Exams and Tests

The doctor will take your medical history and give you a physical examination. In most cases, the doctor will begin treatment on a trial basis. If the diagnosis remains in question or the rash does not respond to the initial treatment, the doctor will perform laboratory tests to aid in the diagnosis.

• Your history should include the following:
  
  
  • Any medical conditions you may have
    
    
  • Questions regarding all current symptoms, including these:
    
    
    • Excessive thirst
      
      
    • Excessive urination
      
      
    • Fever
      
      
    • When the rash began
      
      
    • Infections or rashes you had before
    
    
  • Current and past medication history including any treatments you tried at home
    
    
  • Social history includes the following:
    
    
    • Sexual history
      
      
    • HIV status
      
      
    • Gym or sports activity
      
      
    • Use of communal pool or whirlpool
      
      
    • Pets
    
    
  • Travel history including any recent vacations, camping activities, and military reserve training
  
  
• A thorough physical examination should include the following:
  
  
  • Vital signs
    
    
  • Examination of all skin areas including areas not involved such as these:
    
    
    • Armpits
      
      
    • Under the breast
      
      
    • Feet
      
      
    • For women, the vaginal area
  
  
• Tests that may be performed include these:
  
  
  • Examination of your skin with a Wood lamp
    
    
  • Skin scrapings to be examined under the microscope
    
    
  • Fungal cultures
    
    
  • Laboratory tests such as a blood sugar level or complete blood count