Skin Changes

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first:

• A rash that may be caused by an allergic reaction: Go to the topic Allergic Reaction.
• A bump, sore, or ulcer in or around the mouth: Go to the topic Mouth Problems, Noninjury or Toothache and Gum Problems.
• A boil, swollen gland, or other lump under the skin: Go to the topic Swollen Glands and Other Lumps Under the Skin.
• A bump, sore, or ulcer on the genitals or around the anus: Go to the topics:
  • Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
  • Male Genital Problems and Injuries.
  • Rectal Problems.
• A blister: Go to the topic Blisters.
• An insect bite or sting: Go to the topic Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites.
• A red bump that develops within weeks of a known tick bite: Go to the topic Tick Bites.

Yes	Do you think you have a skin infection?
Yes	Have you had changes in a mole or other colored skin spot?
Yes	Do you think that your skin changes may be caused by a medicine?
Yes	Does your skin look yellow?
Yes	Do you have irritation in or around a skin bump, spot, growth, or mole?
Yes	Are you worried about or embarrassed by a skin bump, spot, or growth?
Yes	Do you think that your skin changes are related to pregnancy?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• A bump on the toe, foot, or heel: Go to the topic Toe, Foot, and Ankle Problems, Noninjury.
• A bump on the finger, hand, or wrist: Go to the topic Finger, Hand, and Wrist Problems, Noninjury.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: July 10, 2007
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
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