rash
(rash 
)
[Fr. rasche, skin eruption]
A general term for any eruption that appears on the skin transiently (as opposed to durable skin lesions such as scars, tattoos, or moles). SYN: exanthem.
Patient Care: Assessments are made of the location and characteristics of the lesion: color; size (height and diameter); pattern, whether discrete or coalesced; and any secondary changes (crusting, scaling, lichenification). Associated symptoms such as pruritus or discomfort, temporal elements, history of known allergies, drugs used, and contacts with communicable diseases during prior 2-week period also are assessed. Suspected drugs are discontinued, and the potential communicable disease patient is isolated and assessed. Cool compresses are applied to relieve itching. Topical preparations and dressings are applied and systemic medications administered as prescribed. The patient is instructed to keep hand s clean and nails short and even, and to avoid scratching. The patient also is taught about the treatment regimen, its actions, and its side effects and evaluates for desired effects and side effects.
butterfly r.A rash on both cheeks joined by an extension across the bridge of the nose. It is seen in systemic lupus erythematosus, esp. after the patient's face has been exposed to sunlight, and in seborrheic dermatitis, tuberous sclerosis, and dermatomyositis.
SEE: discoid lupus erythematosus.
diaper r.Irritant contact dermatitis as a reaction to friction, maceration, and prolonged contact with urine, feces, soap retained in diapers, and topical preparations. A persistent diaper rash may be colonized by yeast or bacteria. SYN: diaper dermatitis .
Treatment is symptomatic. Diapers should be changed frequently. If washable cloth diapers are used, they should be thoroughly washed and rinsed; occlusive plastic pants should not be used over diapers; the perianal and genital areas should be washed with warm water and mild, nonperfumed soap. If these measures and the application of a bland protective agent (such as zinc oxide paste) do not promote healing, then a small amount of 0.5% to 1% topical hydrocortisone cream should be applied to the area after each diaper change until the rash has completely resolved.
ecchymotic r.Hemorrhagic rash.
gum r.A red papular eruption on an infant's chin and anterior chest area seen during teething. It is a form of miliaria due to excess saliva coming in contact with the skin. SYN: red rash ; tooth rash .
hemorrhagic r.A rash consisting chiefly of bleeding or bruising into or under the skin. SYN: ecchymotic rash .
macular r.A rash in which the lesions are flat and level with the surrounding skin.
maculopapular r.A rash in which there are discrete macular and papular lesions or a combination of both.
mercurial r.A rash caused by local application of mercurial preparations.
mulberry r.A dusky rash seen in typhus.
serum r.A pruritic hivelike rash (urticaria or angioedema) or a vasculitis (palpable purpura) that accompanies serum sickness, usually caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to drugs or immune globulins obtained from animals. Malaise, joint pains, fevers, and other symptoms may accompany the rash.
SEE: serum sickness.
splash r.Hot tub folliculitis.
sunburn-like r.A macular rash resembling the reddened skin characteristic of a severe sunburn.
SEE: exfoliative dermatitis ; toxic shock syndrome.