Skin Rashes & Infections Scranton PA

Find top doctors who perform Skin Rashes & Infections in Scranton, PA. Whether you’re seeking treatment or looking to schedule a preventative screening, we can connect you with the best dermatologists near you in Scranton, PA.

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Skin Rashes & Infections FAQ in Scranton, PA

Why is my immune system attacking my skin?

Autoimmune disease happens when the body’s natural defense system can’t tell the difference between your own cells and foreign cells, causing the body to mistakenly attack normal cells. There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases that affect a wide range of body parts.

What are 5 possible causes of skin infections?

Bacteria cause cellulitis, impetigo, and staphylococcal (staph) infections. Viruses cause shingles, warts, and herpes simplex. Fungi cause athlete’s foot and yeast infections. Parasites cause body lice, head lice, and scabies.

What happens if a skin infection goes untreated?

Left untreated, the infection can spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream and rapidly become life-threatening.

How can you tell if a rash is serious?

You have a rash that covers the body. This indicates something concerning, such as an infection or allergic reaction. You have a fever with the rash. If this is the case, go to the emergency room. The rash is sudden and spreads rapidly. The rash is painful. The rash is infected.

What does a viral rash look like?

The characteristics of viral rashes can vary greatly. However, most look like splotchy red spots on lighter skin or purplish spots on darker skin. These spots might come on suddenly or appear gradually over several days. They can also appear in a small section or cover multiple areas.

Can the body heal an infection by itself?

Once unfriendly bacteria enter your body, your body’s immune system tries to fight them off. But oftentimes, your body can’t fight the infection naturally, and you need to take antibiotics – medication that kills the bacteria.

Why am I suddenly getting skin rashes?

The main cause is dermatitis, which is when your skin reacts to allergens or irritants. Bacteria, viruses, allergens and conditions including eczema, hives, and psoriasis can be the source of skin rashes. A variety of treatments can relieve your symptoms and get rid of the rash.

What are the 3 major causes of skin infections?

A skin infection occurs when parasites, fungi, or germs such as bacteria penetrate the skin and spread. When this happens, it can cause pain, swelling, and skin color changes. Skin infections are different from rashes. A rash is an area of swollen or irritated skin.

What is the most common bacterial skin infection?

Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the U.S. Most of these skin infections are minor (such as pimples and boils), are not spread to others (not infectious), and usually can be treated without antibiotics.

What does an autoimmune rash look like?

Autoimmune hives are red, itchy, raised bumps. They vary in size from pinhead dots to large swollen lumps. You may see an eruption of one or two hives, or many hives that form a shapeless cluster or rash.

What does it mean if a rash is spreading?

Sudden, spreading rashes can indicate an allergic reaction which, if accompanied by difficulty breathing, are extremely dangerous. If your rash blisters or develops open sores, or shows signs of infection, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible. In short, see a doctor if you have a rash.