BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuRashesSkin redness or inflammation; Skin lesion; Rubor; Skin rash; ErythemaRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin. Considerations Often, the cause of a rash can be determined from how it looks and its symptoms. Skin testing, such as a biopsy, may also be used to help with diagnosis. Other times, the cause of the rash remains unknown. Causes A simple rash is called dermatitis, meaning inflammation of the skin. Contact dermatitis is caused by things your skin touches, such as:Contact dermatitisContact dermatitis is a condition in which the skin becomes red, sore, or inflamed after direct contact with a substance.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chemicals in elastic, latex, and rubber products Cosmetics, soaps, and detergents Dyes and other chemicals in clothing Poison ivy, oak, or sumacPoison ivy, oak, or sumacPoison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that commonly cause an allergic skin reaction. The result is most often an itchy, red rash with bumps or blist...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Seborrheic dermatitis is a rash that appears in patches of redness and scaling around the eyebrows, eyelids, mouth, nose, trunk, and behind the ears. If it happens on your scalp, it is called dandruff in adults and cradle cap in infants.Seborrheic dermatitisSeborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition. It causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as the scalp, f...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Age, stress, fatigue, weather extremes, oily skin, infrequent shampooing, and alcohol-based lotions aggravate this harmless but bothersome condition.Other common causes of a rash include:Eczema (atopic dermatitis) -- Tends to happen in people with allergies or asthma. The rash is generally red, itchy, and scaly. EczemaAtopic dermatitis is a long-term (chronic) skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. It is a type of eczema. Other forms of eczema include...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Psoriasis -- Tends to occur as red, scaly, patches over joints and along the scalp. It is sometimes itchy. Fingernails may also be affected. PsoriasisPsoriasis is a skin condition that causes skin redness, silvery scales, and irritation. Most people with psoriasis have thick, red, well-defined pat...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Impetigo -- Common in children, this infection is from bacteria that live in the top layers of the skin. It appears as red sores that turn into blisters, ooze, then for a honey colored crust over. ImpetigoImpetigo is a common skin infection.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Shingles -- A painful blistered skin condition caused by the same virus as chickenpox. The virus can lie dormant in your body for many years and re-emerge as shingles. It usually affects only one side of the body. ShinglesShingles (herpes zoster) is a painful, blistering skin rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, a member of the herpes family of viruses. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Childhood illnesses such as chickenpox, measles, roseola, rubella, hand-foot-mouth disease, fifth disease, and scarlet fever. ChickenpoxChickenpox is a viral infection in which a person develops very itchy blisters all over the body. It was more common in the past. The illness is ra...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MeaslesMeasles is a very contagious (easily spread) illness caused by a virus.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article RoseolaRoseola is a viral infection that commonly affects infants and young children. It involves a pinkish-red skin rash and high fever.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article RubellaRubella, also known as the German measles, is an infection in which there is a rash on the skin. Congenital rubella is when a pregnant woman with rub...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hand-foot-mouth diseaseHand-foot-mouth disease is a common viral infection that most often begins in the throat.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fifth diseaseFifth disease is caused by a virus that leads to a rash on the cheeks, arms, and legs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Scarlet feverScarlet fever is caused by an infection with bacteria called group A streptococcus. This is the same bacteria that cause strep throat.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Medicines and insect bites or stings. Insect bites or stingsInsect bites and stings can cause an immediate skin reaction. The bite from fire ants and the sting from bees, wasps, and hornets are most often pai...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Many medical conditions can cause a rash as well. These include:Lupus erythematosus (an immune system disease) Lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rheumatoid arthritis, especially the juvenile type Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Juvenile typeJuvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a term used to describe a group of disorders in children that includes arthritis. They are long-term (chronic...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Kawasaki disease (inflammation of the blood vessels) Kawasaki diseaseKawasaki disease is a rare condition that involves inflammation of the blood vessels. It occurs in children.