Necrotizing rashes

Background

Rash Red Flags[1]

Dermatology Nomenclature

Small lesions (<0.5cm)

Name Raised/Palpable Fluid-Filled Other Description Diagram
Macule No None flat, cirumscribed, colored Macule.png
Papule Yes None Solid Papule.png
Vesicle Yes Clear Vesicles (2).png
Pustule Yes Pus Leukocytes or keratin Pustules.png

Large lesions (>0.5cm)

Name Raised/Palpable Fluid-Filled Other Description Diagram
Patch No None Large macule (flat, colored) Patch.png
Plaque Yes None Superficially raised, circumscribed solid area Plaque.png
Nodule Yes None Distinct large papule Nodules.png.png
Bulla Yes Clear Large vesicle/blister or exposed epidermal layer Bulla.png
Wheal Yes Edema Firm and edema of dermis

Other

Ulcer, fissue, and erosion

Clinical Features

Necrotizing rashes visual diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis

Necrotizing rashes

Evaluation

Management

  • Based on presumed cause

Disposition

  • Based on presumed cause

See Also

References

  1. Nguyen T and Freedman J. Dermatologic Emergencies: Diagnosing and Managing Life-Threatening Rashes. Emergency Medicine Practice. September 2002 volume 4 no 9.