What may increase your risk for a problem with a rash?
Many conditions, lifestyle choices, medications, and diseases interfere with your ability to heal or fight infection. You may be at risk for a more serious problem from your symptoms if you have any of the following. Be sure to tell your health professional.
Conditions
- A history of serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
- Chronic allergic conditions, such as hay fever or asthma
- Exposure to a contagious disease
- A recent immunization
- Recent tick bite (exposure to Lyme disease)
- Recent travel outside of Canada
- Surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy)
- Started a new medication
Lifestyle choices
- Alcohol abuse or withdrawal
- Drug abuse or withdrawal
- Engaging in risky sexual practises
Medications
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
- Medications to prevent organ transplant rejection
- Medications used to treat cancer (chemotherapy)
- Radiation therapy
Diseases
- Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
- Cancer
- Chronic skin conditions, such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, or contact dermatitis
- Diabetes
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Lupus
- Sickle cell disease
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: October 10, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology | |
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