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Skin Problems (Rashes, Itching & When to Get Checked)

Rashes, itching, dry skin, hives, sunburn, bites, skin infections, acne and skin-cancer warning signs — how to tell the everyday from the urgent, what helps at home, and when a rash needs a clinician the same day or an emergency room.

Call 911 or go to an emergency room if a rash comes with:

  • Trouble breathing, or sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat. The NHS (the UK health service) lists these signs of a serious allergic reaction: swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue; very fast or struggling breathing; a tight throat or trouble swallowing; blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue; sudden confusion or dizziness; fainting. A swollen, raised or itchy rash may come with them, and the reaction may need immediate hospital treatment (NHS, hives). If you have an adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector, use it, call for an ambulance and lie down, and do not stand or walk even if you feel better (NHS, anaphylaxis). Where the NHS says 999, in the U.S. call 911.
  • Blistering or peeling skin, or a swollen or sore mouth, eyes, lips or face. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare, serious skin reaction, usually caused by certain medicines, that needs hospital treatment. The NHS says to get emergency help for a spreading rash, or painful, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin, after an infection or a new medicine (NHS, Stevens-Johnson syndrome).
  • A rash that does not fade when pressed, especially with fever, a severe headache, a stiff neck or a very ill feeling. The NHS lists a rash that does not fade under a firmly pressed clear glass as a possible sign of meningitis and says to get emergency help. On brown or black skin, check paler areas such as the palms, soles, roof of the mouth, whites of the eyes or inside the eyelids (NHS, meningitis).
  • Red, hot, swollen, painful skin with a very high temperature or shivering, a fast heartbeat or fast breathing, dizziness, confusion, purple patches, or cold, clammy or pale skin. These are signs that cellulitis, a skin infection, has become life-threatening (NHS, cellulitis).

Get same-day care for skin that is painful, hot and swollen, especially if it is spreading or you have a fever; early antibiotics can stop cellulitis becoming serious (NHS). See our Cellulitis guide. Not an emergency, but do not wait: a new mole, a mole that changes, or a sore that does not heal (NCI, CDC). See Checking your skin.

What counts as a “skin problem”?

Skin holds in body fluids, keeps out germs, senses heat, cold and pain, helps control body temperature and makes vitamin D in sunlight. MedlinePlus lists acne, burns, cuts, dandruff, eczema, hives, insect bites, psoriasis, skin cancer and infections among common skin conditions (MedlinePlus, skin conditions). A rash, an area of irritated or swollen skin, is a symptom of many different problems, so MedlinePlus says to work out what kind you have before you treat it, and to see a provider if it is bad, does not go away, or comes with other symptoms (MedlinePlus, rashes). This guide is a map, not a diagnosis. Redness is harder to see on brown and Black skin; see Rashes on brown and Black skin.

Itchy skin

The NHS says itchy skin is not usually serious, can often be treated yourself, and usually goes away within a few weeks. It suggests patting instead of scratching, a cool damp towel, cool or lukewarm baths, a regular unperfumed moisturizer, short smooth nails, loose cotton or silk clothing and sensitive-skin laundry products, and advises against tight, woolly or synthetic clothes, long baths and perfumed products. See a clinician if itch affects daily life, does not improve or keeps returning, comes with a new rash, lump or swelling, is all over the body or severe, or happens in pregnancy; occasionally it signals thyroid, liver or kidney problems (NHS, itchy skin, MedlinePlus, itching).

Dry skin and moisturizers

Emollients are moisturizers that cover the skin with a protective film to trap in moisture, as lotions, sprays, creams or ointments; ointments are the greasiest, for very dry skin. The NHS says everyday soaps and shower gels usually dry skin out, and suggests a leave-on emollient as a soap substitute, applied right after washing once skin is patted dry. Some people react with stinging that does not settle, clogged follicles or face rashes that aggravate acne (NHS, emollients). Emollient-soaked fabrics burn more easily, so keep away from naked flames and do not smoke (NHS, atopic eczema).

