Living in our beautiful state of Colorado has many advantages, but there are also drawbacks in terms of the common skin rashes that occur due to our climate. Living at our altitude in a sunny climate, we have a high degree of sun exposure. This can make some rashes worse. However, for many skin conditions, sunlight actually helps. This is the case with psoriasis, which is somewhat less common in our climate than in other parts of the country. Because of this, sometimes the onset or appearance of psoriasis may be less obvious here in Colorado. We are happy to help diagnose your condition and provide the appropriate skin rash treatment.
Other skin conditions that appear as new rashes are often worse and more frequent in Colorado due to our dry climate. There are many factors that can dry our skin. Early on this can result in xerosis, which is dry itchy skin. This can worsen and become eczema or dermatitis.
Dry skin does not maintain the natural barrier that is present on well moisturized/hydrated skin. This breakdown of the barrier allows particles from the environment into deeper layers of skin. This can cause irritation and inflammation. There are various forms of dermatitis that appear primarily as a result of dry skin, one of which is called nummular dermatitis. This causes coin-shaped areas of rash, often on the legs, which can be confused by many people for psoriasis or ring worm. Certain types of dermatitis can specifically affect the hands or the feet, and some of these are worse in our dry climate. People who have atopic dermatitis also tend to have more difficulty controlling the appearance of rashes on the skin in our dry climate. As we get older, our skin doesn’t maintain a moisture barrier as well as it used to, so these dry skin rashes may become more frequent.
Ringworm doesn’t come from a worm, but is a type of fungal infection that makes a scaly red circle on the skin. Sometimes this can be confused with nummular eczema. We can help identify which you have, and treat your skin rash appropriately
As we age, we also start to experience changes in our skin texture, changes with our pores and follicles, and changes in how our immune system interacts with our skin. A very common skin rash that appears as small acne-like bumps on the chest or the back is called folliculitis. There are many different causes for folliculitis, and one of our Colorado Springs or Monument dermatologist can help determine the best folliculitis treatment for you. Another very common rash that tends to come on in the middle of life for many people is seborrheic dermatitis. This usually presents with redness and dry flakiness of the face, especially in the eyebrows, along the sides of the nose, or around the ears.
Skin Rash Treatment in Colorado Springs & Monument, CO
This is a very small list of some of the most common skin rashes that appear in the population of Colorado Springs & Monument, CO. There are a vast number of conditions that can affect the skin and appear as a rash. Many times this is something specifically affecting the skin, but other times what is seen on the skin might be a sign of something going on inside the body. Sometimes this might be something dangerous or life threatening.
At Summit Dermatology, we are proud to put our training and expertise to work in helping to correctly diagnose and treat any common skin rashes that may appear on your skin. Contact us today at our Colorado Springs or Monument location to schedule a skin rash treatment consultation.