Question 1. Is the rash painful?
Yes. The rash is probably a spider or insect bite, a virus like chicken pox or measles, skin disease or an infected rash. (see your physician immediately). More Information
No. The rash is probably contact dermatitis: plant, heat, chemical or other substance.

Question 2. Is the rash spreading?
Yes. The rash is probably contact dermatitis causing the skin to erupt based on the severity of allergic object contact. More Information
No. The rash is probably the result of an local allergic reaction to a skin irritant that came in contact with the skin or a spider or insect bite.

Question 3. Is the rash oozing?
Yes. Oozing rashes are commonly associated with poison oak, ivy, heat rash, and other allergic skin rashes. More Information
No. The rash may be a mild reaction to a skin irritant, a skin allergy or early eruption of contact dermatitis like poison ivy.

Question 4. Is the rash scaly?
Yes. The rash is probably atopic dermatitis: eczema, psoriasis, or dry skin rash triggered by weather, stress, temperature, or unknown environmental allergens. Crusty rashes are probably the result of weeping rashes that crust over. More Information
No. The rash is probably contact dermatitis or contact skin allergies like poison ivy or chemicals.

Question 5. Is the rash surround a bite?
Yes. Insect and spider bites frequently produce rashes. Red or swollen skin may accompany itching. Spiders and insects can cause rashes when itched. Local rashes may be caused by Flea, Mosquito, Chigger, or Fly bites. More Information
No. The rash is probably not associated with an insect or spider bite.

Quesiton 6. Does the bite look infected?
Yes. If the bite appears infected: is red, painful to the touch, oozing, has dead tissue surrounding the bite or has
red streaks radiating away from the bite See a physician immediately. More Information
No. The bite is probably not infected. Monitor the bite. If it heals (symptoms improve) it is probably not infected.

Question 7. Do you feel sick? (nauseous, headache, weak, fever, ache, stiff neck, short of breath, body ache)
Yes. See a physician immediately. More Information
No. Common atopic or contact dermatitis rashes typically produce swelling, itching, weeping, crusting or flaking symptoms.

Rash First Aid

Most common rashes are a result of contact dermatitis like poison oak, ivy or sumac or allergic skin reactions to environmental substances. Allergic reactions to "unknown" substances may require testing and treatment by a dermatologist. Rashes may also by symptoms of other medical conditions like acne, shingles, psoriasis, lupus, or cellulites. Determining the origin of the skin irritation or symptom is important. Try to "rule out" potential reasons for the rash. Review activities or event within the last 48-72 hours. Consider suspect plants, detergents or other substances that were newly introduced before the rash irrupted. If pre-existing medical conditions exist, determine if rashes are a symptom. If concerned see medical advice or attention. To treat skin rash see Rash Treatment. More Information

Rash Exposure Formula

Amount and strength of the irritant x Length and frequency of exposure x Skin susceptibility x Environmental factors = Length of time for rashes to heal.

Common Household Irritants

Contact dermatitis is an itchy skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to material in contact with the skin. It occurs hours after contact with the responsible material, and calms down in several days providing the skin is no longer in contact with it. Common household irritants include: perfume, soap, make up, latex, creams, plants, animals, detergents, solvents, acids, alkalies, friction or water. Hands frequently come in contact with irritants. More Information