Itchy skin and new rashes

Overview

A rash can look and feel different depending on its cause and your usual skin colour. Itching may occur with visible patches, raised areas or very little to see. Infection, irritation, inflammation and other conditions can overlap in appearance and symptoms.

Hives can appear as itchy raised patches that change or come and go. They are not always caused by a food allergy. Widespread or persistent itching also deserves assessment, especially when it affects sleep, has no obvious explanation or occurs during pregnancy.

By telephone

A telephone assessment can explore where the problem started, how it has spread and whether you feel unwell. Mention swelling, pain, fever and any difficulty breathing at the outset. Explain whether other people are affected and whether any medicines or skin products changed before the symptoms began.

For an ongoing problem, describe which areas are affected and how itching interrupts sleep, work or concentration. Have details of previous diagnoses and treatments ready. The discussion can help identify whether practical skin-care advice, a pharmacist or an in-person clinical assessment is the appropriate next step.

What cannot be done remotely

A phone call cannot inspect the texture, distribution or colour of a rash, feel its temperature or assess tenderness. Similar descriptions can represent different conditions. Examination and occasionally tests are needed before the cause and suitable management are clear.

Avoid assuming that every new rash is the same as a previous episode. Tell the clinician if it is painful, spreading quickly or associated with a new general illness. An allergy label should follow appropriate assessment rather than being inferred from itching alone.

What to prepare

• Note where symptoms began and how they changed.
• List new medicines, products and possible exposures.
• Mention fever, swelling, pain and whether anyone else has symptoms.
• Describe previous skin conditions and what has already been tried.

Sources

• NHS: itchy skin
• NHS: hives