Sunday, February, 12, 2012

Rashes

Table of Contents


Call 911 if:

  • You are short of breath, your throat is tight, or your face is swollen
  • Your child has a purple rash that looks like a bruise

Call your health care provider if:

  • You have joint pain, fever, or a sore throat
  • You have streaks of redness, swelling, or very tender areas as these may indicate an infection
  • You are taking a new medication -- DO NOT change or stop any of your medications without talking to your doctor
  • You may have a tick bite
  • Home treatment doesn't work, or your symptoms get worse

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will perform a physical examination. He or she will ask questions about your medical conditions, medications, health problems that run in your family, and recent illnesses or exposures. Questions may include:

  • When did the rash begin?
  • What parts of your body are affected?
  • Does anything make the rash better? Worse?
  • Have you used any new soaps, detergents, lotions, or cosmetics recently?
  • Have you been in any wooded areas recently?
  • Have you had any change in your medications?
  • Have you noticed a tick or insect bite?
  • Have you eaten anything unusual of late?
  • Do you have any other symptoms like itching or scaling?
  • What are your underlying medical problems? Do you have, for example, asthma or allergies?

Tests may include:

  • Allergy testing
  • Blood tests
  • Skin biopsy
  • Skin scrapings

Depending on the cause of your rash, treatments may include medicated creams or lotions, medications taken by mouth, or skin surgery.

Many primary care providers are comfortable dealing with common rashes, but for more complicated skin disorders, a referral to a dermatologist may be necessary.


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Review Date: 08/08/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)