The Curbsiders Internal Medicine Podcast

#161 A Rash Approach to Rashes with Helena Pasieka MD

Jul 15, 2019
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Inside Job vs Outside Job Rashes

  • Dermatology can be approached by assessing if the rash is an "inside job" (systemic and symmetric) or an "outside job" (introduced externally and asymmetric).
  • This framework helps distinguish drug eruptions from contact dermatitis or infections based on rash symmetry and distribution.
ADVICE

Full Skin and Mucosa Exam Is Crucial

  • Always do a full skin exam including mucosal areas to assess severity of rashes, especially drug reactions.
  • Check oral, nasal, ocular, genital, and perianal mucosa to detect serious dermatologic emergencies.
ADVICE

Differentiate Hives from Morbilliform

  • Use a surgical marker to draw on a rash suspected to be urticarial and check if it changes shape or location in 24 hours.
  • Perform a dermatographism test with a cotton swab to differentiate hives from a morbilliform drug eruption; treat accordingly with antihistamines or steroids.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app