What is skin rash?

A rash is irritated or swollen skin. It involves many different features such as itchiness, redness, bumpiness, roughness, scaliness, swelling, and irritation. Every skin rash is different in characteristics and appearance. It can be a symptom of some types of cancer, a side effect of the cancer treatments, or other infections (shingles).

Always remember that not every disturbance is a rash. And not every skin rash is related to cancer.

How bad is my skin rash?

(Note: BSA or body surface area measures the total surface area of the body to calculate drug dosages and medical indicators or assessments. The Mosteller formula is the most commonly used formula in practice and in clinical trials. The formula takes the square root of the height (cm) multiplied by the weight (kg) divided by 3600).

Mild: It covers less than 10% BSA, which may or may not have features such as itchiness, redness, swelling.

Moderate: It covers around 10 – 30% BSA, which have moderate features such as itchiness, redness, swelling. It may limit instrumental activities of daily life (preparing meals, managing money, shopping, doing housework, and using a telephone).

Severe: It covers more than 30% BSA. Visit your doctor if you also have fever, swollen lymph nodes. and pain around affected area. It may limit self-care activities of daily life like eating, dressing, getting into or out of a bed or chair, taking a bath or shower, and using the toilet.

How to manage mild skin rash?

Keep track of your skin rash using Ankr (myAnkr web portal or the Ankr app). It will help you describe the problem to your doctor or nurse.

• Identify potential triggers for the rash and avoid them as much as possible.
• Carefully follow treatments your doctor prescribes. Use medicated lotions.
• Avoid scrubbing your skin.
• Use gentle cleansers
• Avoid applying cosmetic lotions or ointments directly on the rash.
• Use warm water for cleaning. Pat dry, don’t rub.
• Leave the affected area exposed to the air as much as possible.

How to manage moderate to severe skin rash?

Call your health care provider if you have following symptoms along with rash

• joint Pain (arthralgia)
• a sore throat
• red streaks or tender areas near the rash
• a recent tick bite or animal bite
• shortness of breath (dyspnea)

What are the causes?

• Chemicals in elastic, latex, and rubber products
• Cosmetics, soaps, and detergents
• Dyes and other chemicals in clothing
• Poison ivy, oak, or sumac
• Certain types of cancers (leukemia) and cancer treatments
• Medical conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, psoriasis and shingles.