Dr. Maeve O'Connor
In personOnlineIMC verified
Skin rash
A skin rash is a change in skin colour, texture or feeling, such as redness, bumps, itching or peeling. Rashes can come from allergy, infection, heat, medicines or other conditions, and some need urgent care.
When to get emergency care
Get emergency help immediately if you have any of these:
- Rash with trouble breathing, wheeze, dizziness, or swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat.
- Rash with fever, stiff neck, confusion, severe headache or extreme drowsiness.
- Purple spots or bruising rash that does not fade when pressed.
- Blistering, skin peeling, mouth or eye sores, or rash after starting a new medicine.
- Rapidly spreading, very painful, hot skin or rash near the eye.
Get emergency help or call 112
Common causes
- Allergy or irritation from soaps, cosmetics, clothing or workplace exposure.
- Heat rash or sweating in hot weather.
- Viral, fungal or bacterial skin infection.
- Eczema, psoriasis or other long-term skin conditions.
- Medicine reaction, which can sometimes be serious.
What to expect at your consultation
- A clinician may ask when the rash started, whether it itches or hurts, and if there was a new medicine or exposure.
- They may examine the skin, mouth, eyes and temperature.
- Skin scraping, blood tests or urgent referral may be needed for severe or widespread rashes.
Looking after yourself
- Avoid scratching and keep the area clean and dry.
- Stop using any new cosmetic or skin product that seems to irritate the rash.
- Seek medical advice if the rash spreads, is painful, involves the face or eyes, or comes with fever.
Frequently asked questions
- When is a rash an emergency?
- A rash with breathing trouble, face swelling, fever with stiff neck, purple spots, blistering or skin peeling needs urgent care.
- Can heat cause rash?
- Yes, hot weather and sweating can trigger heat rash, especially in skin folds.
- Can medicines cause rash?
- Yes. A new rash after starting a medicine should be discussed with a clinician, urgently if there are blisters, mouth sores or fever.
- Which specialist treats skin rash?
- A dermatologist is the skin specialist. A general physician can assess many common rashes and urgent warning signs.
Not sure how urgent this is?
Answer a few questions and we will tell you how soon to be seen.
Check my symptomsWhich doctor should I see?
- Dermatologist Best fit for persistent, widespread, painful or unclear skin rashes.
- General Physician Can assess fever, allergy warning signs and common infections.
Not sure? See a general physician
Related doctors
Verified profiles for skin rash start with dermatologist.
Not sure which doctor fits? See a general physician