How do you know if a rash is serious

Some rashes can be indicators of life-threatening diseases here's how to tell if your rash is serious

• Skin rashes can be symptoms of a variety of mild to serious conditions.
• Since many factors go into accurate diagnosis and treatment of rashes, it's important to see a medical professional.
• If you experience fever, pain, or trouble breathing in addition to a rash, you should seek immediate medical care.

Many rashes are simply harmless and uncomfortable, but some rashes can be indicators of some serious and even life-threatening conditions.

Although it's important to realize that not every rash can be treated with simple home care, it's equally important to know that not every rash means you're on your deathbed.

As is always the case with health concerns, your doctor is the best authority to consult about your specific experience.

Here are some signs your rash is more serious than you thought.

A lot of minor and major things can cause rashes

Although new medications or beauty products can lead to rashes, a wide variety of serious conditions may be responsible for your rash, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

A few ofthe many possible causes of rashesincludeinsect bites, Lyme disease,eczema or psoriasis, lupus, scabies, cellulitis, chicken pox, measles, and at least one form of cancer.

Read More: 11 things that can reduce your risk of getting cancer

There are many types of rashes that can't accurately be identified without medical training, especially since alot of common rash descriptions (like scaly, blotchy, or itchy) can apply to multiple types of rashes.

Furthermore, rashes might stay confined to one specific area of your body or be spread out all overdepending on their cause. Because rashes aren't always simple, it's important to consult a medical professional about your rash when possible.

There could be signs your rash is infected or at risk of becoming infected

The immediate sense of relief that comes with scratching can feel good, but any time you break your skin you run the risk of infection.

According to Healthline, some indicators that your rash is infected include pus, blisters, and discolored skin. If this is the case, you'll want to seek medical attention.

Additional symptoms can be an indicator of something more dangerous

According to the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, there are many rashes indicators that signify you should immediately seek medical attention.

These include pain, a fever, blisters, bruises around your rash, the sudden onset of a rash that has quickly spread around your body, a circular rash, or changes to your skin's color or texture.

The American Academy of Dermatology also advises seeking professional care immediatelyif you experience trouble breathing in addition to your rash.

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How to Identify a Rash Caused by Lamictal

Lamotrigine (Lamictal) is a medication thats used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder, neuropathic pain, and depression. Some people develop a rash while taking it.

A 2014 review of existing studies found that 10 percent of people in controlled trials had a reaction to Lamictal, which put them at risk of developing a rash.

While rashes caused by Lamictal are often harmless, they can sometimes be life-threatening. The FDA placed a black box warning on the Lamictal label to warn people about this risk.

Make sure you know the signs of a serious rash caused by Lamictal so you can get treatment quickly if it does occur.

Its important to recognize the differences between a mild rash and one that requires emergency treatment. The symptoms of a mild rash caused by Lamictal are:

While a rash with these symptoms is likely not dangerous, still tell your doctor so they can monitor you for any other side effects.

The risk of getting a serious rash from Lamictal is low. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, clinical trials showed that the risk is 10%. Its still important to know the symptoms because a serious rash from Lamictal can be fatal.

These more severe symptoms can include:

• fever
• joint pain
• muscle pain
• general discomfort
• swelling of the lymph nodes around the neck
• high count of eosinophils (a type of immune cell) in the blood

In very rare cases, you may develop Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis while taking Lamictal. The symptoms of these conditions are:

• peeling
• blisters
• sepsis
• multiple organ failure

If you develop any kind of rash while taking Lamictal, contact your doctor immediately. If you have symptoms of a more serious rash, get emergency treatment as soon as possible.

The Lamictal rash is caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to the drug Lamictal. A hypersensitivity reaction happens when your immune system overreacts to a compound or drug. These reactions can show up shortly after taking a drug or several hours or days later.

Several factors may increase your risk of developing a rash while taking Lamictal:

• Age: Children are more likely to have a reaction to Lamictal.
• Co-medication: People taking valproate, a medication used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraine headaches, in any of its forms along with Lamictal are more likely to have a reaction.
• Starting dose: People starting Lamictal at a high dose are more likely to have a reaction.
• Rapid dose escalation: A reaction is more likely to develop when you quickly increase your dose of Lamictal.
• Prior reactions: If youve had a severe reaction to another anti-epilepsy drug, youre more likely to have a reaction to Lamictal.
• Genetic factors: A 2017 study identified specific immune system markers that could raise your risk of having a response to Lamictal.

Unless youre sure the rash isnt related to it, you should contact your doctor immediately and stop taking Lamictal. Abruptly stopping Lamictal may be dangerous, so a doctors supervision is crucial for any sudden change in treatment.

Theres no way to tell if a mild rash will turn into something more serious. Depending on your reaction, your doctor may lower your dose or take you off of the medication entirely.

Your doctor may also give you oral corticosteroids or antihistamines to help control the reaction and perform tests to see if any of your organs are affected.

