What are the most common types of skin rashes treated at Adult & Pediatric Dermatology?

We commonly treat contact dermatitis (from allergens or irritants), atopic dermatitis (eczema), seborrheic dermatitis, urticaria (hives), drug reactions, heat rash, pityriasis rosea, and rashes associated with conditions such as lupus or psoriasis. Dr. Paltiel performs a thorough examination to identify the type of rash and its underlying cause before recommending treatment.

When should I see a dermatologist for a skin rash?

See a dermatologist if your rash is spreading rapidly, does not improve with over-the-counter treatments within 1 to 2 weeks, is accompanied by fever, joint pain, or difficulty breathing, is severely itchy or painful, blisters or weeps fluid, or has an uncertain cause. Any rash on the face, genitals, or around the eyes should be evaluated promptly.

How is a skin rash diagnosed?

Dr. Paltiel diagnoses rashes through a detailed medical history, visual examination, and dermoscopy when appropriate. For uncertain diagnoses, patch testing (for contact allergens), skin scraping (for fungal infections), or a skin biopsy may be recommended. Blood tests can help identify systemic causes such as autoimmune conditions or allergies.

What treatments are available for chronic skin rashes?

Chronic rash treatment depends on the underlying condition. Options include topical corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams, oral antihistamines, immunomodulators (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus), phototherapy, and for autoimmune or severe cases, systemic medications or biologics. Dr. Paltiel provides a comprehensive treatment plan and ongoing monitoring for chronic conditions.

Can skin rashes be a sign of a more serious condition?

Yes. Some rashes signal systemic conditions including lupus (butterfly rash on cheeks), Lyme disease (bullseye rash), vasculitis (purpuric rash), dermatomyositis, or drug hypersensitivity reactions. A sudden widespread rash with fever requires urgent evaluation. Dr. Paltiel screens for systemic disease when clinical features suggest an internal cause.

How long does it take for a rash to clear up with treatment?

Most acute rashes respond within 1 to 2 weeks of appropriate treatment. Contact dermatitis clears once the trigger is avoided and topical steroids are applied. Chronic conditions like eczema or psoriasis require longer-term management. Dr. Paltiel follows up to adjust treatment as needed and ensure complete resolution.

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Table of Contents

Quick Facts About Rash Treatment in Forest Hills
Is This Rash Type Yours?
What are rashes?
What are the symptoms of rashes?
What are common causes of rashes?
How does my provider diagnose the cause of rashes?
How are rashes treated?
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Rashes
Meet Your Forest Hills Rash Specialist

Quick Facts About Rash Treatment in Forest Hills

Here's what patients should know before booking an evaluation.

Practice Lead

Dr. Michael Paltiel, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist

Conditions Treated

Bacterial, viral, fungal, allergic, and inflammatory rashes

Patient Ages

Infants, children, teens, and adults

Diagnostic Tools

Medical history review, skin exam, biopsy and lab work when needed

Insurance

Most major plans accepted

Location

Forest Hills, Queens, NY (call 718.896.3376 or book online)

Is This Rash Type Yours?

Find the answer that fits your situation, then bring it to your visit.

My rash itches but isn't spreading. Should I still see a dermatologist?

Yes if it lasts more than a week, recurs, or interferes with sleep. Persistent itching may signal eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, or scabies, and each has different treatment paths.

I get the same rash every summer. What's going on?

Heat rash, sun-induced eruptions, or photoallergic reactions can all flare seasonally. A dermatologist can identify the trigger and recommend preventive care.

My child has a sudden rash with fever. When does it need urgent care?

Rashes paired with fever, throat pain, or rapid spread should be evaluated promptly. The team treats pediatric patients of all ages.

I tried over-the-counter creams and the rash is worse. What next?

OTC steroids can mask infection or worsen fungal rashes. A clinical exam differentiates these and guides prescription-strength treatment.

Could my rash be from a new medication?

Yes, drug eruptions are common. Bring a current medication list to your visit so the team can correlate timing.

Educational information only. Schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment options personalized to you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Paltiel, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist | 17+ Years Experience | Last Updated: May 2026

Rashes

Rashes can be a nuisance or they can signal that an underlying health problem exists. If you have a long-lasting or uncomfortable rash, the expert team of dermatologists at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, New York, can help. They find the root cause of rashes and treat them to clear up your skin. Call the office today to schedule an appointment or book one online.

