Allergic Reaction or Something More? Common Rashes You Shouldn’t Ignore

Everyone gets a rash at some point in their lives. More often than not, rashes are minor and pop up as a reaction to an external irritant, like changing soap or laundry detergent or coming in contact with certain plants or animals.

These rashes typically go away on their own or with a simple over-the-counter treatment and are nothing more than a temporary annoyance.

Sometimes, though, a rash is an indicator of a more serious health issue. In fact, doctors often look at patients’ skin as a sort of window into what’s happening inside the body, as many serious illnesses often appear as hives, rashes, lesions or other skin issues. The kinds of rashes requiring medical attention are usually, but not always, accompanied by additional symptoms that need to be addressed. If you have a rash or skin irritation along with any of the following signs and symptoms, or you simply don’t feel well, don’t ignore it, and see a doctor right away.

Bullseye Rash
One of the most common types of rashes that needs immediate medical attention is a bullseye or circular rash, whether it appears with additional symptoms or not. One of the classic signs of Lyme Disease, the bullseye rash appears after you’ve been bitten by an infected tick; it can take up to 30 days for the rash to appear, and it might appear in several places on your body. If you notice this rash, get to a doctor right away as a course of antibiotics can cure the disease. It’s especially important to see a doctor if this rash is accompanied by a fever and chills, fatigue, headache, body aches and a stiff neck.

Purple Rashes
Any time you notice a rash that appears purple, you should see a doctor right away as these rashes are often indicative of chronic disease. For example, rashes that are purple and velvety feeling and appear on the back of your neck and in the folds of your body (like your underarms) are often a sign of Type II diabetes, especially when accompanied by other symptoms including fatigue, unexplained weight changes, excessive hunger or thirst, headaches and vision problems.

Another purple rash that shouldn’t be ignored is one that appears as spots on your hands and feet, which may indicate a bacterial infection in the heart. Lesions that look like bruises and are located all over your body can also be an indicator of a circulation issue or vasculitis, which indicates that your blood isn’t clotting properly. And finally, a purple rash that is limited to your lower legs and feet can be a sign of hepatitis C, so a visit to the doctor is in order.

Butterfly Rash
Facial rashes are commonly caused by sun exposure or cosmetics, but one type of rash in particular requires medical attention. The so-called “butterfly rash,” named because of the way it spreads across one’s cheeks, is a classic sign of the autoimmune disease lupus. While the rash isn’t typically painful, it can itch and burn. This type of rash may be accompanied by fatigue, stiff or sore joints, headaches, mouth or nose sores, hair loss and extreme sensitivity to cold temperatures; if this sounds like you, you need to see your healthcare provider for testing and treatment.

Itchy, Dry Skin
Itchy rashes aren’t necessarily a sign of a serious health problem, but they can be if they don’t clear up quickly or they come with other symptoms. For example, many people suffer from eczema, characterized by dry itchy skin that appears inflamed and might be thickened or crusty. Most eczema can be managed with topical treatments, but you should see a doctor to rule out more serious illness, including thyroid conditions or autoimmune diseases that could be causing the problem. It’s especially important for women to see a doctor if the itchy rash appears on the breasts and is accompanied by discharge from the nipples, as that may be indicative of cancer in the breast ducts.

Ultimately, any rash that is accompanied by pain or fever, has blisters or any type of pus or discharge or isn’t readily explained by a change in your environment — especially if it appears to be triggered by your diet or medication — needs to be evaluated by a physician. It might be dry skin or a reaction to something unexpected, but it’s better to be sure and take care of the issue quickly.

This is a guest blog posting.