Rash, Age 12 And Older: Check Your Symptoms

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Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Yes

Do you have bruises (purpura) or tiny purple or red blood spots (petechiae) under the skin?

Yes

Do you have a rash with a fever?

Yes

Do you have a generalized rash?

Yes

Do you think your rash may be caused by a medicine?

Yes

Do you have a rash and signs of a skin infection?

Yes

Do you have a localized rash in one area of the body?

Yes

Do you have itching?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Joint pain and swelling: Go to the topic Arm Problems, Noninjury or Leg Problems, Noninjury.
• Fever and a sore throat: Go the topic Sore Throat.
• A rash that looks like blisters: Go the topic Blisters.
• A scalp problem: Go the topic Scalp Problems.
• A sore near the mouth or on the lip: Go the topic Mouth Problems, Noninjury.
• A red, painful, or swollen bump under the skin: Go the topic Swollen Glands and Other Lumps Under the Skin.
• Skin changes: Go the topic Skin Changes.
• A sore in the genital area: Go the topic Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
• Cracked, blistered, itchy, peeling skin between the toes: Go the topic Toe, Foot, and Ankle Problems, Noninjury.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Last updated:	August 01, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer