What it means
A general word for a skin eruption. Rashes come from allergies, drug reactions, infections such as measlesMEE-zulzA very contagious illness caused by the measles virus; also called rubeola.Full entry and varicellavair-ih-SEL-uhA very contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus; also called chickenpox.Full entry , heat, irritants and autoimmune disease. Nurses describe them by color, shape, size, whether they are flat or raised, fluid-filled (vesicleVES-ih-kulA small, raised blister on the skin filled with clear fluid, less than 1 cm across.Full entry ), where they are on the body and whether they itch or hurt.
For the nurse
A new rash after starting a drug is reported before the next dose. A rash with fever, blistering or peeling skin, or mouth sores can be a serious drug reaction, and a rash with swelling or wheezing can be anaphylaxis.
At a glance
| Spanish | erupción, sarpullido |
|---|---|
| Also written | rashes |
Related terms
lesion
An area of tissue that has been damaged or has changed from normal, such as a sore, wound, lump or spot.
erythema
Redness of the skin caused by more blood flowing in the small vessels near the surface.
allergic reaction
A harmful response of the immune system to a substance that is harmless to most people.
vesicle
A small, raised blister on the skin filled with clear fluid, less than 1 cm across.