Diagnosis

The most important means of diagnosis is the assessment and questioning of the patient by the dermatologist. Often, the cause of an itchy rash can be determined by this alone, without the need for further measures. Depending on the clinical picture, however, further steps may follow.

For example, if an allergic reaction is suspected, an allergy test on the skin may be useful. In addition, certain antibodies in the blood, which are elevated in allergies, can then be examined. This may also be useful in the case of eczema or hives, if allergic involvement is suspected.

If the findings are unclear, or to confirm a suspicion of a certain skin disease, the dermatologist may take a small tissue sample. This so-called biopsy is a painless way of obtaining tissue that can then be examined under a microscope. This allows both benign and malignant changes in the skin to be examined.

If a skin infection with bacteria, viruses or fungi is suspected, smears are often taken to determine the pathogens that are causing the disease and to orientate the later therapy accordingly. The treatment of itchy skin rashes depends largely on the cause of the rash. For example, if an allergy is suspected, the suspicious substance should be avoided.

If it is a drug, the treating physician should be informed immediately about the discontinuation of the drug and the suspected allergic reaction in order to plan further action. Depending on the extent of the allergic reaction, the doctor may need to take further action. These can range from immediate emergency medical treatment to therapy with drugs that suppress the allergic reaction (so-called antihistamines) or cortisone preparations.

The same treatment is used against hives (urticaria). In the case of a sun allergy (polymorphic light dermatosis), cortisone preparations and antihistamines can inhibit the inflammation of the skin. However, the skin gets used to the sun over time, so that at most a temporary therapy is necessary.

Eczema is treated according to its cause. Cortisone ointments are often used to alleviate the inflammation. If a fungal or bacterial attack is likely, ointments or shampoos against fungi, disinfecting compresses, or antibiotics are used.

Known triggers of eczema should be avoided. Lichen Ruber (psoriasis) is a disease that can be cured. However, this can take up to several years.

Cortisone preparations are also used in this case. Alternatives are other drugs that suppress the immune system and thus relieve the inflammation. In addition, vitamin A preparations or UV light therapy can be considered.

Pityriasis rosea (rose lichen) usually heals by itself within weeks. Mild cortisone ointments can also be used to support the healing process. The therapy is more difficult in chronic psoriasis.

This is treated differently in individual cases according to its severity. In mild cases, therapy is carried out locally with a cortisone ointment. In more severe cases, cortisone or other drugs that suppress the immune system must be taken as tablets.

The therapy is often supplemented by UV light therapy. Other drugs, such as vitamin A preparations or special, targeted antibodies also play a role in the therapy.However, the process of finding the individually effective treatment is often a long one. Skin care supports this.

If the exact cause cannot be found, but the serious diseases could be excluded, one can try to relieve the symptoms and rash with the help of herbal ingredients. They mostly have anti-inflammatory effects and care for the skin. You can read more information on this topic here: Household remedies for a rash