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

Medical Author:

Timothy J. Rupp, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

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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You must recognize these life-threatening skin rashes early and get the proper attention quickly. Call the doctor if your symptoms include any of the following:

• Rash
• Any rash that is sudden in onset and covers a large part of the body
• Any rash that occurs shortly after starting a new medication
• Any rash that starts either shortly after a flulike illness begins or a rash that starts after a flulike illness goes away
• Mouth sores: Any mouth sores that make it difficult to drink clear liquids
• Red eyes: Any sudden onset of red, inflamed eyes, accompanied by a rash or other illness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing

You should go to a hospital's emergency department if you have any of the following symptoms or signs:

• Rashes that begin to blister over large portions of the body surface or when large portions of skin begin to peel
• Fainting, or passing out
• Any mouth sores that are too painful to drink even small sips of liquids

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