If you have noticed recently that you have a rash somewhere on your body, your first instinct may be to ignore it and see if it goes away on its own. And that can work in some cases. However, there are also times when you should absolutely not ignore your rash and should get to your primary care physician to have it checked out. Get to know some of the signs you need to see a doctor for your rash. Then, you can be sure you are doing what is right for you and your health going forward.
The Rash Spreads Fast
If you notice a small area affected by the rash and then within an hour the rash has spread to a much larger area, you have cause for concern. These fast-spreading rashes can be signs of severe infections in the body. If not treated right away, you could be looking at a potentially life-threatening situation.
Allergies can cause such rapid spreading rashes, for example. So can a bacterial infection known as necrotizing fasciitis which is also known as the "flesh-eating" bacteria. This condition causes a rash that spreads rapidly and is red, swollen, and in most cases, very painful.
The Rash Is All Over Your Body
It is one thing if you have a small area of the body that has a rash, and quite another if the rash you have is all over your body. When the rash has spread to all or most of your body, this can be a sign of serious trouble.
Sometimes, it means you have a widespread infection in your body. Other times, it can mean that you are having a significant allergic reaction to something which could result in severe health complications. For example, the drug Lamictal can cause a body rash that can be life-threatening (causing Stevens-Johnson syndrome).
In order to determine the cause of the rash and get proper treatment to take care of it, you need to seek a medical opinion. Contact your primary care doctor right away if you have an all-body rash and get in to see them as soon as possible.
You Have a Fever Too
When you have a rash and a fever at the same time, it is definitely cause to call your doctor. Again, there are different potential causes for this condition. The most common are infections like mononucleosis or scarlet fever. However, there are other infections as well as allergic reactions that could cause the combination of a fever and a rash.
Now that you know some of the instances when you should not just ignore your rash and should instead head to your primary care physician's office, you can be sure you get the treatment you need if or when you have a rash like these.
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