Contact dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis

Contact dermatitis is eczema triggered by a substance touching the skin: itchy, blistered, dry, cracked skin, usually within hours or days, most often on the hands and face. Most cases come from irritants such as soaps, detergents or frequent water contact; allergic cases can come from cosmetics or nickel. Finding and avoiding the cause usually clears it (NHS, contact dermatitis). Poison ivy, oak and sumac are a familiar example: their oily sap causes a blistering rash (MedlinePlus, poison ivy). Rashes that keep returning may need patch testing. See our Eczema and Psoriasis guides. The NHS says eczema that is blistered, crusty, leaking, painful or warm, or suddenly worse, with a fever, needs urgent care because it may be infected or may be eczema herpeticum (NHS, atopic eczema); and psoriasis that quickly turns red with pus-filled bumps needs emergency care (NHS, psoriasis).

Hives

Hives are itchy, raised red bumps or patches that can appear anywhere and usually settle within a few days. Triggers include foods, plants, latex, cold, hot sweaty skin, medicines, insect stings, pressure and infection (NHS, hives). MedlinePlus adds that hives are usually an allergic reaction to a drug or food and, rarely, cause dangerous airway swelling (MedlinePlus, hives). The NHS says to get urgent care if hives last beyond 2 days, spread, keep returning, come with a fever, or come with swelling under the skin (angioedema) (NHS). See our Hives and Allergies guides.

Sunburn

Sunburn is skin damage from too much sun and usually heals within about a week. The NHS suggests getting out of the sun, cooling the skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel, an aftersun or unperfumed moisturizer, plenty of water, and covering the burn. It says not to use petroleum jelly or ice, pop blisters or pick at peeling skin. Get urgent care for blistered or swollen skin, a very high temperature, shivering, feeling very tired, dizzy or sick, headache or cramps, or a burned baby or young child, because severe sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke (NHS, sunburn). See Sun protection, and our Burns guide for other burns.

Bites, stings and scabies

Most insect bites are not serious, but they can become infected, cause serious allergic reactions or spread illness such as Lyme disease. The NHS says to scrape off a stinger sideways rather than use tweezers, remove a tick with fine-tipped tweezers close to the skin, wash the area, use a cold pack for swelling, an antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream for itch, and not to scratch or use home remedies such as bicarbonate of soda. A tick bite followed by flu-like symptoms or a bullseye rash needs a doctor (NHS, insect bites). See Insect Bites and Lyme Disease.

Scabies is an itchy mite rash spread by close skin contact: intense itch, worse at night, and a raised rash, common between the fingers. It has nothing to do with poor hygiene, can take up to 8 weeks to appear, and needs everyone in the household treated at once; itch can linger a few weeks after the mites die (NHS, scabies).

Fungal skin infections

Fungi cause athlete’s foot and yeast infections, and are more likely to infect you if your immune system is weak or you take antibiotics. Skin infections can be treated with medicine applied directly (MedlinePlus, fungal infections). Ringworm, which is not caused by worms, is a scaly, itchy, often ring-shaped rash. The NHS says to ask a pharmacist first, to see a doctor if it does not improve, is on the scalp or you have a weak immune system, and not to share towels or bedding (NHS, ringworm). See Athlete’s Foot and Candida.

Bacterial skin infections: impetigo, boils and cellulitis

  • Impetigo is very contagious but not usually serious: red sores or blisters that burst and leave golden-brown crusts, often around the nose and mouth. A pharmacist or doctor can prescribe hydrogen peroxide cream or antibiotics, and it stops being contagious 48 hours after treatment starts (NHS, impetigo). It is usually caused by staph bacteria and most common at ages two to six (MedlinePlus, impetigo).
  • Boils are hard, painful, pus-filled lumps. A warm cloth helps; do not pick, squeeze or pierce. See a doctor urgently for a boil on the face, hot, painful, swollen surrounding skin, fever, or a weakened immune system (NHS, boils).
  • Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and deeper tissue treated with antibiotics (MedlinePlus, cellulitis). Skin is painful, hot and swollen; redness may be less obvious on brown or black skin. Risks include poor circulation, diabetes or a weak immune system, lymphedema and surgical wounds (NHS, cellulitis). See Cellulitis and Lymphedema.

Viral infections have their own guides: Shingles (a one-sided blistering rash near the eye or nose, or with vision changes, needs urgent care (NHS, shingles)), Cold Sores, Herpes and Warts.

