Rash, Age 12 and Older
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Does your rash itch?
See significance of itching 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 today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have a painful rash with severe itching?
Yes Is severe itching stopping your usual activities or preventing sleep even after 12 hours of home treatment?
Yes Do you have new patches of itchy, oozing rash?
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 Do you have moderate itching after 48 hours of home treatment?
Yes Do you have moderate to mild itching that has not gotten better after 1 week of home treatment?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you had itching for longer than 4 weeks?
Yes Do you have patches of itchy rash that have not been checked by a doctor or have gotten worse since being checked?
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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