What are rashes?

Rashes are skin changes that appear as red or raised bumps. A rash affects your skin’s texture, color, and overall appearance. It can appear all over your body or just in certain areas of your skin. Rashes can also be itchy. Treatment helps ease the unpleasant symptoms.

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What are the
symptoms of rashes?

Common symptoms of rashes include:

Red bumps
Patches of bumps
Raised bumps
Itchy skin
Warm skin
Skin swelling
Tenderness
Dry skin

Rashes vary in appearance, depending on what’s causing them and how severe they are. See your dermatologist at the first sign of uncomfortable rashes or rashes that don’t go away on their own.

Most Major
Insurances Accepted

Most Major Insurances Accepted

Please call our office if you do not see your insurance plan listed below. If your insurance plan requires you to obtain a referral from your primary care doctor, please obtain one prior to your visit or call our office to ask if a referral or authorization is needed for your insurance. If referral is not available at the time of the visit, your appointment will be rescheduled.

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What are common
causes of rashes?

The cause of rashes isn’t always known, but common causes include:

Measles
Allergies
Anxiety
Skin irritants
Chickenpox
Smallpox
Bacterial infections
Cold sores
Ringworm
Eczema
Acne
Vaccine reactions
Sun or heat
Skin chafing
Menstruation
Psoriasis
Shingles

Finding the root cause of a rash helps your dermatologist determine the most effective treatment.

How does my provider diagnose the cause of rashes?

To find the possible causes for skin rashes, the Adult and Pediatric Dermatology team discusses your medical history with you and examines your skin. They complete a more comprehensive physical exam if needed and might order urine, blood, or other diagnostic tests.

Meet Your Forest Hills Rash Specialist

Meet our team of board-certified specialists dedicated to your skin health and beauty

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Rashes

Q: What causes skin rashes?

A: Skin rashes can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including allergic reactions, infections, autoimmune conditions, irritants, medications, and heat. A proper evaluation by a dermatologist is important to determine the underlying cause.

Q: When should I see a dermatologist for a rash?

A: You should see a dermatologist if your rash is widespread, painful, accompanied by fever, not improving with over-the-counter treatments, or recurring frequently. Sudden or severe rashes warrant prompt medical attention.

Q: How are skin rashes diagnosed?

A: Diagnosis typically involves a visual examination and a review of your medical history. In some cases, your dermatologist may perform a skin biopsy, patch testing, or blood tests to identify the cause of the rash.

Q: What treatments are available for rashes?

A: Treatment depends on the cause of the rash and may include topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, antibiotics, antifungal medications, or immunosuppressants. Identifying and avoiding triggers is also an important part of management.

Q: Are all rashes contagious?

A: No, many rashes are not contagious. Rashes caused by allergic reactions, autoimmune conditions, or irritants cannot be spread to others. However, rashes caused by certain viral, bacterial, or fungal infections may be contagious.

Q: Can stress cause skin rashes?

A: Yes, stress can trigger or worsen skin rashes, including conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and hives. Stress management techniques, along with appropriate medical treatment, can help reduce stress-related skin flare-ups.

How are rashes treated?

The best treatment for your rash depends on what’s causing it. The experts at Adult and Pediatric Dermatology can recommend:

Home remedies

Steps you can take at home to treat rashes include using gentle cleansers, dabbing your skin with a warm cloth, using over-the-counter ointments or lotions, and not using irritating cosmetic products. If a rash is caused by a viral infection, get plenty of rest and drink a lot of fluids.

Prescription medications

Your dermatologist offers prescription medicines to clear up certain kinds of rashes.

Allergy treatments

If your rash is the result of an allergy, your provider could recommend oral medicines, allergy shots, or other allergy treatments to reduce the risk of skin reactions.

Vaccinations

To reduce your risk of getting chickenpox, shingles, measles, and other rash-causing diseases, get vaccinated for those diseases.

If you want relief from an uncomfortable rash or would like to know its underlying cause, call the Adult and Pediatric Dermatology office today or schedule an appointment online.