When to go to the ER: Fever with a rash
Rashes and fevers are probably the most common conditions out there and chances are we have experienced them at one time or the other. When they occur individually, fever and rashes are usually nothing to worry about. Individually, most rashes are usually self-limited, as per discussions on the same over at frontlineer.com, which means that they will usually resolve themselves within no time; they are also usually not that dangerous. The same applies to fever, which also in most cases is usually nothing to worry too much about, and especially not something to go to the ER over. However, when these two symptoms, which individually may not be that serious, occur together, then it may be worth taking a closer look at the situation as it may be a sign of a more serious or even life-threatening condition. These is because there are a number of serious and life-threatening diseases which usually cause a fever with a rash. This article, with the help if the gurus over at frontlineer.com, will look to take a closer look at these conditions and diseases as well as highlight how you can recognize them, to allow you to get prompt treatment for the same and avoid poor outcomes.
One of the conditions that usually brings about a fever with a rash and is extremely dangerous is toxic epidermal necrolysis, TEN. As per the subject matter experts over at frontlineer.com, while the exact cause of this condition is unknown, it is thought to be as a result of a severe allergic reaction to certain medications especially sulfa-containing and penicillin-containing antibiotics as well as medications given for seizures, or infections such as herpes, hepatitis, bacterial infections among others; all of which are covered in detail over at frontlineer.com. While TEN can occur in all age groups, it is usually common in those between the ages of 20-40 years old and is also known to affect men twice as often as women. Early signs of TEN include a fever, muscle and joint pain, fatigue as well as an itching or burning sensation in the skin. The rash will then develop, starting in the mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth, although it may occur in other mucous membranes in severe cases. The rash due to TEN usually has a white, purple or bluish center surrounded by a circle of red. The rash usually develops on the feet, hands and the front of the arms and legs. If you notice such signs indicating that your fever and rash is due to TEN, then you should head over to the ER, like the highly rated frontlineer.com, as soon as possible to be attended to.
Your fever with a rash may also be as a result of toxic shock syndrome, TSS, which is yet another very serious condition. As per discussions on the same over at frontlineer.com, this is usually as a result of underlying infection by certain strains of Staphylococcus bacteria where bacterial toxins are released into the bloodstream leading to organ damage. TSS came into the public eye in the 1970s and 80s when super-absorbent tampons were introduced to the market. These tampons served to support the growth of Staphylococcus bacteria, and while mortality rates due to menstrual-related TSS have dropped to less than 5%, the occurrence rates remain pretty much unchanged and as such it is important to know its signs so that you can go to the ER as soon as possible. Superficial skin infections, surgical wound infections, infections after child birth among others can also cause TSS. TSS usually affects teens and young adults, that is, those between the ages of 15 to 34. The skin rash usually develops about 2 days after the onset of symptoms such as a fever greater than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, headache, fatigue and sore throat develop, as discussed over at the excellent frontlineer.com. One may also develop swelling in the joints or eyelids. The rash due to TSS is usually red and diffuse and may cover most or even all of the body. The rash also doesn’t lead to raising of the skin, which remains flat and without bumps or blisters. Additional symptoms will also depend on the organ system affected, for instance one may experience confusion and disorientation if the brain has been affected. If you notice signs of TSS, you should also head over to the ER as soon as possible.
Another serious condition that may bring about a fever with a rash is meningococcemia, which is a blood infection caused by Neisseria meningitis. It is an infection more common in young adults and is spread through sneezing, coughing or contaminated surface, although there is a vaccine that can be administered for prevention. Given, as discussed in frontlineer.com, that the condition may also affect the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord, the meninges, this infection should always be taken seriously. Symptoms usually occur about 2 weeks after exposure and they include fever, low blood pressure as well as a purple rash mostly on the extremities which is non-blanchable, that is, it is unaffected by manual pressure. The condition leads to multiple organ failure and is a medical emergency. If you notice such signs and haven’t gotten the vaccination against the infection, you should head over to the ER as soon as possible. Other serious conditions that may cause a fever with a rash include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is caused by a small microorganism known as a Rickettsia and is transmitted to humans through the bite of a hard shell tick, as well as necrotizing fasciitis, all of which are discussed in detail over at the excellent frontlineer.com.
Remember, for more information on all the above conditions, head over to the highly rated frontlineer.com.
