Rash
Rash is a broad term for skin changes that vary in cause and severity. Some are minor. Others need prompt evaluation.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary and can include redness, bumps, itching, scaling, pain, blisters, or swelling.
Causes and risk
Common causes include viral illness, allergic reaction, dermatitis, fungal infection, drug reaction, and heat exposure.
How it is evaluated
We review timing, distribution, exposures, new medicines, fever, and whether the rash is painful, blistering, or rapidly spreading.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Many rashes improve with targeted skin care and medicine once the diagnosis is clear.