The World Health Organization
- An estimated 180,000 deaths occur each year as a result of a severe burn.
- Burns are the fifth most common cause of non-fatal childhood injuries.
- Burns are preventable by instilling the right precautionary measures into homes and workplaces.
- Burns occur mainly at home or in the workplace
- Common rashes include eczema, poison ivy, and athlete’s foot.
- Infections that cause rashes may be fungal, bacterial, parasitic, or viral.
- Over-the-counter products may help with certain skin rashes.
- Rashes that last more than a few days should be evaluated by a medical professional
“Infections that cause rashes may be fungal, bacterial, parasitic, or viral.”
Causes of Rashes and Burns
Rashes
One of the most difficult parts about treating a rash or burn is determining which one it is out of the many different types. There are various types of rashes, including a general rash, heat rash, blisters, and hives. Treatments for rashes differ depending on their type; therefore, diagnosing a rash incorrectly may lead to improper treatment.
To determine the exact cause of a rash, a primary care doctor will examine the patient's lifestyle to look for causes such as exposure to poison ivy or sumac, chemical exposure, or a bacterial infection. In some instances, people, especially toddlers, can develop what is known as a heat rash if exposed for too long to hot weather.
Burns
There are different burn levels: first-degree burns, second-degree burns, and third-degree burns. A first-degree burn is the least severe and only damages the epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin. Second-degree burns reach the dermis, which is the second layer of skin and is more painful. A third-degree burn is the deepest and often reaches the deeper tissues, which can cause nerve damage and other long-term issues.
Common burn causes are fire or skin exposure to a hot object. While this is true, burns can also occur due to chemical exposure, electricity, or even exposure to the sun. In order to successfully prevent burns, it is important to take precautionary measures for all burn types.
“A third-degree burn is the deepest and often reaches the deeper tissues, which can cause nerve damage and other long-term issues.”
Symptoms and Treatment Options for Rashes
The symptoms of a rash differ depending on the type of rash that has been developed. The most common symptoms that apply to most rash types include:
- A raised area of the skin
- Burning sensation
- Constant itching
- Red bumps
- Redness of the skin
While it is quite obvious when a rash develops, understanding what the symptoms mean can determine the root cause of the rash, which ultimately allows you the ability to treat the underlying cause and prevent further rashes from developing.
In most cases, people can treat mild to moderate rashes at home as long as they can identify the cause and type of rash. The best way to treat a rash is to find out the underlying cause, which in many cases is due to an allergy, heat exposure, or poison ivy exposure, and treat it. If a patient catches a rash due to poison ivy in the early stages, they can thoroughly wash the affected area in an effort to prevent the rash from getting worse. However, after a rash develops, it is best to leave it alone until proper medical treatment can be administered.
“In most cases, mild to moderate rashes can be treated at home as long as the cause can be identified.”
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Symptoms and Treatment Options for Burns
Much like rashes, the symptoms of a burn depend largely on the type of burn that occurs. However, the most common symptoms are pain, red skin, peeling skin, itching, and swelling. While most burns are painful, pain levels are in no way indicative of how serious a burn is. In fact, there is often no pain felt at all due to the nerve damage or adrenaline rush involved in the most serious or largest burns. Since the level of severity is such a wide range, there are different treatment procedures depending on the severity of the burn.
For less serious burns, such as first-degree burns and the majority of second-degree burns, holding the affected area under cold water for 10 minutes, applying aloe vera lotion to the affected area, and covering the wound with a bandage is the best form of treatment. Make sure to keep the bandage dry and change it frequently, inspecting the burn for any changes.
For more severe burns, such as third-degree burns and some of the more severe second-degree burns, it is best to seek medical assistance. After a serious burn occurs, there are certain safety measures that should be taken to keep the affected area from becoming infected or inflicting more pain than necessary, such as elevating the burn area and removing any material that may be on or around the affected area.
“In fact, there is often no pain felt at all due to the nerve damage or adrenaline rush involved in the most serious or largest burns.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What infections can cause a rash?
