Rash

The clinical appearance of a rash, a thorough history, and some knowledge of pathology of common conditions are necessary to make an accurate dermatological diagnosis. Certain rashes follow a typical pattern anatomically and aid the diagnosis. Other rashes are important markers of systemic disease and must be recognized in acute medical presentations.Skin problems are common, affecting up to one-third of the population during their lifetime. While most chronic skin diseases are not life threatening, many carry high morbidity related to discomfort, cosmetic embarrassment, social stigmatism and loss of work and earnings.This article explores the assessment of the patient with a dermatology condition, outlines the appropriate dermatological terminology to describe rashes and discusses common presentations of the acute, chronic and infective rashes with their appropriate treatments.