Most of us have experienced red bumps or itchy skin at one time or another. While many rashes are common and mild, such as contact dermatitis,, they don't typically require medical attention. Contact dermatitis can occur due to irritants found in soups, perfume or mental jewellery or even some poisonous plants. Simple rashes like these can be treated at home by cleansing the area, removing the irritant and applying over-the-counter products.

However, most rashes that don’t go away could be severe cases of contact dermatitis. If untreated it can result in blisters and swelling. In some cases, the rash could be an inflammatory condition such as psoriasis or eczema, or infections such as ringworm, Athlete’s foot or even food allergies that need medical attention.

There are hundreds of skin allergies, some clear up in a matter of days while others need long-term treatment. Here are some signs to tell you when it’s time to see a dermatologist for your skin rash.

> An unexpected widespread rash

An unexpected rash is a good sign to contact a dermatologist especially if you notice it spreading all over your body. This could be a sign of an infection or an allergic reaction that needs medical attention.

> Fever followed by the rash

We get a fever because our body is trying to fight infection. Fever is our body’s way of saying something is wrong. Don’t ignore the sign especially if you get a fever followed by a rash.

> Rapidly spreading rash

Most rashes heal in a matter of days. However, if you see no signs of improvement and notice it rapidly growing in size or spreading to other parts of your body it is time to visit a dermatologist.

> Rash progressing to blisters

Blisters due to heat burn or friction are pretty standard, but they do heal on their own. However, rashes progressing to blisters could be an indication of an allergic reaction or an autoimmune condition.

> Purple patches on the skin

Purple patches that look like bruising could be due to blood clotting or an indication of vasculitis. Vasculitis can lead to tissue and organ damage and needs medical attention. Speak to a dermatologist if you notice purple patches on your skin for treatment recommendations.

> Painful rash

Rashes are itchy but mostly painless. A painful rash can be a sign of infection such as shingles or cellulitis, or of other conditions, and needs medical examination by a dermatologist.

> Circular rash

A circular-shaped rash is an indication of Lyme disease or ringworm. The treatment for these require close examination and prescription by a dermatologist. Do visit your dermatologist for appropriate treatment.

Apart from the above-mentioned signs if you notice Yellow or green fluid formation or a red streak coming from your rash are all signs of infection.

Our expert staff at Dr. Divya’s Skin and Hair Solutions in Bangalore provides treatment for all types of skin conditions under the guidance of Dr. Divya Sharma. If you notice any of the above-mentioned signs of rashes, book an appointment for a consultation today.