Q. What are the causes of rashes and burns?
Q. What are symptoms and treatments for rashes?
Q. What are symptoms and treatments for burn?
Q. When can a primary care doctor treat a rash or burn?
People Also Ask
Q. How can you determine the severity level of a cut or bruise?
When to Seek Care for a Rash or Burn
For most minor rashes or burns, utilizing home remedies and doctor-recommended over-the-counter products can keep symptoms at a tolerable level and lead to a full recovery. However, it is important to call your primary care doctor for a rash or burn that is on a child, has signs of infection, causing severe pain, or is of an unknown cause.
It is crucial to treat a rash or burn promptly to prevent an infection from developing. Our skin is the first line of defense from harmful bacteria and viruses; therefore, when the skin is harmed, there is a greater risk of developing an infection. If a burn opens up the skin, we can bandage it or treat the source of a bacterial infection. We can also help prevent further infection in the future.
Additionally, any burn that reaches the deeper layers of the skin or leads to an intolerable level of pain should be treated by a medical professional. Lastly, be sure to contact your primary care doctor any time the cause of a rash cannot be explained, especially in young children. As long as the burn is not life-threatening, our primary care team can treat it. If the burn is life-threatening, it is essential to seek treatment at an emergency room.
“Our skin is the first line of defense from harmful bacteria and viruses; therefore, when the skin is harmed, there is a greater risk of developing an infection.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why is it crucial to seek treatment for rashes and burns? What role does the skin play in preventing infection?
A. The skin is the largest organ in the body, and it serves to protect our bodies from infection and injury. The skin also works to regulate body temperature and contains nerves that sense heat, pain, pressure, and touch. When the skin becomes damaged by either a skin condition or a burn, it can leave us increasingly vulnerable to infection, as the line of defense is damaged, especially with deeper second-degree burns and third-degree burns. Due to this, it is important to seek medical assistance for moderate to severe burns and rashes.
Q. How can I treat my child's sunburn?
A. Although many think of burn by exposure to a hot object or substance, sunburn is also a form of burn that should be treated with urgency if it causes more severe symptoms, such as a fever. The best way to treat sunburn is to try and keep the body cool. The way to keep the body cool is to apply a cold compress (a cold, damp washcloth usually works) and a cooling substance (aloe vera, for example) to the affected area. Additionally, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can help reduce the swelling caused by sunburn.
Q. Are there certain activities or professions that are at a higher risk of developing a rash than others?
A. There are certain professions and activities that pose a greater risk of developing contact dermatitis. Any profession that requires you to be in close proximity to harmful chemicals, plants, or substances you are allergic to pose a greater risk of developing a rash. Additionally, medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and caregivers should be extra cautious around patients who have a rash, as they are contagious. On the same note, anyone who works directly with people may be at an increased risk of developing a rash and should consider taking extra precautions.
Q. My rash really itches. Is it okay to scratch it?
A. The short answer is no. It is never a good idea to scratch an itch caused by a rash, as it can spread the rash and cause more pain for a longer period of time. Instead, it is best to try and take measures to minimize the itch, such as applying topical anti-itch solutions and keeping the affected area from drying out. Additionally, be sure to avoid hot water by taking colder showers than normal.
Q. My child developed a rash that will not go away. What could have caused the rash in my child?
A. Children often get rashes more than adults. A large part of this can be attributed to the fact that they are generally far more adventurous and curious about unknown substances. Subsequently, do your best to keep your child away from areas that may contain poison. Most importantly, try educating them about poison ivy, so they can make the right choice when confronted with the hazardous substance while out playing. Lastly, be sure you know how to tell the difference between a general rash and a rash that is caused by more serious conditions, such as chickenpox. When in doubt, be sure to come in for a visit and allow us to help your child recover.
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By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Definition of Medical Terminology
Call Us Today
If you have developed a rash or suffered a burn, our primary care doctor at Proactive Medical Group can help. Our team can assist you in determining your symptoms and treat you accordingly. Call us today at 954-938-2843 for an appointment or to learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Association of Poison Control Centers. American Association of Poison Control Centers. 2023
- American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. 2023
- American Journal of Medicine. American Journal of Medicine. 2023
- American Medical Association (AMA). American Medical Association (AMA). 2023
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. 2023
- Health Resources & Services Administration Poison Center Resources. Health Resources & Services Administration Poison Center Resources. 2023
- Infectious Diseases Society of America. Infectious Diseases Society of America. 2023
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