Acne basics

Acne is a common skin disease in which clogged hair follicles form pimples, mainly in teens and young adults. Hormones probably play a role; there is little evidence that foods matter much for most people, dirt does not cause it, and stress can make it worse (MedlinePlus, acne). The NHS suggests twice-daily gentle washing, non-comedogenic products, and not picking or scrubbing, and says to see a clinician if self-treatment fails, spots are deep, painful or scarring, skin looks infected, or acne affects your mental health (NHS, acne).

Skin cancer warning signs

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Basal and squamous cell cancers are the most common and can usually be cured; melanoma is less common but more likely to spread (NCI, CDC). People of all skin colors can get it (NCI). The ABCDE checklist is in Checking your skin.

Wounds and pressure injuries

Most cuts and grazes can be treated at home: press to stop bleeding, rinse with clean water and cover. The NHS advises urgent care for a wound with dirt or pus, an animal or human bite, growing redness, swelling and pain, or a cut larger than about 5 cm (2 inches), and emergency care for bleeding that will not stop, loss of feeling, or something stuck in the wound (NHS, cuts and grazes). Pressure sores form over bony areas in people who have trouble moving; early signs are patches that do not change color when pressed, or skin that feels warm, spongy or hard. Changing position regularly is key, and hot, swollen or red skin, pus, fever or worsening pain need urgent care (NHS, pressure ulcers); they can cause serious infections (MedlinePlus, pressure sores). See Bed Sores.

When to see a doctor: if a rash is bad, will not go away, keeps coming back or comes with other symptoms (MedlinePlus). Your primary care clinician can often help and may refer you to a dermatologist if the cause is unclear or treatment is not working (NHS).

Side by side

Six approaches compared

For every condition we look at the same six approaches: what each involves, what it typically costs, and what a patient can realistically expect.

ApproachWhat it involves Estimated costWhat to expect
Conventional medicine (AMA) Working out the cause (exam, sometimes a swab, biopsy or patch test); moisturizers; over-the-counter creams such as hydrocortisone-type steroid creams, antihistamines, antifungals, and acne washes and gels; prescription steroid creams, antibiotics, antifungals and antivirals; acne medicines; light therapy; and surgery for skin cancer. Per The Pricer: about $150 to $350 for a new-patient dermatologist visit paying cash; follow-ups posted at $100 to $199; a biopsy and lab are billed separately (one example: $175 plus $100); online dermatology reviews from about $89. Creams and medicines: cost estimate being researched. Many rashes and bites settle in days to weeks with simple care. Infections need the right medicine, and the earlier the better. A mole or sore that does not heal needs a clinician, because skin cancer found early is easier to treat.
Chiropractic No role in treating skin problems. Chiropractic care focuses on the spine and joints; a chiropractor who notices a suspicious spot should refer you to a doctor. Not applicable to skin problems. For reference, about $55 to $100 for a self-pay follow-up visit and $90 to $200 for a first visit, per The Pricer. Medicare covers only spinal adjustments to correct a subluxation. We found little research: one single-patient eczema case report. The NCCIH says high-quality research on spinal manipulation for non-musculoskeletal conditions is scarce, with no clear benefit shown.
Acupuncture Needle acupuncture, mostly studied for chronic hives, atopic dermatitis itch and acne. About $90 to $185 per follow-up visit and up to about $230 for a first private visit, per The Pricer; community clinics about $50 to $90. Medicare covers acupuncture only for chronic low back pain. Mixed. In chronic hives, a large trial found better scores than sham or waiting but not a clinically meaningful difference. Small, low-quality studies suggest help for eczema itch; a sham-controlled acne trial found none. Not for infected, broken or rashy skin.
Herbal medicine Colloidal oatmeal, aloe gel and tea tree oil are the best known. None replaces diagnosis. Cost estimate being researched. Colloidal oatmeal products are a recognized over-the-counter itch reliever. Aloe gel may speed burn healing; tea tree oil needs more evidence for acne. Natural does not mean harmless: they can cause rashes, and some herbal creams have contained hidden steroids.
Massage therapy Relaxation massage on healthy skin; gentle parent massage with moisturizer has been studied for children’s eczema. One national chain: about $125 to $160 for a 60-minute massage for non-members and about $65 to $90 for an additional member session, per The Pricer. Prices vary by location. Medicare does not cover massage. No role in treating skin problems in general. One small study found parent massage plus standard care eased children’s eczema. Skip any rash, wound, sunburn or infected skin.
MBHA Wellness Coach Building habits: a daily moisturizing routine, fragrance-free products, trigger and symptom notes to share with your clinician, sun protection, checking your skin, and following through on treatment. Cost estimate being researched. Good habits help skin heal and flare less and may catch problems earlier. A coach supports your care and never replaces a clinician for the warning signs above.

