You will most likely discover that you have a rash because the skin will be itchy. The itchiness is usually accompanied by redness in the area, with raised splotches or bumps, & the skin texture may be different. Other symptoms include dry, scaly or crusty skin, leathery or rough texture, & blisters.
If your rash is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention:
Causes
The main causes of an acute rash are:
Allergic reaction (to an environmental allergen or food allergy, for example)
Insect bite (e.g. mosquito, flea, tick)
Medications, e.g. over-the-counter painkillers (NSAIDs) or antibiotics
Exposure to cold or heat
Viral or bacterial infection (cold or ’flu)
Fungal infection
Unknown trigger – sometimes the cause of a rash is not obvious
The rash is created by the body’s release of histamines & other chemical messengers into the skin, in response to a trigger (allergen, infection, temperature change, or medication). The skin responds by opening up the blood vessels & releasing fluid into the tissues.
Symptoms
- Increasing pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Facial swelling
- Fever
- Mental confusion
- Head or neck pain
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
What to do next?
We have specialist dermatologists on our clinic's medical team who can diagnose your skin rash & give you the best possible advice on treatment options. Please give us a call or use our online booking system to make your appointment.
