Identify Your Skin Rashes & When To Seek Medical Treatment

Skin rashes are an incredibly common health concern. In fact, most people will develop some type of skin irritation or rash at some point in their lives. Noticing a rash on your face, trunk, arms, legs, hands, or feet can be distressing, but in many cases, rashes are not a sign of a serious illness. By examining the affected area and considering your symptoms, you may be able to determine what sort of skin rash you have. In this post, we'll share tips on how to identify some of the most common types of skin rashes and when it's best to see a doctor for an official diagnosis. Characteristics of Common Skin Rashes Many rashes look similar, so it can be difficult to properly identify them on your own. The only way to know for sure what type of rash you have is to be examined by a healthcare professional. In some cases, you may need to see a dermatologist, a doctor that specializes in treating skin conditions. To try to self-identify a rash, you can use the following characteristics. Eczema (Atopic dermatitis) Atopic dermatitis or eczema affects one out of every 10 people, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. It occurs when the skin becomes dry and inflamed. Some signs of an eczema rash include: Dry skin Cracked skin Itching Small raised bumps that may be pink, red, brown, or black, depending on skin tone Oozing of clear fluid Crusting Thickening of skin Darkening of skin around the eyes On the next page, you’ll find more information about how you can recognize the symptoms of specific skin disorders and when to visit a doctor. Lupus Also known as systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus is an autoimmune disease. It's most common in women and often begins between the ages of 14 and 45, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Lupus can cause a variety of symptoms, from arthritis to fever. A rash is also a common symptom. The characteristics of a lupus rash include: Red bumpy rash that forms over the cheeks and the bridge of the nose, creating a pattern that resembles a mask Large red circular rashes Scarring in the area where rashes occurred Rash that worsens in sunlight Hair loss in the affected area Shingles Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same microorganism that causes chicken pox. It is most common in people aged 50 or older who previously had chicken pox. Characteristics of a shingles rash include: Red rash that begins as small bumps and becomes blisters Itching Pain, burning, or tingling Skin sensitivity in the affected area A shingle rash typically begins on the chest, abdomen, or back. People with shingles may also develop fever, headaches, fatigue, and sensitivity to light. Continue reading on the next page. Hives Hives or urticaria is a skin rash that develops due to an allergic reaction. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology reports that about 20% of people will develop hives at least once during their lives. Exposure to something like peanuts, medications, insect bites, latex, pet dander, or pollen usually triggers hives. Symptoms of hives include: Itching Small raised red or flesh-toned bumps Centers of the bumps turn white if you press on them Additional allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, or red, watery eyes Hives may occur anywhere. If you develop them from touching something, you're most likely to get them on your fingers or hands. Rosacea Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is most common in middle-aged white women but can affect men and women of all ages and races. Some signs of rosacea include: Flushing or blushing Swollen pimples that resemble acne blemishes Burning sensation or tenderness Warm skin Visible veins in the nose and cheeks Typically, a rosacea rash starts on the face, but it can affect other parts of the body. When To See a Doctor for Skin Rashes Many rashes will go away on their own without any treatment from a doctor. However, if any of the following applies to you, talk to your healthcare provider, as you may have a serious condition or require medication: Your rash covers all or most of your body. You have a fever of 100.4°F or higher as well as a rash. The rash appeared suddenly and is spreading rapidly. You are developing blisters or open sores. The rash is painful. You notice signs of infection like swelling, crusting, warmth, or yellow or green fluid in the area.

Identify Your Skin Rashes & When To Seek Medical Treatment

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