Approach 1 of 6

Conventional medicine (AMA)

Treatment depends on the cause, so the first step is working out what the problem is. We list no strengths or doses; follow your clinician and the label.

1. Finding the cause

A clinician looks at the skin and asks about symptoms and what you have touched or taken (NHS, contact dermatitis diagnosis). A swab can identify the germ in impetigo that keeps coming back (NHS), and blood tests may help find the cause of itchy skin (NHS). If skin cancer is suspected, a biopsy removes all or part of the growth for a pathologist to examine (NCI). For repeated allergic rashes, see Patch testing.

2. Moisturizers

Emollients are the base of treatment for dry, itchy or scaly skin, including eczema and psoriasis. If you also use a steroid cream, the NHS advises waiting 20 to 30 minutes between the two (NHS, emollients).

3. Over-the-counter products, by class

4. Prescription treatments, by class

5. Light therapy and tanning beds

Phototherapy is a medical treatment your dermatologist would decide on. Separately, the CDC advises avoiding indoor tanning beds and booths (CDC), and the NCI lists tanning-bed light among skin cancer risk factors (NCI). MBHA suggests never using a tanning bed as a stand-in for medical treatment.

6. Skin cancer treatment

Surgery is the first treatment for every stage of melanoma (MedlinePlus, melanoma). Treatment is more likely to work well when cancer is found early (MedlinePlus, skin cancer).

Who to see

A pharmacist, primary care clinician or urgent care can handle many problems; a dermatologist treats unclear, persistent or serious ones.

What it costs

The Pricer finds a cash starting budget of about $150 to $350 for a new-patient dermatologist visit; follow-ups in its examples were $100 to $199. Procedures are priced separately: one practice posts $175 for a first biopsy plus $100 for pathology, making an example total of $450 with the visit. Online reviews posted at $89 and $95 or less cannot take a tissue sample (The Pricer). Medicines and creams: cost estimate being researched.

How well it works — what to expect

Most simple rashes and bites settle in days. Impetigo often improves within days of treatment and most people recover from cellulitis in 7 to 10 days (NHS, NHS). Eczema and psoriasis cannot be cured but can be managed (NHS, NHS).

Find a medical doctor in our directory

Approach 2 of 6

Chiropractic

Chiropractic care has no role in treating skin problems. The NCCIH says only a small amount of high-quality research has looked at spinal manipulation for conditions other than musculoskeletal problems; a 2021 review found only 6 acceptable-quality studies of 534 participants for conditions such as high blood pressure or menstrual cramps, and none showed a clear benefit (NCCIH). We searched PubMed and found little research on chiropractic for skin conditions: a 1999 report of one patient with eczema who improved during seven weekly treatments, which the authors say needs more research (case report, Australasian Chiropractic & Osteopathy). One case cannot show that chiropractic helped.

What a chiropractor can do for you

  • Care for the back, neck or joint pain you may also have.
  • Notice and refer. A 2025 review says chiropractors and physical therapists may encounter skin lesions and should know when to refer to a specialist (we read only the abstract) (review, Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association). MBHA suggests showing your chiropractor any new, changing or non-healing spot.

What it costs

For reference only: The Pricer lists about $55 to $100 for a self-pay follow-up visit and about $90 to $200 for a first visit (The Pricer). Medicare covers only adjustments of the spine to correct a subluxation (Medicare.gov).

Find a chiropractor in our directory

Approach 3 of 6

Acupuncture

Acupuncture research on the skin is a mixed picture, mostly from China, and we read only the abstracts.

What the research says

Safety

The NCCIH says relatively few complications are reported, but they have resulted from nonsterile needles and improper treatment and include infections; the FDA requires acupuncture needles to be sterile and single-use (NCCIH). MBHA suggests telling your practitioner about any rash, wound or suspicious spot, and not needling infected or broken skin.