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Certain body-wide (systemic) viral, bacterial or fungal infections Home Care Most simple rashes will improve with gentle skin care and by avoiding irritating substances. Follow these general guidelines:Avoid scrubbing your skin. Use gentle cleansers Avoid applying cosmetic lotions or ointments directly on the rash. Use warm (not hot) water for cleaning. Pat dry, don't rub. Stop using any recently added cosmetics or lotions. Leave the affected area exposed to the air as much as possible. Try calamine medicated lotion for poison ivy, oak, or sumac, as well as for other types of contact dermatitis. Hydrocortisone cream (1%) is available without a prescription and may soothe many rashes. Stronger cortisone creams are available with a prescription. If you have eczema, apply moisturizers over your skin. Try oatmeal bath products, available at drugstores, to relieve symptoms of eczema or psoriasis. Oral antihistamines may help relieve itchy skin. When to Contact a Medical Professional Call 911 or the local emergency number 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 medicine -- DO NOT change or stop any of your medicines without talking to your provider You may have a tick bite Home treatment doesn't work, or your symptoms get worse What to Expect at Your Office Visit Your provider will perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history and symptoms. 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 noticed a tick or insect bite? Have you had any change in your medicines? Have you eaten anything unusual? Do you have any other symptoms, like itching or scaling? What medical problems do you have, such as asthma or allergies? Have you recently traveled out of the area where you live?Tests may include:Allergy testing Allergy testingAllergy skin tests are used to find out which substances cause a person to have an allergic reaction.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood tests Skin biopsy Skin biopsyA skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined. The skin is tested to look for skin conditions or diseases. A...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Skin scrapings Depending on the cause of your rash, treatments may include medicated creams or lotions, medicines taken by mouth, or skin surgery.Many primary care providers are comfortable dealing with common rashes. For more complicated skin disorders, you may need a referral to a dermatologist.Open ReferencesReferencesJames WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Cutaneous signs and diagnosis. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 2.Ko CJ. Approach to skin diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 407.AllVideoImagesTogPoison oak rash on the arm - illustration Poison oak rash on the arm. Several plants produce toxins that cause skin reaction. This is the appearance of poison oak dermatitis. Note the typical linear streaks produced either by scratching or brushing against the plant. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)Poison oak rash on the armillustrationErythema toxicum on the foot - illustration Newborn infants may have Erythema toxicum, a rash that is characterized by patchy redness with central vesicles. The rash is temporary, and the location may move (transient). (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)Erythema toxicum on the footillustrationAcrodermatitis - illustration Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a skin condition peculiar to children that may be accompanied by mild symptoms of fever and malaise. It may also be associated with hepatitis B infection or other viral infections. The lesions appear as small coppery-red, flat-topped firm papules that appear in crops and sometime in long linear strings, often symmetric.AcrodermatitisillustrationRoseola - illustration Roseola is an acute disease of infants and young children that is characterized by high fever followed by a rash that appears on trunk, limbs, neck and face.RoseolaillustrationShingles - illustration Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus can lie dormant in the body for many years and re-emerge as shingles. Shingles appear as a painful rash. It consists of red patches of skin with small blisters (vesicles) that look very similar to early chickenpox. Shingles usually clears in 2 to 3 weeks and rarely recurs.ShinglesillustrationCellulitis - illustration Cellulitis is a deep infection of the skin, usually accompanied by generalized (systemic) symptoms such as fever and chills. The area of redness increases in size as the infection spreads. The center of the circled lesion has been biopsied.CellulitisillustrationErythema annulare centrifugum - close-up - illustration When redness appears in ring shapes on the body, it is referred to as erythema annulare, shown here on the forearm. There are generally no symptoms, with the exception of mild itching (pruritus). It may be associated with serious diseases, but in the majority of cases, an underlying illness is never discovered.Erythema annulare centrifugum - close-upillustrationPsoriasis - guttate on the arms and chest - illustration This is a picture of guttate (drop-shaped) psoriasis on the arms and chest. Guttate psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis. It frequently follows a streptococcal infection, appears rapidly and affects the face, chest, and nearest limbs. The patches are small and round or oval and have the typical appearance of psoriasis. This photograph shows the diffuse and widespread coverage on the arm and chest.Psoriasis - guttate on the arms and chestillustrationPsoriasis - guttate on the cheek - illustration This is a picture of guttate (drop-shaped) psoriasis on face and neck. Guttate psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis. It frequently follows a streptococcal infection, appears rapidly