Rash in Adults: When to Seek Treatment (Video) - Health Tips

To the untrained eye, all rashes may look alike and seem easily treatable with over-the-counter oral antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream. However, it is not always so simple. 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.

Although most rashes are not life-threatening, some rashes can signal something more serious. If you have a rash and notice any of the following symptoms, see a board-certified dermatologist or go to the emergency room immediately:

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. This could be caused by an allergic reaction or an infection. Examples of rashes caused by infection include scarlet fever, measles, mononucleosis, and shingles.

The rash is sudden and spreads rapidly. This could be the result of an allergy. Allergies to medications are common, and some can be serious. If breathing becomes difficult, go to the emergency room, or call 911.

The rash begins to blister. If your rash is made up of blisters, or if the rash turns into open sores, it could be the result of an allergic reaction, a reaction to medication, or an internal cause. Seek medical attention if a blistering rash affects the skin around your eyes, multiple areas in your mouth, or your genitals.

The rash is painful. Painful rashes should quickly be evaluated by a physician.

The rash is infected. If you have an itchy rash and you scratch it, it may become infected. Signs of an infected rash are yellow or green fluid, swelling, crusting, pain, and warmth around the rash, or a red streak coming from the rash.

Rashes can come in many forms and, depending on the cause, take days or even weeks to heal. Rather than treating the rash on your own, visit a dermatologist for the proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you have ongoing rash symptoms or have frequent rashes, it’s time to get help. Symptoms like a full-body rash, associated fever, blisters, quickly-spreading rash, painful rash, or a rash that seeps yellowish or greenish fluid require immediate medical attention.  

Until you see the Allan Mineroff, MD, PC team, treat your skin very gently. Avoid scratching or rubbing, hot water, sun exposure, harsh chemicals, and any other activity or product that might worsen your rash.