Rashes can have different causes and while they can be irritating, there are times when you’ll need a doctor’s help. Sometimes, rashes can be a sign of an underlying illness. There are also times when a rash can get infected and need more attention than you can give at home. To identify the difference, it’s important to know what to look for.
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Signs Your Rash Needs A Doctor’s Help
These are a few tell-tale signs that you need to see a doctor about your rash.
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- The rash is all over - This is typically a sign of an allergic reaction but could also indicate an infection.
- You have a fever - A fever is a definite sign of an infection so this could mean that you’re dealing with more than an irritation.
- You’re in pain - Whether or not the pain is located in the same region as the rash, the pain might be another indication of an underlying condition that needs to be addressed.
- The rash gets worse or continues to spread - If you try homemade or over-the-counter treatments and the rash still worsens, you need to see a doctor.
- You develop lesions - When rashes become larger, bruise-like lesions, it typically means you could be dealing with a form of vasculitis which affects how your blood clots.
- The rash becomes blisters or open sores - This is another indication that your condition is getting
worse instead of better and could mean that there is an internal cause.
- There are signs of an infection - Given how itchy rashes can be, it’s not surprising that constantly scratching them can result in an infection so check with your doctor if you see signs of swelling, discharge, or crusting.
- There are purple spots on your hands and feet - Seeing these spots may mean that there is an issue with your heart that needs to be checked out immediately.
- The rash is circular in shape - A rash like this could mean that you have been infected with Lyme Disease and need to have it dealt with.
- The rash is only in specific spots - If you’ve developed a rash near your eyes, mouth, or your genitals, it’s recommended that you have it checked out before things get worse.
- The rash is only under warm folds of skin - Developing a rash between the fingers, under folds, or under the breasts could mean that you have a fungal infection.
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How To Take Care Of A Rash At Home
If your rash isn’t showing any signs of needing medical attention, there are still a few things you can do to ease the irritation. Cold compresses or a cold rag can provide temporary relief from itching. If you can get aloe vera, it’s been found that placing the gel directly on the affected area can help. The same is true for natural oils like coconut, tea tree, olive, jojoba, safflower seed, and argan.
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Other natural options include baking soda, Epsom salts, and apple cider vinegar. For people who have irritated skin all over, an oatmeal bath might be effective as well.
Many people develop a rash with no complications or a need to see a doctor so there’s no reason to be overly concerned if you see one.
However, once natural or over-the-counter remedies are having no effect on your rash, it’s a sure sign that a professional needs to get involved. It might also help to let the doctor know what you’ve used on the rash just in case it may have made the irritation worse.
