How to tell if a rash needs medical attention?
- The rash is all over your body. A rash that covers the body could indicate something concerning, such as an infection or allergic reaction.
- You have a fever with the rash. If this is the case, go to the emergency room. ...
- The rash is sudden and spreads rapidly. ...
- The rash begins to blister. ...
- The rash is painful. ...
- The rash is infected. ...
How to tell if a rash is serious?
- The rash covers the entire body
- A fever occurs in conjunction with the rash
- The rash comes on suddenly and spreads rapidly
- The rash starts to blister or become painful
- The rash looks infected with signs of crusting, swelling, and fluid
What are the characteristics of a rash?
Rash characteristics. Rashes are earmarked by changes in the color or texture of the skin. They may or may not have itchy bumps. They may also cause the skin to feel rough and look scaly or ...
Can you get a rash from medicine?
You can have a local reaction to a drug in the form of contact dermatitis. You can also have a widespread drug allergy rash from a medicine you take by mouth or through a vein. Nonallergic rashes are less common, but can still be problematic.
How do you describe a rash in medical terms?
Papule: Raised lesion less than 5-10 mm (larger than 10mm → plaque or nodule) (wart, actinic keratosis) Patch: a larger flat, nonpalpable lesion – or macule that is > 1cm, (some will still call these macules) Petechiae: small (< 5mm) hemorrhagic (red-purple) non-blanchable discolorations (>5mm →purpura)
How do you document a rash?
When describing a rash there are many characteristics to make note of, including its primary morphology, secondary morphology, demarcation, colour, configuration, and distribution.
What are the characteristics of rash?
A rash is an area of irritated or swollen skin. Many rashes are itchy, red, painful, and irritated. Some rashes can also lead to blisters or patches of raw skin. Rashes are a symptom of many different medical problems.
How do you describe a generalized rash?
A generalized rash is the most characteristic finding of secondary syphilis, which is classically a diffuse copper-color maculopapular eruption over the trunk and extremities, involving the palms and soles in 75% of cases. [8] Individual lesions are discrete, measuring 0.5-2 cm in diameter.
How do you document a rash in nursing?
Identify the distribution of the lesions as localized, regional, or generalized. Identify whether the lesion is primary (appearing initially) or secondary (resulting from change in a primary lesion). Identify the shape of the lesion and any arrangement if numerous lesions are present. Describe the margins (borders).
How do nurses describe skin lesions?
papule, an elevated, palpable, firm, circumscribed lesion up to 1 cm. plaque, an elevated, flat-topped, firm, rough, superficial lesion 1 cm or larger, often formed by coalescence of papules. nodule, an elevated, firm, circumscribed, palpable area larger than 0.5 cm; it's typically deeper and firmer than a papule.
How do you describe hives on a physical exam?
Urticarial wheals, commonly referred to as hives, are erythematous-to-pink swellings of various shapes and sizes, and classically have central pallor with an erythematous flare. Individual lesions come and go rapidly, although new lesions may develop simultaneously at other sites.
How would you describe an allergy rash?
An itchy rash. Leathery patches that are darker than usual (hyperpigmented), typically on brown or Black skin. Dry, cracked, scaly skin, typically on white skin. Bumps and blisters, sometimes with oozing and crusting.
How do you describe skin lesions?
Macule - flat lesion less than 1 cm, without elevation or depression. Patch - flat lesion greater than 1 cm, without elevation or depression. Plaque - flat, elevated lesion, usually greater than 1 cm. Papule - elevated, solid lesion less than 1 cm. Nodule - elevated, solid lesion greater than 1 cm.
How would you describe atopic dermatitis rash on a physical exam?
Highly pruritic, red, scaly and crusted lesions, usually localized to the cheeks, the forehead and scalp, and the extensors of the lower legs.
How do you assess a patient with a rash?
Your assessment should include a complete history and a comprehensive physical exam. The patient's perception of the cause of the rash is important. Also ask if she's treated it with topical, systemic, or over-the-counter medications.
How do you describe atopic dermatitis rash?
Rash on swollen skin that varies in color depending on your skin color. Small, raised bumps, on brown or Black skin. Oozing and crusting. Thickened skin.
How do you document poison ivy rash?
Symptoms include: Extreme itching. Red, streaky, patchy rash where the plant touched the skin. Red bumps, which may form large, weeping blisters.
What is a maculopapular rash?
A macule is a flat, reddened area of skin present in a rash. A papule is a raised area of skin in a rash. Doctors use the term maculopapular to describe a rash with both flat and raised parts. Understanding that your rash has bumps and flat sections can help you describe it to your doctor.
