rash

(rash)

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[Fr. rasche, skin eruption]
A general term for any eruption that appears on the skin transiently (as opposed to durable skin lesions such as scars, tattoos, or moles).
SYN: SEE: exanthem

PATIENT CARE
Assessments are made of the location and characteristics of the lesion: color; size (height and diameter); pattern, whether discrete or coalesced; and any secondary changes (crusting, scaling, lichenification). Associated symptoms such as pruritus or discomfort, temporal elements, history of known allergies, drugs used, and contacts with communicable diseases during prior 2-week period also are assessed. Suspected drugs are discontinued, and the potential communicable disease patient is isolated and assessed. Cool compresses are applied to relieve itching. Topical preparations and dressings are applied and systemic medications administered as prescribed. The patient is instructed to keep hands clean and nails short and even, and to avoid scratching. The patient also is taught about the treatment regimen, its actions, and its side effects and evaluates for desired effects and side effects.

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