Its very important that you tell your doctor about any other medications youre taking before you start taking Lamictal.

If youre taking valproate, youll need to be started on a lower dose of Lamictal. If youve had any reactions to other anti-epilepsy medications, make sure you tell your doctor.

Since quickly increasing your dose is a risk factor for having a reaction to Lamictal, you should follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor very carefully.

Dont start taking a higher dose of Lamictal without talking to your doctor first. When you start taking Lamictal, make sure you understand exactly how much to take and when to take it.

While most rashes that happen while taking Lamictal are harmless, its important to monitor your symptoms to make sure they dont become dangerous. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the risk factors for having a reaction to Lamictal.

Severe reactions to Lamictal can be fatal, so its important to get treatment as soon as you start having symptoms.

How can you tell if a rash is serious? Look for these signs

The itchy red bumps came out of nowhere and it's unclear whether the mystery rash is something that needs a doctor or if it can be soothed away with over-the-counter salves. And with summer in full swing, it's open season for rashes.

Theres a lot more opportunity to get into stuff that would cause a rash if the weather is nice, Dr. Carolyn Jacob, a dermatologist in private practice in Chicago, previously told TODAY.com. Culprits include everything from the sun and hot temps to brushes with plants and insects.

While it might be hard to pinpoint what is causing skin redness or itching, but contact dermatitis can be a common allergic reaction to skin care products. As it turns out, plenty of rashes respond well to over-the-counter remedies.

But some are a sign of something more serious, experts say.

When to seek to medical help

One important rule of thumb is to seek help if the rash came with other symptoms.

The majority of rashes are not life threatening, said Dr. Daniela Kroshinsky, an associate professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and director of inpatient dermatology and pediatric dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital.

But, if youre feeling generally unwell and having a rash, that would be a reason to seek medical attention. Your primary care physician or dermatologist should be able to help you triage whether its something that should be seen and whether it needs to be seen urgently.

A rash can be a warning sign of a serious medical problem, such as an autoimmune disease or a Lyme infection, explained Dr. Laura Ferris, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Or it could simply be the result of a harmless, though vexing, insect bite or a brush past some poison ivy.

How can you tell if a rash is serious?

Here are some signs that your rash needs to be looked at by a medical professional:

1. If you have a fever or pain accompanying the rash.

You should get it checked out, Kroshinsky said. It could be a sign that you have an infection or are experiencing an allergic reaction.

2. If you have a sudden spreading of bruise-like lesions.

It might be a symptom of vasculitis and you need to get that looked at because your clotting cells might not be working right, Kroshinsky explained.

3. If your rash continues unabated.

You might have an infection, Kroshinsky said. Some rashes start out completely benign, but then a secondary infection develops because the integrity of the skin, which is a barrier against potential pathogens, has been disrupted, she explained. Signs of an infection include warmth and pain, yellow or green cloudy discharge and a bad odor.

4. Any rash that is widespread.

It can be a sign a major allergic reaction. For example, if this happens within two weeks of starting a new medication, the concern would be a reaction to the medication, Ferris said.

5. Rashes that start to blister should send you straight to the doctors office, unless you have good reason to suspect youve come in contact with poison ivy, both experts noted.

6. Purple spots that appear on your hands and feet could be a sign of a bacterial infection of the heart, Kroshinsky said. You can look at the skin as a window to the inside of the body, she explained.

7. If you develop a circular-shaped rash and youre in an area where Lyme disease is endemic, you should get it checked out, Ferris said.

If youre not ready to see your doctor, Kroshinsky suggested taking a photo of your rash.

It can be helpful when you come in to see us since the rash could have changed by then, she explained. This will tell us what it looked like before you started treating it with bacitracin or hydrocortisone. It will help us get a sense of the evolution of the rash.

Certain remedies and treatments can make a rash worse

Also, Kroshinsky counseled, keep in mind that the preparations you use to treat your skin condition might make things worse.

One thing to keep in mind is that if youre using a preparation with topical antibiotics, a significant number of people are allergic to bacitracin and neomycin, she explained. If the area you are treating becomes itchy or blistery you might want to stop using them and see a doctor.

And if you feel unsure about the rash, dont hesitate to seek medical advice from a dermatologist, Ferris said.

Were trained to distinguish between concerning and non-concerning rashes and getting you on the appropriate treatment, she added.

Unsure if it's a rash? Use our photo guide to spot common (and not-so-common) skin conditions.

Cellulitis Symptoms Not to Ignore

Cellulitis is a common skin infection with symptoms that may include an irritated or painful rash, skin blisters, swelling, and fever. Early treatment is the best way to prevent potentially serious complications from cellulitis.

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection. It happens when small cuts or other skin breaks allow bacteria to enter. It causes painful inflammation and swelling and can make your skin feel overly warm. In most cases, cellulitis outbreaks occur on the lower legs. However, your arms, face, and other areas of the body can also be affected.