and affects the face, chest, and nearest limbs. The patches are small and round or oval and have the typical appearance of psoriasis. This photograph shows the diffuse and widespread coverage on the face and neck.Psoriasis - guttate on the cheekillustrationSystemic lupus erythematosus rash on the face - illustration This is a photo of a systemic lupus erythematosis rash on the face. Lupus erythematosis often produces a butterfly rash or malar rash. Typically, the rash also appears on the nose.Systemic lupus erythematosus rash on the faceillustrationPoison ivy on the knee - illustration This is a typical early appearance of a poison ivy rash, located on the knee. These early lesions consist of multiple small blisters (vesicles), often in a line where the skin has brushed against the poison ivy plant. The person may then spread the toxin to other areas of the body by scratching.Poison ivy on the kneeillustrationPoison ivy on the leg - illustration This is a typical early appearance of a poison ivy rash, located on the leg. These early lesions consist of multiple small blisters, often in a line where the skin has brushed against the poison ivy plant. The rash is caused by skin contact with the oily sap (resin) of these plants. The oily resin usually enters the skin rapidly, and is seldom transferred from person to person. The rash is not caused by the fluid from the blisters. Thus, once the person has washed the oil off the skin, the rash is usually not contagious.Poison ivy on the legillustrationErythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands - illustration Erythema multiforme lesions are circular and may appear in concentric rings (often called target lesions). Target lesions may also be associated with other medical conditions such as herpes infection, streptococcal infection, tuberculosis (TB), or as a reaction to chemicals or medications.Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - handsillustrationErythema multiforme, target lesions on the palm - illustration Erythema multiforme lesions are often referred to as target lesions because of the concentric rings the lesions produce. The target appearance is well demonstrated in this photograph.Erythema multiforme, target lesions on the palmillustrationErythema multiforme on the leg - illustration The red spots on this person's back appear where blisters (bullae) caused by Erythema multiforme have ruptured and the overlying skin removed (denuded). The resulting lesions are yellow-crusted ulcers (erosions). Erythema multiforme may be associated with herpes simplex infection, mycoplasma pneumonia, or other medical conditions such as streptococcal infection, tuberculosis (TB), or may result from exposure to chemicals or medications.Erythema multiforme on the legillustrationPoison oak rash on the arm - illustration Poison oak rash on the arm. Several plants produce toxins that cause skin reaction. This is the appearance of poison oak dermatitis. Note the typical linear streaks produced either by scratching or brushing against the plant. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)Poison oak rash on the armillustrationErythema toxicum on the foot - illustration Newborn infants may have Erythema toxicum, a rash that is characterized by patchy redness with central vesicles. The rash is temporary, and the location may move (transient). (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)Erythema toxicum on the footillustrationAcrodermatitis - illustration Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a skin condition peculiar to children that may be accompanied by mild symptoms of fever and malaise. It may also be associated with hepatitis B infection or other viral infections. The lesions appear as small coppery-red, flat-topped firm papules that appear in crops and sometime in long linear strings, often symmetric.AcrodermatitisillustrationRoseola - illustration Roseola is an acute disease of infants and young children that is characterized by high fever followed by a rash that appears on trunk, limbs, neck and face.RoseolaillustrationShingles - illustration Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus can lie dormant in the body for many years and re-emerge as shingles. Shingles appear as a painful rash. It consists of red patches of skin with small blisters (vesicles) that look very similar to early chickenpox. Shingles usually clears in 2 to 3 weeks and rarely recurs.ShinglesillustrationCellulitis - illustration Cellulitis is a deep infection of the skin, usually accompanied by generalized (systemic) symptoms such as fever and chills. The area of redness increases in size as the infection spreads. The center of the circled lesion has been biopsied.CellulitisillustrationErythema annulare centrifugum - close-up - illustration When redness appears in ring shapes on the body, it is referred to as erythema annulare, shown here on the forearm. There are generally no symptoms, with the exception of mild itching (pruritus). It may be associated with serious diseases, but in the majority of cases, an underlying illness is never discovered.Erythema annulare centrifugum - close-upillustrationPsoriasis - guttate on the arms and chest - illustration This is a picture of guttate (drop-shaped) psoriasis on the arms and chest. Guttate psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis. It frequently follows a streptococcal infection, appears rapidly and affects the face, chest, and nearest limbs. The patches are small and round or oval and have the typical appearance of psoriasis. This photograph shows the diffuse and widespread coverage on the arm and chest.Psoriasis - guttate on the arms and chestillustrationPsoriasis - guttate on the