As kids, we dealt with that notoriously itchy rash caused by chickenpox. Unfortunately, as we get older, the same virus that caused our childhood chickenpox can also cause shingles. If you’ve had chickenpox in the past, then that same virus is lying dormant within the body. This means that at some point during your lifetime, the virus does have the ability to reactivate, causing a painful, blistering rash on the stomach and sides. This is known as shingles.

• Applying cold compresses to the rash
• Soaking in a cool oatmeal bath
• Wearing light, loose-fitted clothing that won’t rub against the rash
• Applying calamine lotion to reduce itching
• Managing stress effectively and finding ways to help you relax
• Eating healthy, balanced meals
• Getting good quality sleep every night

Some many conditions and problems could lead to itchy skin; however, if you’ve been exposed to poison ivy, sumac, or oak you must be able to recognize the symptoms. It’s possible that you came into contact with poison ivy or any of these plants while on your typical walk or you may not even realize that the plants are hanging in your garden. If you do come into contact with poison ivy, sumac and oak here are what you should know.

• Take cool, oatmeal baths to alleviate inflammation and itching
• Apply calamine lotions to the skin to temporarily alleviate itching
• Steroid creams (aka: cortisone cream) may also alleviate redness and inflammation
• Apply cold compresses to the area when symptoms flare-up
• Whatever you do, do not scratch your rash (this can lead to an infection)

• Pus develops on the rash
• You also have a fever over 100 F
• You experience severe itching
• The rash keeps spreading
• You aren’t sure whether the rash is caused by poison ivy, oak, or sumac
• The rash spreads to the mouth or the eyes
• Symptoms don’t improve within a week

There are many reasons that you might be dealing with a skin rash; however, if you suspect that it might be ringworm you may be surprised to discover that there are other conditions that can often masquerade as ringworm but aren’t. This is why it’s important to have any rashes or skin problems thoroughly evaluated by a qualified dermatologist. After all, you want to make sure that you are getting the proper treatment you need depending on the type of condition you’re dealing with.

What does ringworm look like?

If you have ringworm, common symptoms include:

• A circular or ring-like rash that may be raised along the edges
• A rash that may be scaly, itchy, red, or burning
• Hair loss in the area where the rash has appeared

The rash may develop several red, raised rings at once, some of which may overlap. While ringworm can develop just about anywhere on the body it’s most commonly found on the arms, legs, and trunk.

If it’s not ringworm, then what else could it be?

There are a variety of ringworm imposters that could be causing you or your child’s rash. The two most common conditions are nummular eczema and granuloma annulare.

Nummular eczema causes circular patches of dry skin that can burn or become dry and scaly. This type of skin condition is often triggered by bug bites, certain medications, or a metal allergy. Granuloma annulare causes red or flesh-colored bumps to appear on the skin, but because they often appear ring-like this condition can be mistaken for ringworm. Everything from medications and viral infections to skin trauma and thyroid disorders can trigger granuloma annulare.

Other less common symptoms that may look like ringworm include,

• Contact dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Pityriasis rosea
• Tinea versicolor (more common in children)
• Vitiligo
• Erythema migrans (common in those with Lyme disease)
• Lupus

Sometimes a skin biopsy of the lesion or rash is required for a dermatologist to be able to diagnose whether it is ringworm or not. If you are experiencing symptoms of ringworm or are concerned about a new or worsening rash, then call your dermatologist today to schedule an appointment.

Dandruff is a common problem and one that you may not worry too much about if you deal with minor flaking every once in a while; however, severe dandruff can be embarrassing. First, it’s important to know whether you’re dealing with dandruff or a dry scalp, as these are two different problems that can result in the same itching and flaking symptoms. Since dandruff is caused by excess scalp oil, which is the opposite of dry scalp, you may want to turn to a dermatologist to confirm your condition.

• Dandruff will produce large, oily flakes that are often yellow or white in appearance while the dry scalp is more likely to produce a lot of dry little flakes.
• Dandruff may cause a red, scaly scalp while someone with dry scalp is more likely to experience dry skin on other parts of their body
• The only symptom that both dandruff and dry scalp have in common is an itchy scalp

• Wash your hair every day to reduce excess oil on the scalp
• Use a shampoo that contains coal tar, pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide or tea tree oil (a natural alternative)
• Stay away from any har products that contain alcohols or bleach, as well as oily hair products that will only cause more oil to buildup on the scalp
• Find ways to effectively manage stress, which can trigger or exacerbate dandruff
• Get a small amount of sun exposure every day (just a couple of minutes), which could help get your symptoms under control (talk to your dermatologist before doing so, as excess sun exposure can be harmful)
• Eat a healthy diet that is rich in vitamin B, zinc, and healthy fats