At Kent Skin & Laser Clinic, our consultant dermatologist-led team assesses and treats skin rashes in adults and children. Based in Canterbury, we welcome patients from across Kent, including Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham, Ashford, Folkestone, Dover, Deal and the surrounding areas.
What Causes Skin Rashes?
Most rashes settle on their own, but some are persistent or need medical treatment. Common types include:
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): dry, itchy, inflamed skin that flares and settles. See our Eczema Treatment page.
- Contact dermatitis: a reaction to something touching the skin, such as a cosmetic, metal or cleaning product.
- Psoriasis: scaly patches linked to the immune system. See our Psoriasis Treatment page.
- Fungal rashes: infections such as ringworm or athlete's foot.
- Drug rashes: a reaction to a medicine, sometimes appearing days or weeks after starting it.
- Viral rashes: linked to infections such as chickenpox, measles or shingles.
Many rashes look alike, and a cream that suits one type can make another worse, so an accurate diagnosis comes first.
How We Assess and Treat Rashes
Treatment is decided by your doctor after assessment, so it matches the cause of your rash.
Clinical Assessment
Your consultation starts with a detailed history, including when the rash began, what affects it, and any new products or medicines. Your skin is then examined closely, using dermoscopy where helpful. Your doctor may suggest further tests, such as a skin swab, to look for infection.
Patch Testing
If contact dermatitis is suspected, patch testing can help identify allergens. Small amounts of common substances are applied to the skin, usually on the back, and checked over several days. Your doctor will explain what to expect and how to prepare.
Prescribed Topical Treatment
Many rashes are treated with creams or ointments, such as emollients, anti-inflammatory preparations or antifungal treatments. Your doctor chooses the product and strength, and shows you how to use it safely.
Prescribed Oral Treatment
Some rashes need tablets, such as antihistamines for itching or antibiotics or antifungals for infections. These are prescribed only where your doctor considers them appropriate for you.
Why Choose Kent Skin & Laser Clinic?
Patients choose us because we provide:
- Consultant dermatologist-led care
- Careful diagnosis, as rashes can look very similar
- Patch testing where an allergy is suspected
- Clear advice on treatment and skin care
- Referral for further care if needed
You do not need a GP referral to book.
What Happens at the Appointment?
At your consultation, we will:
- Ask about your symptoms, medical history and medicines
- Examine your skin
- Discuss possible triggers
- Explain what we think is causing the rash
- Agree a treatment plan, which may include patch testing
Some rashes are diagnosed and treated in one visit. Others need a review or further tests. Please bring a list of your medicines, and photographs of the rash at its worst if it comes and goes.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Most rashes are not an emergency, but please seek urgent medical advice, or go to A&E if it is severe, if a rash comes with:
- A fever or you feel very unwell
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid spreading over hours
- Blistering, or skin that is peeling, painful or raw
Call 999 for difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a skin rash?
Causes include eczema, allergic reactions, infections, psoriasis and medicines. Because different rashes can look alike, a proper assessment is the right way to find the cause.
Do I need a patch test?
Not everyone does. A patch test is usually considered if your doctor suspects contact dermatitis. Your doctor will advise at your consultation.
Are rashes contagious?
Some are, such as certain fungal and viral rashes, but eczema, psoriasis and contact dermatitis are not. Your doctor can advise on precautions.
Can a rash be caused by a medicine?
Yes. Rashes can follow a new medicine, sometimes days or weeks later. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice, but tell a doctor promptly if a rash appears.
Will my rash come back?
It depends on the cause. Eczema and psoriasis are long-term and can flare, though they can be managed. Rashes from an allergen or infection often clear once the cause is dealt with.
Should I see a dermatologist about my rash?
Seek urgent help if you have any of the warning signs above. For persistent, recurrent or unexplained rashes, our consultant dermatologist-led team can give a specialist opinion, and you can call us for a swift appointment.
Book this treatment
Price
Dermatology consultation £300 with the Consultant Dermatologist
Appointment
30 minutes
Downtime
None for the consultation. Varies with the treatment prescribed
Fees vary by clinician and are confirmed at your consultation.
Consultant Dermatologist appointments are booked by phone or email, so we can check whether you are insured or self-funding.
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