Do I Need a Physical Exam Every Year?
How often should you see a medical professional to ensure you’re in good health? Find out how often you should get a physical based on your age and medical history.
When to See a Doctor About a Rash
Do you suffer from itchiness, redness, or blistering on your skin? Perhaps you’re worried that your rash could be a sign of something serious.
Rashes are seldom an indicator of a serious illness. However, if they’re left untreated, they can cause a lot of discomfort, especially if they itch and spread quickly to other areas of your skin.
Common causes of rashes include insect bites, bacterial or viral infections, heat, chronic stress, and reactions to certain medications or plants.
Our specialists at Casa de Salud regularly treat patients with rashes. To help you out, they want to share some tips about how to determine if a rash needs medical attention. Here’s their advice on different kinds of rashes and whether they’re caused by a condition that needs more than at-home care or even urgent care.
Recurring rash
Recurring rashes are often a sign that your body is fighting something. It could be as simple as a food intolerance or exposure to some weeds, or it could be an indicator of a chronic skin condition such as rosacea, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or eczema. If a rash keeps coming back, it needs to be checked out by one of our providers.
Spreading rash
If a rash spreads quickly and all over your body, it could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction or an infection.
Fever is another symptom that may indicate an ongoing infection. Chickenpox, measles, mononucleosis, and shingles all cause rashes that spread quickly and raise your body temperature. If you have a fever with a rash, make an appointment to see us.
Trouble breathing
If your rash spreads quickly and you have difficulty breathing, go to the emergency room as soon as possible. It could be an indicator of a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
Blistering rash
A blistering rash could be caused by an underlying illness, a reaction to drugs, a reaction to poison ivy, a bacterial infection, or an allergic reaction.
If you notice green or yellow liquid coming from your blisters, schedule a visit with us. This symptom may indicate an infection.
Painful rash
Painful rashes could be an indicator of shingles, a condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Most people recover from shingles without medication, but the pain, itchiness, and burning of the rashes can be so severe that many need help controlling their symptoms.
Shingles can be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems. If your rash is painful, you may need medical help right away.
Treat your rash with us
Don’t waste your money experimenting with various over-the-counter creams that only leave you disappointed. Get to the root of the rash by seeking advice from one of our specialists. Contact us to schedule an appointment and receive relief from your rash as soon as possible. You can visit our closest Los Angeles office in either Downtown or Adams Normandie.
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