Almost everyone has experienced a skin rash at one time or another. Rashes can be caused by a number of factors, including chemical irritants, heat, medications, diet and parasites. Most rashes are harmless. However, some require medical attention.
The following rashes require medical attention:
Drug Rashes: Drug rashes are produced by an allergic reaction to medication. Drug rashes generally appear within two weeks of starting a new medication. These rashes can be part of a serious reaction. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if you think you have a drug rash.
Ringworm: Ringworm is caused by a fungus and typically requires a prescription medication. As the name implies, ringworms appears as red, slightly raised rings on the skin.
Rosacea: Rosacea often looks like acne, though it mainly affects people between the ages of 30 and 60. Though there is no cure for rosacea, symptoms can be treated.
Petechiae: Petechiae are small red dots that appear just under the surface of the skin. Often, these dots are no bigger than the tip of a pen. Petechia form when blood vessels leak blood into the skin. Petechia signal an underlying health problem (leukemia, measles, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.) and should be examined by a doctor.
If you think you are experiencing any of the above rashes, see your doctor.
Fri, Apr 10, 2009
Skin Disorders