What should you know about identifying a rash?

A rash may be flat, raised, scaly, blistered, ring-shaped, or made of small spots. Its distribution matters: heat rash favours sweaty areas, intertrigo affects skin folds, and contact dermatitis may follow exposure to a product or material. Atopic dermatitis often causes dry, itchy patches; psoriasis can form thicker scaly plaques; ringworm may spread in a ring; and scabies commonly causes intense itch with lesions in characteristic sites. These patterns guide assessment but cannot replace an examination.

Take clear photographs in natural light and record when the rash started, whether it is spreading, and any new medicine, food, cosmetic, detergent, plant, or travel exposure. Note fever, itch, pain, joint symptoms, or illness in household contacts. Wash gently, avoid scratching, and pause newly introduced products unless a prescribed medicine is essential. Do not apply several medicated creams at once, since this can change the appearance and delay diagnosis.

Get urgent medical help for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or tongue, blistering, skin peeling, purple or bruise-like spots, severe pain, fever with a rapidly spreading rash, or sores involving the eyes or mouth. Arrange a routine review for a rash that persists, recurs, spreads, or fails to improve with gentle care.

Ask what features support the suspected diagnosis, whether a medicine or test is needed, which products to stop, and how to recognise worsening or infection.