Rash, Age 12 and Older
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you think you have a skin infection?
See significance of a skin infection if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have diabetes?
Yes Do you have peripheral arterial disease?
Yes Do you have a disease or take medicine that causes problems with your immune system?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the rash?
Yes Is the area around your rash more tender to the touch?
Yes Do you have red streaks spreading from the rash?
Yes Do you have pus in or around the rash?
Yes Do you know or think you have a fever?
Yes Do you have a rash with honey-coloured drainage which dries into crusts and covers an area larger than 5 cm (2 in.)?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you had mild pain and swelling with redness less than 2.5 cm (1 in.) around the rash for longer than 24 hours?
Yes Have you had swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck, armpit, or groin for longer than 72 hours?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| 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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