What is it about ?
A rash (exanthema) is a sudden, temporary, and extensive onset of skin damage, most often caused by infection or taking medication.
Medications that regularly trigger a rash are antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, for example.
The most common causes of a rash due to infection are:
- the mononucleosis,
- viral infections of the upper respiratory tract,
- viral infections of the gastrointestinal system,
- childhood illnesses such as:
- the fifth disease (infectious erythema),
- the roseola (sudden exanthema).
Rarer causes are:
- measles,
- rubella,
- these diseases are less frequent thanks to the general vaccination.
- the Kawasaki disease,
- the infections in travelers :
- the dengue,
- the Zika virus,
- yellow fever.
How to recognize it?
A rash can take many different shapes, but most often it’s large red spots with papules (small bumps). In the initial phase, the spots are the size of a coin. They extend symmetrically over the entire body, from the trunk to the limbs. The rash may also be itchy. Small spots can grow larger and merge into large red patches. Lesions are dry and may peel slightly.
It can also form blisters (for example, in case of chickenpox), which dry spontaneously. The formation of small ulcers is also possible.
In rare cases, a bluish coloration appears as a result of the accumulation of blood in the skin. Sometimes lesions can also develop on the mucous membranes of the mouth, lips, eyes and genitals.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor will ask you a number of questions about the cause and progress of the rash:
- How did the rash start?
- Where is the rash present?
- Are the lesions itchy?
- Have you been in contact with people with the same symptoms?
- Did the complaints start after a trip?
- Do you have any signs of infection, such as fever, runny nose, cough, or diarrhea?
- Did you take any medication?
Then the doctor will carefully examine the lesions. If necessary, he will ask for an additional blood test or do a skin biopsy, that is to say he will take a small piece of skin to analyze it under the microscope.
What can you do ?
If the lesions are caused by medication, it is often sufficient to stop taking them. You can topically apply a cooling and soothing lotion or gel.
Consult the doctor to make a correct diagnosis.
What can your doctor do?
If the itching is severe, your doctor will prescribe an antihistamine (a medicine that inhibits allergic reactions), such as cetirizine. If there is a persistent rash and itching from taking medication, he may prescribe cortisone ointment, possibly in combination with a brief course of cortisone tablets.
The doctor will treat the responsible infection and, if necessary, refer you to an infectious disease, skin disease or allergy specialist, who will carry out additional examinations and start treatment.
If you show signs of a serious infection, he will refer you to the hospital.
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