Do You Need to See a Doctor for That Rash?
By Robin Foster HealthDay Reporter
SATURDAY, Jan. 27, 2024 9HealthDay News) -- When should you worry about a rash?
Rashes may look alike, but while over-the-counter medications can treat some rashes, others can signal a more serious condition, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says.
“It is important to watch your symptoms closely at the onset of a new rash,” said Dr. Mallory Abate, a board-certified dermatologist in Baton Rouge, La. “Making note of any changes or new developments are instrumental to determining the severity of the medical condition and if immediate assistance is needed.”
One key sign of bigger trouble is if you have a rash that is infected. Evidence of infection might include pus, yellow or golden crusts, pain, swelling, warmth or an unpleasant smell. The skin around an infection might look red, purple or brown, you might feel very hot or cold, have swollen lymph nodes, or a fever.
“If you have a rash and your symptoms are not improving, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist,” Abate said in an AAD news release.
Abate and the AAD recommend people with rashes uses these clues to know when to seek medical attention:
-
A rash over most of your body.
-
A rash that blisters or turns into open sores or raw skin
-
Fever or illness with a rash
-
A rash that spreads rapidly
-
A painful rash
-
A rash involving the eyes, lips, mouth or genital skin
-
If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or your eyes or lips swell up, emergency medical care may be necessary and should be sought immediately.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology, news release, January 2024
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted January 2024
Read this next
Kids With Common Skin Conditions Face Stigma, Bullying
WEDNESDAY, April 24, 2024 -- Acne, psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, alopecia: Any one of these common skin ailments can render a child vulnerable to stigma and bullying at school, new...
Tips to Help Your Skin Thrive This Winter
SATURDAY, Jan. 20, 2024 — Winter isn't kind to your skin. Dry, cold weather causes dryness, and you might even develop "winter rash" — dry, irritated skin that's red...
Skin Conditions Flare Up When Wildfires Nearby
TUESDAY, Dec. 26, 2023 -- The smoke billowing from this summer’s devastating wildfires wasn’t just bad for your lungs. Skin problems also seem to worsen, with...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.
