Erythematous rash: Difference between revisions
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==Background== | ==Background== | ||
{{Skin anatomy background images}} | |||
*These rashes can occur in a variety of inflammatory and infectious conditions, some of which can be rapidly fatal | *These rashes can occur in a variety of inflammatory and infectious conditions, some of which can be rapidly fatal | ||
{{Rash red flags}} | {{Rash red flags}} | ||
==Clinical Features== | ==Clinical Features== | ||
*Characterized by diffuse red skin from capillary congestion, mimicking a bad sunburn. | *Characterized by diffuse red skin from capillary congestion, mimicking a bad sunburn. | ||
{{Erythematous rashes images}} | |||
==Differential Diagnosis== | ==Differential Diagnosis== | ||
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==Evaluation== | ==Evaluation== | ||
*First, try applying lateral pressure to the skin and see if it sloughs (Nikolsky’s sign) | ===Workup=== | ||
===Diagnosis=== | |||
*First, try applying lateral pressure to the skin and see if it sloughs ([[Nikolsky’s sign]]) | |||
*Then, to further narrow the differential, consider wither or not the patient is febrile or toxic in appearance | *Then, to further narrow the differential, consider wither or not the patient is febrile or toxic in appearance | ||
**Patients with an erythematous rash plus fever are also at high risk for having a deadly diagnosis | **Patients with an erythematous rash plus fever are also at high risk for having a deadly diagnosis | ||
Latest revision as of 16:24, 11 December 2024
Background
- These rashes can occur in a variety of inflammatory and infectious conditions, some of which can be rapidly fatal
Rash Red Flags[1]
- Fever
- Toxic appearance
- Hypotension
- Mucosal lesions
- Severe pain
- Very old or young age
- Immunosuppressed
- New medication
Clinical Features
- Characterized by diffuse red skin from capillary congestion, mimicking a bad sunburn.
Erythematous rash
_Skin_Syndrome_-_Feet_Collage.jpg)
Differential Diagnosis
Erythematous rash
- Positive Nikolsky’s sign
- Febrile
- Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (children)
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis/SJS (adults)
- Afebrile
- Febrile
- Negative Nikolsky’s sign
- Febrile
- Afebrile
Evaluation
Workup
Diagnosis
- First, try applying lateral pressure to the skin and see if it sloughs (Nikolsky’s sign)
- Then, to further narrow the differential, consider wither or not the patient is febrile or toxic in appearance
- Patients with an erythematous rash plus fever are also at high risk for having a deadly diagnosis
Management
Disposition
See Also
External Links
References
- ↑ Nguyen T and Freedman J. Dermatologic Emergencies: Diagnosing and Managing Life-Threatening Rashes. Emergency Medicine Practice. September 2002 volume 4 no 9.