Its important not to ignore cellulitis symptoms. The condition will not go away on its own, but early treatment can prevent serious complications. If cellulitis is left untreated, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and to the lymph nodes. Once the infection begins to spread, it can quickly become life threatening.

Cellulitis causes a range of painful and unpleasant symptoms. In most cases, symptoms only occur on one side of the body. Early treatment can prevent complications and stop the spread of cellulitis before it becomes life threatening.

Common cellulitis symptoms

The early symptoms of cellulitis can present differently in different people. The symptoms and how severe they are can also vary depending on the part of your body thats affected.

General symptoms of cellulitis typically include:

• blisters
• swelling
• an irritated rash
• lines that run outward from the main rash area
• pain in the affected area
• skin thats tender to the touch
• skin thats warm to the touch
• skin that feels tight or looks glossy
• skin dents or dimpling
• fever
• headache

Severe symptoms of cellulitis

Symptoms usually get more severe as cellulitis spreads. These symptoms are a sign the infection has spread to your bloodstream.

Symptoms of severe cellulitis include:

• a rash thats growing and changing rapidly
• a very large rash thats inflamed and painful
• numbness, tingling, or any other changes in sensation in the affected area
• skin darkening
• swelling and inflammation around your eyes or behind your ears
• lightheadedness
• fatigue
• chills
• weakness
• muscle aches

Its always important to see a doctor for cellulitis. This condition will not go away without medical care. Its best to make a medical appointment right away if you notice any symptoms that could be a sign of cellulitis.

Some symptoms indicate that cellulitis is spreading. Get immediate medical care if you:

• notice any symptoms of cellulitis and you also have diabetes
• have fever along with a painful rash that continues to grow and spread
• notice changes to how your skin looks or feels
• feel feverish, achy, fatigued, or lightheaded, and also have a painful rash

Symptoms of cellulitis will often get worse within the first 48 hours of receiving treatment. Youll usually start to see an improvement within 2 to 3 days of starting antibiotics. If your symptoms do not start to improve during this time, contact your doctor. You might need a different treatment.

Cellulitis is often diagnosed through physical examination. A doctor will examine your skin and may be able to make a diagnosis based on your rash and other skin symptoms. Sometimes bloodwork is ordered to rule out similar skin conditions and infections.

The most common treatment for cellulitis is antibiotic medication. In most cases, youll be prescribed an oral antibiotic that youll need to take for 5 to 10 days. Its very important to take the entire course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms start to improve.

If your symptoms are severe or do not respond to antibiotics, you might need to be hospitalized. In the hospital, youll receive intravenous (IV) antibiotics. If you have any abscesses in your skin, they may need to be surgically drained.

Cellulitis can be successfully treated with antibiotics. However, untreated cellulitis can lead to serious complications and can even be fatal. Complications of cellulitis include:

• Bacteremia: Bacteremia is a potentially life threatening infection in your bloodstream that can spread quickly.
• Endocarditis: Endocarditis is a life threatening infection and inflammation of your heart.
• Sepsis: Sepsis is a medical emergency caused by your bodys response to a severe infection.
• Osteomyelitis: Osteomyelitis is a painful bone infection that often needs surgical treatment.
• Necrotizing fasciitis: Necrotizing fasciitis is a life threatening and painful infection of body tissues under the skin.

There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of cellulitis, especially if you have risk factors for developing the condition.

Some steps you can take to prevent cellulitis include:

• Always gently washing any wounds or cuts on your skin with soap and water.
• Using protective creams and other moisturizers like Vaseline to help keep bacteria out of cuts and wounds.
• Covering wounds and cuts with bandages and changing them at least once a day.
• Monitoring any cuts or wounds for signs of infection like pain, irritation, or pus.
• Moisturizing your skin daily to prevent cracks.
• Wearing gloves, socks, and other weather-appropriate clothing to prevent cold weather from damaging your skin.
• Wearing gloves for household chores and any time your hands might be exposed to chemicals.
• Always treating any skin infections, including common minor conditions like athletes foot, quickly.
• If you have a weakened immune system, talking with your doctor about extra precautions you can take to avoid cellulitis is helpful.

Cellulitis is a skin infection that can be easily treated with antibiotics.

However, it can be fatal without treatment. Untreated cellulitis can spread and quickly cause life threatening complications. Its important to seek medical care as soon as you notice any symptoms of cellulitis.

Early symptoms of cellulitis include an irritated and painful rash thats warm to the touch. Your skin might blister and swell, and you might develop a fever. More severe symptoms such as a growing and changing rash, a change to the appearance of or sensation in your skin, and lightheadedness are signs you need urgent medical care.

Good skin care can help you prevent cellulitis. Be careful to clean and cover any wounds and cuts and wear protective gloves when needed. Your doctor might have additional suggestions that are specific to your cellulitis risk factors.