Do You Ever Wonder What Your Rash Is?
Have you or your loved one ever developed a rash and you wished that you could just look at it and tell what caused your rash? Would you not like to know if it required medical attention or if it would just go away on its own? No worries. I am here to provide a picture glossary of some common rashes found in the urgent care setting.
Shingles
- Shingles is a painful, usually itchy, rash that develops on one side of the face or body. The rash consists of blisters that typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and fully clear up within 2 to 4 weeks.
- People develop shingles when the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, reactivates in their bodies after they have already had chickenpox.
Impetigo
- Impetigo is a skin infection caused by one or both of the following bacteria: group A Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Group A strep bacteria are very contagious. When group A strep bacteria infect the skin, they cause sores. The bacteria can spread to others if someone touches those sores or comes into contact with fluid from the sores. It usually takes 10 days for sores to appear after someone is exposed to group A strep bacteria.
Scabies
- Scabies is an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). The microscopic scabies mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin where it lives and lays its eggs. The most common symptoms of scabies are intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash. The scabies mite usually is spread by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact with a person who has scabies.
Hives
- Hives, also known as urticaria, affects about 20 percent of people at some time during their lives. It can be triggered by many substances or situations and usually starts as an itchy patch of skin that turns into swollen red welts.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
- Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a very contagious viral infection that causes a blister-like rash on your child’s hands and feet and painful sores in their mouth. The disease most often affects babies and children younger than 5 years old. HFMD is typically mild and usually clears up on its own within seven to 10 days.
Measles
- Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses, or mouths, they can become infected. Animals do not get or spread measles.
- Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected. Infected people can spread measles to others from four days before through four days after the rash appears. Measles virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.
Cellulitis
- Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and pain in the infected area of the skin. If untreated, it can spread and cause serious health problems. Good wound care and hygiene are important for preventing cellulitis.
Monkey Pox
- Mpox (monkeypox) is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.Anyone can get mpox. It spreads from contact with infected:
- persons, through touch, kissing, or sex
- animals, when hunting, skinning, or cooking them
- materials, such as contaminated sheets, clothes or needles
- pregnant persons, who may pass the virus on to their unborn baby.
If you have mpox:
- Tell anyone you have been close to recently
- Stay at home until all scabs fall off and a new layer of skin forms
- Cover lesions and wear a well-fitting mask when around other people
- Avoid physical contact.
Ring Worm
- Ringworm is a common skin infection that is caused by a fungus. It’s called “ringworm” because it can cause a circular rash (shaped like a ring) that is usually red and itchy. Anyone can get ringworm. The fungi that cause this infection can live on skin, surfaces, and on household items such as clothing, towels, and bedding.
Eczema
- Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry and itchy patches of skin. It’s a common condition that isn’t contagious. Symptoms of eczema can flare up if you contact an irritant or an allergen. There are treatments available to help you manage symptoms, but there isn’t a cure.
Psoriasis
- Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes itchiness and discomfort. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. It causes thick, scaly areas of skin. While there isn’t a cure, psoriasis treatment can help manage symptoms. Your provider may prescribe special creams or ointments for psoriasis.
Syphilis
- Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that spreads when you have vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the infection. A bacteria causes it. Antibiotic medication treats syphilis. Untreated syphilis can lead to serious health problems, including blindness and damage to your brain, heart, eyes and nervous system.
The physicians at Sunrise Urgent Care Center are experienced and are here to help diagnose and treat your problem. Please click the link below to schedule an appointment today.