5 Signs It's Time to Seek Treatment for Skin Rashes

Skin rashes are fairly common and most are harmless. Red bumpy skin can be inflamed, itchy, or uncomfortable (or all three.) While some rashes are simply irritated skin, some are very serious and may be a sign to call your doctor.

Some common rashes are caused by eczema, poison ivy, athlete’s foot, and diaper rash. Some people get rashes from laundry detergents or cleaning products. If you’re prone to that type of rash, simply changing those products should prevent irritated skin. Many over-the-counter products can help with athlete's foot, eczema, poison ivy, and diaper rash. You can talk to a pharmacist about which products may help. See a doctor if things do not improve with treatment.

However, some rashes are a sign of something more serious.

Call a doctor if you have skin rashes:

1. accompanied by a fever. In this case, call the Generations' office immediately. Rashes with a fever may indicate scarlet fever, measles, mononucleosis, or shingles.
2. accompanied by other general illness, which may indicate more serious illnesses or infections.
3. all over your body. This may be a more serious allergic reaction or sign of infection.
4. including blisters. Blisters and open sores in your rash may indicate an internal cause or a reaction to a medication.
5. that are painful or infected. Signs of infection are a yellow or green fluid, swelling, crusting, pain and warmth in the area of the rash, or a red streak coming from the rash.

Even if your rash does not fall into those categories, and you are concerned about it, do not hesitate to make an appointment with our doctors at Generations Family Practice.