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When to See a Dermatologist for Rashes and Skin Infections

If you have a skin infection, you want it treated quickly and efficiently.  Don’t wait to call the best Nashville dermatologist for skin infections at the first sign of a problem.  Not only can rashes or skin infections be painful or uncomfortable, but they can also affect your appearance.

Why See a Dermatologist?

Dr. Binhlam is a Nashville dermatologist that can treat many conditions that affect your skin, hair or nails.  

These include:

  • Acne
  • Skin cancer
  • Dermatitis
  • Infections
  • Hair loss
  • Nail problems

Often patients come to us after seeing another doctor that was unable to diagnose and prescribe the right treatment to resolve the rash or skin infection.

Types of Rashes

Rashes are when the skin has mild redness, small red bumps, and in severe cases, redness, swelling, and blisters. Many rashes are caused by skin irritants and can also be classified as contact dermatitis.

Causes of Rashes

In other cases, the rash appears in conjunction with a viral infection, fungal infections, bacterial infections, exposure to certain bugs, or exposure to extreme heat.

Types of Skin Infections

A skin infection can be viral, fungal, or parasitic and symptoms can be mild to severe.

A mild infection may be treated with over-the-counter medications, but many times you need medical attention and a prescription topical or oral medication from a Nashville dermatologist for skin infections.

Causes of Skin Infections

Bacterial Skin Infections

This type of infection may appear as small red dots and it is usually mild, needing only topical medication.  Bacterial infections can include cellulitis, staph infections, impetigo, leprosy, and boils.

Viral Skin Infections

These are caused by a virus and symptoms may be mild to severe.  Shingles, herpes, chicken pox, warts, measles, and hand foot and mouth disease are all common viral skin infections.  Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to help symptoms go away faster.

Fungal Skin Infections

These are caused by a fungus and are most likely to be seen on the feet or armpits.  Athlete’s foot, yeast infections, ringworm, nail fungus, oral thrush, and diaper rash are all fungal skin infections.  

When to See a Dermatologist for a Rash or Skin Infection

If you think you may have a skin infection and it is not improving with over-the-counter medications or home remedies, schedule an appointment with a Nashville dermatologist for skin infections.  Skin infections can spread and become more serious if not treated, particularly if you have a weakened immune system.  

Most skin infections can be diagnosed based on appearance and often you will see an improvement within a couple of days of beginning treatment from your doctor.  

Nashville Dermatologist for Rashes or Skin Infections

If you think you may have a skin infection, don’t wait for it to get worse to seek treatment.  Call 615-843-SKIN to make an appointment with Dr. Binhlam for a fast diagnosis and a treatment plan so you can start looking and feeling better!