Rash and itchy skin: which doctor should I see?
A rash and itchy skin have many causes — from dry skin and allergy to infections and chronic skin conditions. Most are not dangerous, but they can badly disturb your sleep and daily life. Here you will learn what may be behind them, when it is urgent and which specialist to see.
Book a specialistWhen it is urgent
- A rash with sudden swelling of the lips, tongue or face, a tight throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, blue or pale lips or skin, sudden confusion, severe dizziness or fainting.
- Hot, swollen skin with a very high fever or chills, a fast heartbeat or fast breathing, dizziness or feeling faint, confusion, or cold, clammy or pale skin.
- A rash with a high fever and severe tiredness, or with confusion, fast breathing, severe dizziness or cold, pale skin.
- Dark red or purple spots that do not fade when pressed.
- A rash that spreads across the body after a new medicine or an infection, or a painful rash with blisters or peeling skin, sores in the mouth or sore eyes.
With these signs, seek emergency help — call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Call 112What it may mean
- Hives (urticaria) — raised, itchy patches that come and go; they can come from an allergy, but also from an infection, heat, cold or stress.
- Contact dermatitis — redness and itching where the skin has touched an irritant.
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema) — dry, red and itchy skin, often in the folds of the arms and legs.
- Psoriasis — red, scaly patches, often on the elbows, knees and scalp.
- An infection — fungal, bacterial or viral.
- Dry skin — itching, especially in winter.
Which specialist
How to prepare for the visit
Note when the rash appeared, where it started and whether it is linked to a food, a medicine, a cosmetic or contact with plants or animals. Take photos of the rash if it changes, and bring a list of the medicines you take. Do not put cream on the area on the day of the visit.
Frequently asked questions
When is a rash a reason for a visit?
When it does not pass within a few days, spreads, itches badly or keeps coming back. Book a visit without delay if the skin is painful, hot and swollen. In pregnancy, call your obstetrician today if the itching is severe or worse at night, or if your palms or soles itch.
Should I stop my creams before the visit?
Ask the doctor. It is usually better to put nothing on the skin on the day of the visit.
Dermatologist or allergist?
For a rash, spots or changes in the skin the first specialist is a dermatologist. For a rash after a food, a medicine or a sting, or with recurring allergies, an allergist.
This information does not replace a visit to a doctor.