When To See A Doctor For A Rash

They’re itchy, unsightly and annoying, but rashes are a part of life. Rashes may look similar, but while over-the-counter medications can treat some rashes, others can signal a more serious condition, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says.

What Are Rashes?

Rashes are very common. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, rashes can appear as blotches, welts, or blisters; they can be red, itchy, scaly or dry; and they can occur in one area of skin or all over the body. In addition, some rashes may come and go, while others never seem to go away.

There are several causes for rashes, said Lindsay Vanlaere, RN, FNP-BC, nurse practitioner at Franciscan ExpressCare in West Lafayette. These include:

• Drug allergies
• Bug bite rash (spider, fleas, scabies, lice, tick bite)
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Viral rashes (fifth disease, hand-foot-and-mouth, scarlet fever)
• Fungal
• Infectious (impetigo/cellulitis)
• Dermatitis (diaper rash, poison ivy)
• Chicken pox/shingles

What To Do If You Have A Rash

Remember your mother’s advice? Try not to scratch! If you do, the rash may take longer to heal and you'll be more likely to develop an infection or scar.

Over-the-counter medications can help treat rashes, including steroid creams, emollients, antibiotic ointments and diaper rash creams. But if a rash doesn’t go away or you’re not sure what has caused it, seek help.

“Rashes should be seen at a doctor’s office when they cause discomfort to the individual that does not go away with over-the-counter medications within a few days,” said Vanlaere.

Vanlaere also noted certain symptoms to look for when you have a rash. These symptoms combined with a rash may be signs of a more serious problem.

• Fever
• Joint pain
• Body aches
• Headaches
• Sore throat

When To See A Doctor For A Rash

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends 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.

How To Prevent Rashes

• Avoid plants like poison ivy, poison oak and nettles. Learn what they look like, and wear long sleeves and pants when camping or gardening. If you do have a run-in with these plants, avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent getting them infected.
• Use insect repellent to avoid bug bites.
• Be aware that new personal hygiene products, including lotion, soap and shampoo, may cause skin reactions.
• Avoid wearing jewelry containing nickel, a common skin irritant.
• If you have eczema, avoid harsh soaps that may dry your skin.
• Wear sunscreen to avoid a sunburn that may later become red and itchy.