Skin rashes range from occasional minor annoyances to symptoms of more serious health conditions. Before your appointment with your physician or dermatologist, you can help your successful diagnosis by doing the following:
Make Observations
It will help your doctor properly diagnose your skin rashes if you keep a mental note of all of the changes in the rashes. Tell your doctor how long the rash has been present on your skin, if it got any larger since first appearing and whether or not you can think of any particular factors that may have caused it. Rashes that appear and disappear as well as the circumstances under which they do so can also be important.
Take note if any lotions, creams or perfumes may have caused the rash. Rashes can also be caused by exposure to sun, heat or laundry detergent, among other things. Skin rashes can even be caused by stress.
Prep for the Appointment
The day of your appointment, do not wear lotions, creams, ointments or perfumes on your skin. Wash your skin with a scent-free soap and wear loose, comfortable clothing so that your doctor can freely access the skin. Leave jewelry and watches at home, and do not get any new tattoos before your appointment.
If a skin irritation lasts for more than seven days, you should definitely see a medical professional to rule out serious conditions. Skin rashes can be caused by a number of factors, so properly preparing for your appointment can help your doctor rule out some incorrect causes.
