We’ve all noticed something abnormal on our skin before – a rash, bumps or a patch of flaky skin. Generally, it’s a temporary skin irritation, but if the issue isn’t going away, you could be experiencing a condition that requires treatment. Here’s what to look for:
Bumps on the skin
If you notice small white or red acne-like bumps on your skin that don’t go away, it could be keratosis pilaris. This condition occurs when the skin produces too much keratin – a protein – which blocks hair follicles and causes small bumps to form. It commonly occurs on the arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks.
Treatment tip: Keep skin moisturized with lotion, cream or petroleum jelly. If the appearance of the bumps isn’t improving, a doctor may prescribe a medicated cream.
Other common skin conditions that cause bumps are acne and allergic reactions. If you develop stubborn bumps that won’t go away, see a doctor to find out what’s going on and to get proper treatment.
The friendly medical providers at Indigo Health can diagnose and treat many minor skin conditions and refer you to a specialist, if needed.
Dry patches of skin
Itchy red patches of skin on the face, hands, or other areas of the body -- like the creases of elbows or knees -- could be a sign of eczema. Eczema often starts in childhood and can be a long-lasting condition. The good news is that it generally gets milder by adulthod.
Itchiness from eczema can be intense. Scratching may sometimes lead to skin infections, which should be treated by a doctor.
Treatment tip: After bathing, gently pat the skin dry and immediately apply lotion or cream to lock in the moisture. Doctors can prescribe medications, such as corticosteroid creams and ointment, to help alleviate itching and inflammation.
Psoriasis is another condition where dry of scaly patches of skin develop on areas such as your knees and scalp. This condition can be cyclical, with flare-ups, off and on.
If standard lotion isn’t helping to alleviate the dryness and you’re experiencing discomfort, talk to a doctor to get other treatment options.
Indigo can help!
Sudden unrecognizable rash? Infected bug bite? Let us help! Indigo Urgent Care can treat a variety of minor skin conditions in kids and adults. From abscesses, impetigo and poison ivy rashes to ringworm, warts and zoster, we’ve got you covered.
Schedule an appointment online or walk in to your neighborhood Indigo. We’re open from 8 am to 8 pm seven days a week.