cheek - illustration This is a picture of guttate (drop-shaped) psoriasis on face and neck. Guttate psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis. It frequently follows a streptococcal infection, appears rapidly and affects the face, chest, and nearest limbs. The patches are small and round or oval and have the typical appearance of psoriasis. This photograph shows the diffuse and widespread coverage on the face and neck.Psoriasis - guttate on the cheekillustrationSystemic lupus erythematosus rash on the face - illustration This is a photo of a systemic lupus erythematosis rash on the face. Lupus erythematosis often produces a butterfly rash or malar rash. Typically, the rash also appears on the nose.Systemic lupus erythematosus rash on the faceillustrationPoison ivy on the knee - illustration This is a typical early appearance of a poison ivy rash, located on the knee. These early lesions consist of multiple small blisters (vesicles), often in a line where the skin has brushed against the poison ivy plant. The person may then spread the toxin to other areas of the body by scratching.Poison ivy on the kneeillustrationPoison ivy on the leg - illustration This is a typical early appearance of a poison ivy rash, located on the leg. These early lesions consist of multiple small blisters, often in a line where the skin has brushed against the poison ivy plant. The rash is caused by skin contact with the oily sap (resin) of these plants. The oily resin usually enters the skin rapidly, and is seldom transferred from person to person. The rash is not caused by the fluid from the blisters. Thus, once the person has washed the oil off the skin, the rash is usually not contagious.Poison ivy on the legillustrationErythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands - illustration Erythema multiforme lesions are circular and may appear in concentric rings (often called target lesions). Target lesions may also be associated with other medical conditions such as herpes infection, streptococcal infection, tuberculosis (TB), or as a reaction to chemicals or medications.Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - handsillustrationErythema multiforme, target lesions on the palm - illustration Erythema multiforme lesions are often referred to as target lesions because of the concentric rings the lesions produce. The target appearance is well demonstrated in this photograph.Erythema multiforme, target lesions on the palmillustrationErythema multiforme on the leg - illustration The red spots on this person's back appear where blisters (bullae) caused by Erythema multiforme have ruptured and the overlying skin removed (denuded). The resulting lesions are yellow-crusted ulcers (erosions). Erythema multiforme may be associated with herpes simplex infection, mycoplasma pneumonia, or other medical conditions such as streptococcal infection, tuberculosis (TB), or may result from exposure to chemicals or medications.Erythema multiforme on the legillustrationRelated Information Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)(Condition) Review Date: 11/4/2020 Reviewed By: Elika Hoss, MD, Senior Associate Consultant, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
RashesSkin redness or inflammation; Skin lesion; Rubor; Skin rash; ErythemaRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin. Considerations Often, the cause of a rash can be determined from how it looks and its symptoms. Skin testing, such as a biopsy, may also be used to help with diagnosis. Other times, the cause of the rash remains unknown. Causes A simple rash is called dermatitis, meaning inflammation of the skin. Contact dermatitis is caused by things your skin touches, such as:Contact dermatitisContact dermatitis is a condition in which the skin becomes red, sore, or inflamed after direct contact with a substance.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chemicals in elastic, latex, and rubber products Cosmetics, soaps, and detergents Dyes and other chemicals in clothing Poison ivy, oak, or sumacPoison ivy, oak, or sumacPoison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that commonly cause an allergic skin reaction. The result is most often an itchy, red rash with bumps or blist...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Seborrheic dermatitis is a rash that appears in patches of redness and scaling around the eyebrows, eyelids, mouth, nose, trunk, and behind the ears. If it happens on your scalp, it is called dandruff in adults and cradle cap in infants.Seborrheic dermatitisSeborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition. It causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as the scalp, f...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Age, stress, fatigue, weather extremes, oily skin, infrequent shampooing, and alcohol-based lotions aggravate this harmless but bothersome condition.Other common causes of a rash include:Eczema (atopic dermatitis) -- Tends to happen in people with allergies or asthma. The rash is generally red, itchy, and scaly. EczemaAtopic dermatitis is a long-term (chronic) skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. It is a type of eczema. Other forms of eczema include...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Psoriasis -- Tends to occur as red, scaly, patches over joints and along the scalp. It is sometimes itchy. Fingernails may also be affected. PsoriasisPsoriasis is a skin condition that causes skin redness, silvery scales, and irritation. Most people with psoriasis have thick, red, well-defined pat...