What does a shingle rash look like?
The blisters may look like chickenpox, but they are clustered together. The shingles rash can vary in color, depending on your skin tone. On darker skin, the rash may be pink, grayish, dark brown, or even purple. On lighter skin, it will be red.
What to do if you have a rashes?
Put cold, wet cloths on the rash to reduce itching. Keep cool, and stay out of the sun. Leave the rash open to the air as much of the time as possible. Sometimes petroleum jelly (Vaseline) can help relieve the discomfort caused by a rash.
Where does rash appear on the body?
rash emerges in a linear stripe pattern that appears most commonly on the torso, but may occur on other parts of the body, including the face
What causes a rash on the face?
Contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is one of the most common causes of rashes. This type of rash occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with a foreign substance that causes an adverse reaction, leading to a rash. The resulting rash may be itchy, red, or inflamed. Possible causes of contact dermatitis include:
How to get rid of a rash from poison oak?
Apply an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to the affected area if the rash is very itchy and causing discomfort. Calamine lotion can also help relieve rashes from chickenpox, poison ivy, or poison oak. Take an oatmeal bath. This can soothe the itchiness associated with rashes from eczema or psoriasis.
Why do babies get a rash when they are in diapers?
Diaper rash is a common skin irritation in infants and toddlers. It’s usually caused by sitting too long in a dirty diaper. Scabies is an infestation by tiny mites that live on and burrow into your skin. It causes a bumpy, itchy rash. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin.
How to get rid of a rash on scalp from eczema?
This can soothe the itchiness associated with rashes from eczema or psoriasis. Here’s how to make an oatmeal bath. Wash your hair and scalp regularly with dandruff shampoo if you have dandruff along with a rash.
Why do kids get rash?
Causes of rashes in children. Children are particularly prone to rashes that develop as a result of illnesses, such as: Chickenpox is a virus characterized by red, itchy blisters that form all over the body. Measles is a viral respiratory infection that causes a widespread rash consisting of itchy, red bumps.
How long does it take for a measles rash to appear?
symptoms include fever, sore throat, red, watery eyes, loss of appetite, cough, and runny nose. red rash spreads from the face down the body three to five days after first symptoms appear. tiny red spots with blue-white centers appear inside the mouth. Read full article on measles.
Introduction to the Dermatology Exam
Before you can make a diagnosis of any skin lesion, it's important to be able to accurately describe the skin lesion. The purpose of this page is to cover the fundamental knowledge you will need to do this.
Justin Ko
Dr. Justin Ko is a Clinical Assistant Professor, Dermatologist and Clinic Chief and Director of Medical Dermatology at Stanford.
Clinical Pearl
A good dermatology exam requires a well lit room and sometimes a hand held light. Sometimes, you may need a ruler and magnifiying glass. Remember that sometimes the palpation of skin lesions can be just as important as what you see.
What is a diagnostic test for skin disease?
Diagnostic Tests for Skin Disorders Diagnostic tests are indicated when the cause of a skin lesion or disease is not obvious from history and physical examination alone. These include Patch testing Biopsy Scrapings Examination... read more
What is a plaque on the skin?
Plaques are palpable lesions > 10 mm in diameter that are elevated or depressed compared to the skin surface . Plaques may be flat topped or rounded. Lesions of psoriasis and granuloma annulare commonly form plaques. Psoriasis Plaque.
What are some examples of papules?
Examples include nevi, warts, lichen planus, insect bites, seborrheic keratoses, ac tinic keratoses, some lesions of acne, and skin cancers.
What is scale in dermatology?
Scale is heaped-up accumulations of horny epithelium that occur in disorders such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal infections. Pityriasis rosea and chronic dermatitis of any type may be scaly. Skin Lesion (Scale) Image provided by Thomas Habif, MD. Crusts (scabs) consist of dried serum, blood, or pus.
What is yellow skin?
Yellow skin is typical of jaundice, xanthelasmas and xanthomas, and pseudoxanthoma elasticum. Green fingernails suggest Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Violet skin may result from cutaneous hemorrhage or vasculitis. Vascular lesions or tumors, such as Kaposi sarcoma and hemangiomas, can appear purple.
What is the difference between discoid lupus and hidradenitis?
Discoid lupus erythematosus has characteristic lesions on sun-exposed skin of the face, especially the forehead, nose, and the conchal bowl of the ear. Hidradenitis suppurativa involves skin containing a high density of apocrine glands , including the axillae, groin, and under the breasts.
