]]Each season in East Tennessee, comes with its own common skin issues; here are a few of the most common rashes you could see during the spring and summer months in Knoxville, Lenoir City and surrounding areas.Heat Rash – Is a red or pink rash usually found on areas covered by clothing. It develops when the sweat ducts become blocked and swell. Humid climates see more frequent cases of heat rash. This type of rash usually clears on its own, but some severe forms may need medical attention. The best way to relieve symptoms is to cool down and prevent further sweating. To protect yourself from heat rash, avoid overdressing and tight-fitting clothing. Also, when it’s extremely hot, find some shade or air-conditioned buildings.Hives – Are a rash of swollen, pale red bumps or welts that appear suddenly and without warning. They are often an allergic reaction and cause itching or a burning/stinging sensation. They can appear anywhere on the body including face, lips, tongue, throat, or ears. Hives can last for a few hours or a day before fading. Insect stings or bites, pet dander, pollen, and some plants cause this reaction.If your symptoms persist, contact the Knoxville office, (865) 450-9361.Lyme disease – Is transmitted by the bite of an infected black-legged tick, or deer tick. Signs and symptoms vary and usually appear in stages. The earliest sign is a small, red bump at the site of a tick bite or removal, but it usually disappears over a few days – this is normal for any tick bite and does not indicate Lyme disease. These signs and symptoms of Lyme may occur within a month after being infected: An expanding rash, forming a “bull’s-eye” around the site of the bite that is not typically itchy or painful. Flu-like symptoms; fever, chills, fatigue, body aches and headache may accompany the rash. It is important to remember that only a minority of deer tick bites lead to Lyme disease. The longer the tick remains attached to your skin the higher your risk of infection.If you think you’ve been bitten and are exhibiting symptoms, contact the our Board Certified Dermatologists at the Knoxville location.Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac – Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac grow in many wooded and marshy areas throughout North America. These plants have a sticky, long-lasting oil on their leaves that can cause an itchy rash. It tends to look like patches or streaks of red, raised blisters after the oil comes in contact with your skin. When in an area known to have these plants, keep your skin covered and wear closed toed shoes to avoid contact. A rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks and goes away without treatment.Call the Dr. Elizabeth Anderson, Dr. Quyn Rahman, or Dr. Adam Wright at the Knoxville office if the rash is close to your eyes or is widespread over your body. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to an emergency room immediately.Drug-induced Photosensitivity – Some medications can cause an unexpected sunburn or a dry, bumpy or blistering rash on sun-exposed skin. A mild reaction may be treated similarly to a sunburn, with application of cooling creams or gels. If patients have blisters that are broken, antibacterial creams may be recommended to prevent infection. If you believe you’re experiencing a severe reaction, call the office and make an appointment to see your physician. This is a common list of known drugs to cause a photosensitive reaction.