What it costs

The Pricer lists about $90 to $185 per follow-up visit and up to about $230 for a first private visit, with community clinics around $50 to $90 (The Pricer). Medicare covers acupuncture only for chronic low back pain (Medicare.gov).

Find an acupuncturist in our directory

Approach 4 of 6

Herbal medicine

No herb replaces a diagnosis. Here is what the evidence says about the best-known ones; we list no strengths.

What the research says

  • Colloidal oatmeal. The FDA’s nonprescription skin protectant rules allow colloidal oatmeal products to say they temporarily protect and help relieve minor skin irritation and itching due to rashes, eczema, poison ivy, oak or sumac, and insect bites (eCFR, 21 CFR Part 347). In a small 2015 study of 29 women with dry, itchy lower legs, a colloidal oatmeal lotion improved dryness, scaling, roughness and itch (study, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology).
  • Aloe vera gel. The NCCIH says research suggests it may speed burn healing and reduce burn pain, two small studies suggest it may help acne alongside other treatment, and there is not enough information to say whether it helps eczema. Skin reactions such as burning, itching or rash are occasionally reported (NCCIH).
  • Tea tree oil. The NCCIH says a small amount of research suggests it might help acne and athlete’s foot, more studies are needed, and it should never be swallowed; skin redness or irritation can occur (NCCIH). A 2023 review of trials rated the research quality poor to modest and said more evidence is needed for acne (review, Frontiers in Pharmacology).

Safety

“Natural” does not mean safe. Essential oils and plant products can cause rashes. In a survey, massage therapists who used aromatherapy products were more likely to report hand dermatitis (survey, Archives of Dermatology). In a small 1999 analysis, 8 of 11 Chinese herbal creams obtained from dermatology clinic patients contained a steroid (analysis, BMJ). Patch-test a new product on a small area first (an MBHA suggestion), and do not put home remedies on infected, blistered or burned skin. The NHS even advises against bicarbonate of soda on bites (NHS).

What it costs

Herbal and oatmeal products: cost estimate being researched.

Approach 5 of 6

Massage therapy

Massage is not a treatment for skin problems in general. The NCCIH describes it as studied for pain conditions such as low-back, neck and shoulder pain, knee osteoarthritis and headache, and does not list skin conditions (NCCIH).

What the research says

In a small 1998 study, young children with eczema whose parents massaged them for 20 minutes a day for a month, in addition to standard care, improved on redness, scaling, thickened skin, scratch marks and itch, while the standard-care group improved only on scaling (study, Pediatric Dermatology). That is one old, small study, so treat it as an idea to discuss with your child’s clinician.

If you book a massage anyway

  • Tell the therapist about any rash, wound, sunburn or infection; MBHA suggests they work around it. The NCCIH says harm from massage appears low but rare serious effects have been reported (NCCIH).
  • If you have eczema or sensitive skin, MBHA suggests asking for a fragrance-free oil or lotion; the survey above linked aromatherapy products to hand dermatitis in therapists.

What it costs

For reference only: one national chain lists a 60-minute massage at about $125 to $160 for non-members and about $65 to $90 for an additional member session; prices vary by location (The Pricer). Medicare does not cover massage therapy (Medicare.gov).

Find a massage therapist in our directory

Approach 6 of 6

MBHA Wellness Coach

An MBHA Wellness Coach can help you build habits that protect your skin and make it easier to follow through on treatment. Coaches support your care and never diagnose or replace a clinician.

Daily skin habits

Know your triggers

For contact dermatitis, identifying and avoiding the cause is the way to clear it (NHS). A simple diary of new products, foods, medicines, plants and flares (an MBHA suggestion) gives your clinician clues. Rinse skin soon after contact with an irritant or allergen and use gloves, taking them off now and then because sweating can worsen symptoms (NHS).

Protect and check

  • Practice sun protection (below) and check your skin regularly for changes, using a mirror or a helper for hard-to-see spots (NHS).
  • If you or someone you care for is at risk of pressure sores, change position often and check skin every day (NHS).
  • Keep cuts, scratches and bites clean, and treat skin conditions such as eczema and scabies, to lower the chance of impetigo (NHS).