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Impetigo -- Common in children, this infection is from bacteria that live in the top layers of the skin. It appears as red sores that turn into blisters, ooze, then for a honey colored crust over. ImpetigoImpetigo is a common skin infection.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Shingles -- A painful blistered skin condition caused by the same virus as chickenpox. The virus can lie dormant in your body for many years and re-emerge as shingles. It usually affects only one side of the body. ShinglesShingles (herpes zoster) is a painful, blistering skin rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, a member of the herpes family of viruses. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Childhood illnesses such as chickenpox, measles, roseola, rubella, hand-foot-mouth disease, fifth disease, and scarlet fever. ChickenpoxChickenpox is a viral infection in which a person develops very itchy blisters all over the body. It was more common in the past. The illness is ra...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MeaslesMeasles is a very contagious (easily spread) illness caused by a virus.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article RoseolaRoseola is a viral infection that commonly affects infants and young children. It involves a pinkish-red skin rash and high fever.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article RubellaRubella, also known as the German measles, is an infection in which there is a rash on the skin. Congenital rubella is when a pregnant woman with rub...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hand-foot-mouth diseaseHand-foot-mouth disease is a common viral infection that most often begins in the throat.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fifth diseaseFifth disease is caused by a virus that leads to a rash on the cheeks, arms, and legs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Scarlet feverScarlet fever is caused by an infection with bacteria called group A streptococcus. This is the same bacteria that cause strep throat.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Medicines and insect bites or stings. Insect bites or stingsInsect bites and stings can cause an immediate skin reaction. The bite from fire ants and the sting from bees, wasps, and hornets are most often pai...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Many medical conditions can cause a rash as well. These include:Lupus erythematosus (an immune system disease) Lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rheumatoid arthritis, especially the juvenile type Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Juvenile typeJuvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a term used to describe a group of disorders in children that includes arthritis. They are long-term (chronic...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Kawasaki disease (inflammation of the blood vessels) Kawasaki diseaseKawasaki disease is a rare condition that involves inflammation of the blood vessels. It occurs in children.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Certain body-wide (systemic) viral, bacterial or fungal infections Home Care Most simple rashes will improve with gentle skin care and by avoiding irritating substances. Follow these general guidelines:Avoid scrubbing your skin. Use gentle cleansers Avoid applying cosmetic lotions or ointments directly on the rash. Use warm (not hot) water for cleaning. Pat dry, don't rub. Stop using any recently added cosmetics or lotions. Leave the affected area exposed to the air as much as possible. Try calamine medicated lotion for poison ivy, oak, or sumac, as well as for other types of contact dermatitis. Hydrocortisone cream (1%) is available without a prescription and may soothe many rashes. Stronger cortisone creams are available with a prescription. If you have eczema, apply moisturizers over your skin. Try oatmeal bath products, available at drugstores, to relieve symptoms of eczema or psoriasis. Oral antihistamines may help relieve itchy skin. When to Contact a Medical Professional Call 911 or the local emergency number 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 medicine -- DO NOT change or stop any of your medicines without talking to your provider You may have a tick bite Home treatment doesn't work, or your symptoms get worse What to Expect at Your Office Visit Your provider will perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history and symptoms. 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 noticed a tick or insect bite? Have you had any change in your medicines? Have you eaten anything unusual? Do you have any other symptoms, like itching or scaling? What medical problems do you have, such as asthma or allergies? Have you recently traveled out of the area where you live?Tests may include:Allergy testing Allergy testingAllergy skin tests are used to find out which substances cause a person to have an allergic reaction.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood tests Skin biopsy Skin biopsyA skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined. The skin is tested to look for skin conditions or diseases. A...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Skin scrapings Depending on the cause of your rash, treatments may include medicated creams or lotions, medicines taken by mouth, or skin surgery.Many primary care providers are comfortable dealing with common rashes. For more complicated skin disorders, you may need a referral to a dermatologist.Open ReferencesReferencesJames WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Cutaneous signs and diagnosis. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 2.Ko CJ. Approach to skin diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 407.
