RASHES, LOCALIZED AND CAUSE UNKNOWN

Symptom Definition

  • Rash on one part of the body (localized or clustered)
  • Small spots, large spots or solid red
  • Cause of rash is unknown

General Information

  • Three localized rashes that individuals may be able to recognize are: Athlete's Foot, insect bites, and poison ivy. If present, use that topic. If not, use this topic.
  • The main cause of a new localized rash is often skin contact with some irritant.
  • The main cause of a persistent localized rash is often contact dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction to skin contact with some substance.
  • Cellulitis is the medical term for an infection of the skin. There is spreading redness. The skin is also painful, tender to touch, and warm. There may or may not be any drainage or discharge. Antibiotic treatment is required.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR RASHES, LOCALIZED AND CAUSE UNKNOWN

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If:

  • You feel weak or very sick
  • Purple or blood-colored spots or dots that's not from injury  
  • Bright red area or red streak (but not sunburn)
  • Rash area is very painful
  • Multiple small blisters grouped together in one area of body
  • Fever

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If:

  • You think you need to be seen
  • Severe itching is present
  • Genital area rash
  • Tick bite in past month
  • Tender bumps in armpits

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If:

  • You have other questions or concerns
  • Looks like a boil or infected sore or other infected rash
  • Rash lasts longer than 7 days

Self Care at Home If:

  • Mild localized rash and you don't think you need to be seen
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR LOCALIZED RASHES (pending talking with your doctor)

  1. Avoid the Cause: Try to find the cause.  Consider irritants like a plant (e.g. poison ivy or evergreens), chemicals (e.g. solvents or insecticides), fiberglass, a new cosmetic, or new jewelry (called contact dermatitis). A pet may be carrying the irritating substance (e.g. with poison ivy or poison oak).
  2. Avoid Soap: Wash the area once thoroughly with soap to remove any remaining irritants. Thereafter avoid soaps to this area. Cleanse the area when needed with warm water.
  3. Local Cold: Apply or soak in cold water for 20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours to reduce itching or pain.
  4. Steroid Cream: If the itch is more than mild, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream (no prescription needed) every 2 hours until it feels better, then 4 times per day.
    • Caution: do not use a steroid cream on suspected Athlete's Foot, Jock Itch, or ringworm.
  5. Avoid Scratching: Try not to scratch. Cut your fingernails short.
  6. Contagiousness: Adults with localized rashes do not need to miss any work or school.
  7. Expected Course: Most of these rashes pass in 2 to 3 days.
  8. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Rash spreads or becomes worse
    • Rash lasts longer than 1 week
    • You develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2003 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2003

Revised 7/2002

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