Most of the time, rashes are nothing to worry about and will go away on their own. However, there are some cases where a rash can signify a more serious problem. But it’s not always easy to tell when a rash is serious enough to warrant a trip to the doctor. This article will cover when to worry about a rash in adults.
What is a rash?
A rash is a change in the skin that can cause it to become red, blemished, itchy, irritated and inflamed. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the face, neck, chest, and back. Rashes can be localised in one part of the body or affect all the skin. Some rashes may be accompanied by fever, headache, and other symptoms.
The colour of a rash may depend on the cause. For example, a viral rash may be red or pink, while a bacterial rash may be yellow or green. Rashes can also vary in colour depending on a person’s skin tone. For example, a rash on light skin may be more pink or red, while a rash on dark skin may be more purple, brown or grey, depending on the cause.
Common causes include:
- Allergic reactions
- Underlying health conditions
- Sunburns
- Contact with an irritant material (for example, poison ivy)
- Certain medications
- Infections
Types of rashes
Many different types of rashes can affect people of all ages. Some common types of rashes include:
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a type of rash caused by contact with a substance that irritates the skin or by an allergic reaction. The rash can occur on any area of the body that has come into contact with the offending substance. Common causes of contact dermatitis include detergents, soaps, cleaning products, and certain metals.
Hives
Hives, also known as urticaria, is a rash characterised by welts on the skin. They are often itchy and can be quite bothersome. Hives can be caused by a variety of things, including allergies, stress, and infections. About
20% of people will experience hives at some point in their lives.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects
around 2% of the UK population. The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an overactive immune system. The condition causes the skin to produce new skin cells faster than normal. This leads to a build-up of thick, scaly skin on the body’s surface. Psoriasis can be debilitating, causing pain, itching, and embarrassment. There is no cure for psoriasis, but there are treatments that can help to control the symptoms.
Lichen planus
Lichen planus is an inflammatory skin condition that results in a characteristic rash. The rash is often itchy and may accompany burning or stinging sensations. The rash typically consists of small, purple, or red bumps that may be arranged in a linear pattern or that may form patches. Lichen planus can affect any area of the skin but is most commonly seen on the skin, nails, and hair. In some cases, the rash may also affect the mucous membranes, such as the lining of the mouth or vagina. While the exact cause of lichen planus is unknown, it is believed to be an autoimmune reaction. Treatment for the condition typically focuses on relieving symptoms and may include corticosteroids.
Other common types of skin rashes include poison ivy, chickenpox, Pityriasis Rosea, shingles, ringworm, and granuloma annulare. Each of these rashes has different symptoms, but they all share the common characteristic of causing itching and irritation.
When to worry about a rash in adults
Here are some tips on when to worry about a rash in adults and what to do about it:
When fever accompanies your rash
If you have a rash accompanied by a fever, it is important to see a doctor immediately. This could signify serious viral infections such as herpes, and you will need treatment. If the rash is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, this is also a cause for concern, and you should seek medical attention.
When your rash spreads
If your rash starts to spread, it’s time to start worrying. Spread means the rash is getting bigger or moving to new areas of your body. This could indicate that the rash is serious and needs medical attention. If you’re unsure whether or not your rash is serious, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and see a doctor.
When your rash causes blisters
When your rash causes blisters, it is important not to take this lightly. Blistering rashes can be painful and can lead to further skin infections. They can indicate a serious underlying condition such as an infectious or autoimmune disease. If you have blisters that are not healing or are accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue or joint pain, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any potential health problems.
When you have rashes in sensitive areas
If your rash is painful, itchy, or located in sensitive areas, such as your genitals, it could be a cause for concern. It’s possible that it could be an STI, so it’s important to get it checked out by a doctor. Suppose the rash is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, chills, or body aches. In that case, it’s even more important to talk with your online pharmacist Camberley to rule out any serious problems.
When bruises and swelling accompany the rash
A bruise develops when an injury causes the breakage of small blood vessels beneath the skin. This results in the leakage of blood into the surrounding tissues, which causes the characteristic purple or blue discolouration of a bruise. A rash accompanied by bruising can be a sign of several conditions, some of which are potentially life-threatening, such as blood clots.
A rash accompanied by swelling could be a sign of an allergic reaction, or it could be a sign of a more serious condition such as meningitis. If you have a rash and are also experiencing swelling or bruising, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
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