The skin is your body’s largest organ. Rashes on the skin can be the result of irritation, allergy or a symptom of a serious health condition. Most skin rashes are not life-threatening. When they are accompanied by other symptoms, it is best to be examined by a doctor.

Eczema, hives, athlete’s foot and poison ivy are very common rashes. Sometimes they need medical treatment, but minor episodes can be treated with over-the-counter medications. Some skin rashes are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungus.

Skin rashes that need immediate attention are those that have these symptoms:

• Spread over the entire body – This could signal an infection in your body or an allergic reaction
• Accompanied by a fever – Scarlet fever, measles, mononucleosis and shingles are examples of infections that cause skin rashes
• Show up suddenly and spread quickly – These types of skin rashes are often the result of an allergic reaction to a medication. This can be serious. Call 9-1-1 if breathing is difficult
• Blisters – Blisters around the eyes, in or around the mouth or on the genitals should be examined right away
• Infection – Any rash that is infected needs immediate treatment. Yellow or green fluid, swelling, crusting, pain and warmth in the area of the rash or a red streak indicate infection

Your doctor should examine an unexplained skin rash that lasts more than a few days. The same applies if the rash is new and you have a fever or other symptoms with it.

Common Skin Rashes

There are several types of skin rashes. The more common types include:

• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Diaper rash
• Drug eruptions
• Heat rash
• Hives
• Nummular eczema
• Psoriasis
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Stasis dermatitis

If you notice a skin rash that you have not had before, contact our office and schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael for an evaluation.