Care for the whole person

The NHS notes that acne can affect mental health, causing anxiety, depression and low self-esteem (NHS). If a skin condition weighs on your mood, tell your clinician, and a coach can help you plan the next step.

Another approach

Sun protection and tanning

The CDC says most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds. Its advice: stay in the shade when the UV Index is 3 or higher; wear clothing covering your arms and legs, a wide-brimmed hat and wraparound sunglasses that block UVA and UVB; use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher on exposed skin; and avoid indoor tanning beds and booths (CDC).

The FDA adds: limit time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every two hours, more often if sweating or swimming; and do not forget the ears, nose, lips, back of the neck, hands, tops of feet and hairline. No sunscreen is “waterproof.” Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under six months, who should be kept out of the sun. Discard expired sunscreen, and never spray an aerosol directly on the face or near flames (FDA, sunscreen).

For honesty: the NCI says it is not known whether sunscreen, staying out of the sun or protective clothing lowers nonmelanoma skin cancer risk, because not enough studies have been done, and it has not been proven that sunscreen protects against melanoma. Sunscreen does prevent sunburn and precancerous actinic keratoses, and skin experts still suggest it, along with limiting midday sun and covering up (NCI, skin cancer prevention).

Another approach

Checking your skin: moles, sores and skin cancer

A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer: a new growth, a sore that does not heal, or a change in a mole (CDC).

Melanoma: the ABCDE checklist

  • Asymmetrical: the two halves look different.
  • Border: irregular or jagged edges.
  • Color: uneven, more than one color.
  • Diameter: usually larger than 6 millimeters per the NCI; larger than a pea per the CDC.
  • Evolving: changing in size, shape or color.

(NCI; CDC.) The NCI adds that a mole that itches, oozes, bleeds or ulcerates should be checked. The NHS says melanomas can also appear on the soles, palms, under a nail, or on the eyes or genitals, and a new or unusual mark that has not gone away after a few weeks should be checked (NHS, melanoma symptoms).

Basal and squamous cell cancers

The NCI lists a sore that does not heal; raised, shiny, pearly areas; firm, scar-like white, yellow or waxy areas; raised red or reddish-brown areas; and scaly, bleeding or crusty areas, most often on the nose, ears, lower lip or backs of the hands (NCI). The NHS says to get a growth that hurts, itches, bleeds, crusts or scabs for more than 4 weeks checked (NHS, non-melanoma symptoms). The CDC lists lighter skin, skin that burns easily, many moles, past sunburns or tanning, family or personal history and older age as risk factors (CDC).

Do screening exams help?

The NCI says skin exams to screen for skin cancer have not been shown to decrease deaths, and lists risks: false alarms, missed cancers and biopsy scarring. Phone apps that evaluate spots need more study (NCI, skin cancer screening). That is not a reason to ignore a worrying spot; the NHS says finding melanoma early can make it easier to treat (NHS, moles).

Another approach

Rashes on brown and Black skin

NHS pages often note that redness is harder to see on brown and black skin. Hives and bites may be hard to see, and sunburn may show no color change (NHS, hives, NHS, sunburn). Cellulitis may look less red, psoriasis can look grey with dark marks afterwards, contact dermatitis can look dark brown, purple or grey, and acne bumps may look brown or purple (NHS, cellulitis, NHS, psoriasis, NHS, contact dermatitis, NHS, acne). With bites the lump may be hard to see but you should be able to feel it (NHS). MBHA suggests also paying attention to pain, heat, swelling and fever, which do not depend on skin color.

Another approach

Patch testing for allergic rashes

If a rash keeps returning and an allergy to something touching your skin is suspected, the NHS says patch testing is the best way to test for a reaction. Tiny amounts of known allergens are taped to the back, sometimes the upper arms. After 2 days the patches are removed and the skin checked, and it is usually examined again 2 days later because most allergic contact reactions take that long to develop (NHS, contact dermatitis diagnosis). A dermatologist may be involved if the cause cannot be identified or symptoms are not responding (NHS).

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Sources

This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Costs are typical U.S. ranges and estimates; yours will depend on your provider, location and insurance. Talk with your doctor before starting, stopping or combining any treatment. In an emergency, call 911. See our disclaimer.

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