1. Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures
2. Quiz: Can You Identify These Skin Conditions?
3. Gallery of Skin Problems and Images Collection

Medical Author:

Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Dr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles. He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency.

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Coauthor:

Craig A Manifold, DO

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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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's lamp (a source of long wavelength ultraviolet light)



• Skin scrapings to be examined under the microscope



• Fungal cultures



• Laboratory tests such as a blood sugar level or complete blood count

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