Rash and itching — which specialty
Raised spots, red patches, or widespread itching.
Usually seen by
Dermatology
Other directions, depending on what comes with it:
- Allergy and immunology — if it recurs and food or medicines are suspected
Not sure you have picked the right one? Start with general internal medicine — routing you to the right place is their job, not yours.
Go now, without waiting for an appointment, if any of these apply
- A rash with swelling of the lips or tongue, or breathlessness — this is an emergency
- A rash with high fever and feeling very unwell
- Skin blistering or peeling in large areas
- A rash that appeared after starting a new medicine
This list is not exhaustive and does not replace judgement on the spot. If something is clearly wrong and you are unsure, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest facility — waiting in order to be certain is the most dangerous way to spend the time.
What you will be asked — have the answers ready
- Where it started and how it spread
- Whether it itches, and when the itching is worst
- What has changed recently: medicines, cosmetics, soap, food, where you live
- Whether anyone at home has the same
- What you have already applied to it
A first appointment is short. Having these answers ready is the cheapest way to avoid a second visit that exists only to supply information.
Bring with you
- Photographs from when it first appeared — skin changes fast, and a photograph cannot be replaced
- The packaging of everything you have put on the skin
- A list of medicines with the dates you started them
What a first visit usually involves
- Examination of the whole skin, not only the area you point to
- Possibly dermoscopy or a sample
- Allergy testing if indicated