6 Reasons to Seek Medical Attention for Your Skin Rash
A rash is an irritated, inflamed, or swollen part of the skin that often causes itching and pain, especially when scratched or pricked. Depending on your skin tone, it can appear red, purple, white, or gray. You might develop skin rashes due to various factors such as stress, sun exposure, infections, allergies, or autoimmune conditions. While not all rashes can cause severe symptoms, some, like hives and shingles, can spread rapidly and affect your overall skin appearance. Also, chronic rashes such as eczema or psoriasis can severely affect your skin if not properly managed. Here are five reasons you should seek immediate medical care from an Asheville rashes specialist to avoid further health complications.
- Fever
A rash that causes fever should be checked out by your doctor. It could signify a serious allergic reaction or infection such as measles, herpes, or mononucleosis. Your doctor will first provide an accurate diagnosis to determine the cause of your skin rash. If your fever is accompanied by muscle and joint pain, vomiting, and fatigue, your doctor may recommend more personalized treatment for your rash.
- Swelling Lymph Nodes
The most common reason for swelling lymph nodes is infection or inflammation. These symptoms occur when bacteria, viruses, or other germs move into your body through an open wound or rash. Lymph nodes are mostly found in the neck, armpits, and underarms. Therefore, if your rash is associated with swollen lymph nodes, seek immediate treatment from your doctor.
- A Widespread Rash Covering Your Entire Body
If you have a rash that covers your entire body, it is important to seek medical attention. A wide-spreading rash can result from a serious underlying health condition such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). This condition can be life-threatening and severely affect your skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs. Do not hesitate to seek immediate healthcare if your rash spreads faster to other body parts.
- A Persistent Rash
An underlying condition usually causes a rash that lasts more than a week. If the itch persists, talk to your doctor about the possible causes of the rash and how you can treat it. If your symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it could signify a serious infection. Your doctor might recommend taking antibiotics best suited for treating an infection.
- Yellow or Green Pus
Pus is a sign of infection and means the body is fighting an infection. If you have pus in your skin rash, it is important to see a doctor because this could indicate something more serious. Yellow or greenish pus on the surface of your skin can indicate several different things, including bacterial vaginosis and viral infections such as herpes or shingles. If your skin rash begins oozing pus, do not hesitate to contact your doctor immediately.
- New Blisters
New blisters and rashes on your body daily may indicate infection or an allergic reaction. It might be time to seek immediate medical attention if you notice new skin rashes causing inflammation and redness. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms to get the right treatment.
Are you struggling with persistent skin rashes despite taking medications? Contact BEACON DERMATOLOGY to get an accurate diagnosis for your condition and more personalized treatments. Through Michael Rains, MD, FAAD, you will learn more about the different types of rashes and how they might affect your skin. Call his office today or request an appointment to inquire about your condition.