Macular rash is a type of skin rash which is indicative of underlying problem. It is seen in the form of tiny red spots on some areas of the skin. Generally macular rashes will not need any treatment but if it persists for more than 2 weeks, then it is better to visit your doctor. When the rashes appear with raised areas of red patches it is called as macular papular rash. It is quite common to get these rashes due to the underlying medical problem like measles and syphilis. When the immune system gets weakened, it can show in the form of rash on the skin.
Symptoms of macular rash are soft red spots which is itchy and hot. Your doctor is the right person to examine the rash and treat for the underlying illness. Sometimes intake of certain strong medications can cause rash due to side effect of the drug. This is due to the allergic reaction of the medicines and will settle down if the intake of drug is stopped. Macular rashes also appear due to sunburn and exposure to insect bites. Topical ointments can eliminate macular rash and provide quick relief. In rare anti inflammatory drugs are taken if the area develops swelling with irritation. Wearing loose clothes can bring down the pain and swelling. You can try bathing with baking soda before visiting the doctor.
What Is Maculopapular Rash?
Macular rash are also known as Maculopapular rash is a type of rash appearing as small lumps or raised growths on the skin. The term is arrived from the fusion of macular rash and papules both meaning tiny inflamed lumps on the skin. It can develop anywhere in the body but is commonly found in the hands and feet. In medical terms it is known as HIV rash. This rash is caused by pre-existing conditions like scabies, syphilis or any other serious infection. Macular rash can be treated after diagnosing the underlying condition and addressing them separately.
Maculopapular Rash Symptoms :
- Macular rash can develop on any age group and in any part of the body. Initially the rashes are bright red in color with tiny papules or lesions like structure but gradually they get discolored.
- Often macular rash is associated with underlying medical conditions like scarlet fever or syphilis or measles. For some people it looks like heat rash on the skin.
- Due to the changing color of the tiny papules this rash is also called as Erythematous.
- For children macular rash often develop on the palms and soles of the feet.
- Macular rash can be seen with high fever, throat pain and fagigue if the underlying cause is measles.
Causes Of Maculopapular Rash :
Various underlying medical issues can be the causative factor for macular rash.
- Epstein Barr Virus – If the person is suffering from EP virus it can cause painful blisters on the skin with fever. This type of disease is common among people living with cancer and largely found in the regions of China and Africa.
- Syphilis – Syphilis is a serious infectious disease that spreads through sexual transmission causing irritation and painful blisters on the genitals.
- Scabies – It is another type of serious infection caused by itch mite. Scabies causes severe itching all over the body and more on the genitals.
- Rubella – Rubella is also known as German measles which is marked by distinctive red rash on the skin causing itching and irritation.
- Chikungunya – High fever, joint pain and red rashes are some of the signs of this viral infection. If anyone is suffering from chikungunya he/she may develop macular rash.
- Dengue Fever – Another infectious disease spread by mosquitoes is dengue. It causes high fever, rash and joint pain and in severe cases can cause reduction of blood platelets leading to death.
- HIV – HIV is a type of viral infection popularly known as AIDS. This can be the main cause of macular rash.
- Low Level Of Cholesterol – Sudden drop in cholesterol levels can cause macular rashes. People who are taking vitamin B3 supplements for long can develop this problem.
- Side Effect Of Drugs – Some medications like Cefobid and Cefoperazone sodium and antibiotics can be the cause of macular rash.
Pictures of Macular Rash :
Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Macular Rash
Tests :
After completing the physical exam, the doctor may collect the complete medical history of the patient. Further, the doctor may request for several laboratory tests like blood culture and urine test to identify the presence of bacteria or virus in it. Direct microscopic test may also be done.
Macular Rash Treatment :
Success of treatment lies in detecting the underlying medical problem and addressing it. Based on the intensity of symptoms and causative factor treatment is started to reduce the rash and irritation. An expert doctor may find out the medical issue behind macular rash and start treating it promptly without simply addressing the symptoms of the disease.
- If Chikungunya is the cause of macular rash the doctor may recommend Chloroquine in suitable strengths for controlling inflammation and itchy feeling.
- IV fluids are started if the person is diagnosed with dengue fever and in severe cases blood transfusion is to be done if platelets are affected.
- For controlling the symptoms of Epstein Barr virus painkillers and analgesics are prescribed. The patient should be encouraged to take plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- If the patient does not respond to any of the above method, ultraviolet radiation can be done to manage macular rash.
- In rare cases maculopapular rash appears due to Marburg Hemorrhagic fever in which case the patient has to be hospitalized and treated to prevent mortality.
Macular Rash Prognosis :