Rash and signs of infection
Generally, a skin infection occurs only after a known injury to the skin. However, a very minor injury may go unnoticed and may become infected. In cases like this, what looks like a rash may actually be a skin infection.
A rash breaks down the skin barrier and makes the skin more susceptible to infection. It is possible for a serious skin infection to develop in an existing rash. Signs of infection may include:
- Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected area.
- Red streaks extending from the affected area.
- Drainage of pus from the area.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin.
- Fever or chills with no other known cause.
Prompt treatment of a skin infection can prevent the infection from spreading to surrounding tissues or throughout the body.
| 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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