What is the term for open areas of skin that result from loss of part or all of the epidermis?
Crusting can occur in inflammatory or infectious skin diseases (eg, impetigo ). Erosions are open areas of skin that result from loss of part or all of the epidermis. Erosions can be traumatic or can occur with various inflammatory or infectious skin diseases.
What is the word for a rash on a drug?
Urticaria is another word for hives. Hives are the second most common type of drug rash. They’re small, pale red bumps that can form larger patches. Hives are usually also very itchy.
What is a drug rash?
A drug rash, sometimes called a drug eruption, is a reaction your skin can have to certain drugs. Almost any drug can cause a rash. But antibiotics (especially penicillins and sulfa drugs), NSAIDs, and anti-seizure drugs are the most common drugs to cause a rash. Read on to learn more about the different kinds of drug rashes and how to manage them.
What to do if your rash is itchy?
For example, if the rash is very itchy, an antihistamine or oral steroid can help manage the itching until the rash clears up .
Why does my skin get red?
Erythroderma is a potentially life threatening condition that causes nearly your entire skin to become itchy and red. Your skin may grow scaly within several days. You may also experience a fever, with your skin feeling hot to the touch.
Why is my drug rash higher?
Your personal risk for developing a drug rash may be higher if you have certain risk factors, such as being older and being female.
How long does it take for a rash to go away from a drug?
But in some cases, it can take a drug up to two weeks to cause a rash. The rash usually disappears once you stop taking the drug. Here’s a look at some of the more common drug rashes.
What is the treatment for a drug rash?
These include severe urticaria, erythroderma, SJS/TEN, anticoagulant-induced skin necrosis, and DRESS. At the hospital, you may be given intravenous steroids and hydration.
What is a vesicle under the skin called?
Blister or vesicle. Fluid-filled bump under or in the epidermis (the surface of the skin) that is less than 1 cm in size. Crust or scab. Formation of dried blood, plasma, or pus over a break in the skin. Cyst. Enclosed sac in skin containing fluid or solid material. Excoriation.
What is a raised bump?
Skin that has become thickened, hardened, or leathery with skin markings from chronic scratching. Solid, raised bumps. A nodule is greater than 1 cm and a papule is less than or equal to 1 cm. A raised or depressed area of skin that is rounded or flat-topped and is greater than 1 cm in diameter.
What is a plaque?
Plaque. A raised or depressed area of skin that is rounded or flat-topped and is greater than 1 cm in diameter. Pustule (pimple) Inflamed, raised lesions that seem to contain pus. Scales. A buildup of dead skin cells that form flakes. Scar. Fibrous tissue that forms after a skin injury.
Is pus a tumor?
Sometimes the pocket is deep, the pus is not visible, and clinically it may resemble a tumor. These require a biopsy to rule out neoplasms (masses that can be noncancer or cancer). Fluid-filled bump under or in the epidermis (the surface of the skin) that is less than 1 cm in size.
What is a lesion on the skin?
A lesion is any single area of altered skin. It may be solitary or multiple.
Why is the surface of a skin lesion normal?
The skin surface of a skin lesion may be normal or smooth because the pathological process is below the surface, either dermal or subcutaneous. Surface changes indicate epidermal changes are present.
What are the three parts of the skin?
Structure of the skin. The skin is considered to have three parts: the outer epidermis, middle dermis and deep subcutaneous tissue. There is a basement membrane that separates the epidermis from the dermis and acts as a communication channel between the two layers.
What is the upper portion of the epidermis?
Dermis. The dermis is made up of connective tissue that supports the epidermis, providing nutrients and protecting it. The papillary dermis is the upper portion beneath the epidermis, and the lower portion is the reticular dermis. Collagen — a structural protein making up the bulk of the dermis.
What is the epidermis made of?
The epidermis is a complex ‘brick wall’ made of cells called keratinocytes, which produce a protein called keratin. The epidermis also contains pigment cells called melanocytes, which produce melanin, Langerhans cells, which present antigens to the immune system, and Merkel cells, which have a sensory function.
Why is my skin yellow?
Carotenoderma — yellow/orange skin hue due to excessive circulating beta-carotene (vitamin a precursor derived from yellow/orange coloured vegetables and fruit); tends to be pronounced on palms and soles, and does not affect the sclera.
What is the dermatologist's job?
The dermatologist will carefully feel individual lesions, noting surface and deep characteristics. Which layer (s) of the skin are involved? If scaly, does the surface flake off easily? If crusted, what is underneath?
