Skin Changes: 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.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first:

• A rash that may be caused by an allergic reaction: Go to the topic Allergic Reaction.
• A bump, sore, or ulcer in or around the mouth: Go to the topic Mouth Problems, Noninjury or Toothache and Gum Problems.
• A boil, swollen gland, or other lump under the skin: Go to the topic Swollen Glands and Other Lumps Under the Skin.
• A bump, sore, or ulcer on the genitals or around the anus: Go to the topics:
  • Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
  • Male Genital Problems and Injuries.
  • Rectal Problems.
• A blister: Go to the topic Blisters.
• An insect bite or sting: Go to the topic Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites.
• A red bump that develops within weeks of a known tick bite: Go to the topic Tick Bites.

Yes

Do you think you have a skin infection?

Yes

Have you had changes in a mole or other colored skin spot?

Yes

Do you think that your skin changes may be caused by a medicine?

Yes

Does your skin look yellow?

Yes

Do you have irritation in or around a skin bump, spot, growth, or mole?

Yes

Are you worried about or embarrassed by a skin bump, spot, or growth?

Yes

Do you think that your skin changes are related to pregnancy?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• A bump on the toe, foot, or heel: Go to the topic Toe, Foot, and Ankle Problems, Noninjury.
• A bump on the finger, hand, or wrist: Go to the topic Finger, Hand, and Wrist Problems, Noninjury.

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

Last updated:	July 10, 2007
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