Generally, skin rashes are not dangerous but, instead, constitute a nuisance and disruption to our everyday lives. There are cases, however, when a skin rash is caused by a life-threatening condition. In these cases, the sufferer must seek medical attention immediately. The causes of rashes are varied, and diagnosis requires the experience and knowledge of a medical professional. It is never a good idea to self-diagnose, so should you have a persistent rash or skin infection, you should seek immediate medical advice.
Many of the most common types of rashes are not life-threatening but may be difficult to treat and cause extended discomfort. For best results, a person with rashes should visit their primary care physician who may prescribe ointments or other medications to help heal the rash and ease the pain and itching. Most rashes are accompanied by itchy, scaly skin but may also cause other more severe conditions.
Some of the most common types of rashes are listed below:
- Heat rash (miliaria)
- Psoriasis
- Shingles (herpes zoster)
- Intertrigo
- Eczema
- Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis)
- Lichen planus
- Granuloma annulare
- Rosacea
- Swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis)
- Hot tub rash (Pseudomonas dermatitis/folliculitis)
Generally, these and other types of common rashes are not life-threatening, but they can cause itching and, in some cases, extreme discomfort. It is best to see your primary care physician or a dermatologist obtain an accurate diagnosis and treatment. If you do not have a primary care physician, please visit one of Emergency Hospital Systems’ emergency rooms. We are dedicated to providing not only emergency services but are also happy to act as your primary care medical provider. Please call for an appointment (281-592-5400) or walk-in. Our wait times are short, and there’s plenty of free parking.
While many common rashes are not dangerous, some life-threatening conditions also produce rashes. Any of these should be treated immediately by a physician. These rashes usually affect most of or the entire body and show up on both the skin and the body’s mucous membrane. Also, small blisters will generally appear on the top of rash ‘bumps.’ Often these rashes and blisters are painful, and can even extend into the lining of the nose and mouth. As with all medical conditions, self-diagnosis is not recommended. Instead, you should visit an emergency room immediately and let a trained professional evaluate your condition and, if needed, prescribe a treatment.
Below are some of the most severe types of medical problems that have associated rashes. Professional knowledge is required to make a proper diagnosis, so an immediate visit to an emergency room is needed.
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
- Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV)
- Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSS)
- Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
Should you develop a rash, it is essential that you see a physician promptly who can review your symptoms and make a proper diagnosis. Because of the variety of outbreaks and the many different underlying causes, it is important that you see your primary physician or, if you do not have a primary care physician, visit one of Emergency Hospital Systems’ four conveniently located ERs. We have facilities open 24/7/365 in Cleveland (2), Spring, and Humble. Feel free to call for an appointment or just walk-in. Our physicians and medical staff will be happy to answer questions or assist you — phone, 281-592-5400