At some point in everyone’s life, you have to go through the stress of dealing with skin problems.

It might be a minor issue that can be easily treated or one that requires medical attention.

Anyways, what matters most is being able to identify what the skin problem is and how to treat it.

For some, all you need is a skin treatment product and a few lifestyle changes, but there are times you need to see a doctor immediately.

So today, I would give you a few examples of skin problems that require you see a doctor immediately.

And if you have noticed any of these problems or their symptoms on your skin, then please do see a doctor immediately.

But before we go into the skin problems proper…

Here are some general symptoms that indicate you need to see a doctor as soon as possible:

• Red or white raised bumps on your skin
• Painful and itchy rash
• Scaling or peeling skin
• Open sores
• Discoloured skin patches
• Blushing excessively
• Skin growths

Most times, skin problems occur, and we do not know what exactly they are. But immediately you notice these symptoms, whether or not you know what it is, please see your doctor immediately.

Now to the main order of the day…

Skin problems that require you see a doctor immediately

1. Cellulitis

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Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that can affect any part of your body, but most especially the skin around your lower legs.

It usually affects the surface of the skin but can extend to the tissue underneath and sometimes, to your bloodstream.

It usually starts out as a red, and swollen skin patch.

Symptoms

• The affected area of your skin will be painful and tender
• It might become hot to the touch
• It might become red and inflamed
• A sore or rash that spreads fast
• You might feel feverish

As it becomes worse, you might experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, sweating, chills, shaking, etc.

If you notice any of these symptoms, ensure you get checked by a doctor immediately.

If not taken care of quickly, cellulitis could be life-threatening.

2. Warts

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Warts are skin growths that appear on your skin and are caused by the virus, HPV.

There are different kinds of HPV. Most HPV cause warts to appear on your hands and feet. These warts are not so harmful.

But there are a few kinds of extremely harmful HPV that cause warts to appear around the genitals. There are also others that can lead to cervical cancer.

There are five different types of warts, based on where they appear on your body.

Symptoms

• The affected area becomes pink or white
• It is rough to the touch
• It appears as small bumps that are grainy.
• They might become painful
• The growth might change in appearance or colour

Of course, once you notice any of these symptoms, run to your doctor.

3. Chicken pox

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Chicken pox is a viral infection that usually affects children.

Nevertheless, adults also experience it.

It causes red and itchy blisters to appear all over the skin.

After 48 hours of developing the rashes, you become contagious to everyone around you. It can be spread through coughing, sneezing, contact with fluid from the blisters and saliva.

Symptoms

Apart from the rash, you might also experience:

• Headache
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• itching

The rashes turn to pink or red bumps all over your body. These bumps eventually turn to blisters filled with fluids. Then they become crusty and dry and start to heal.

The bumps do not all appear at the same time. They cannot be in the same place at the same time. So, while some are healing, new ones might be appearing.

Once you notice the symptoms, please visit a doctor immediately.

The good news is that it is rare for someone to have chicken pox more than once. So, when you treat it, you may never experience it again.

4. Carbuncle

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A carbuncle appears as a cluster of boils that are filled with pus. They are usually very painful and can lead to a very severe infection which might leave you with a scar.

It is caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus, when it gets into your hair follicles.

It mostly affects the moist areas of your skin, especially at the back of your neck, thighs, shoulders, neck, buttocks, armpits, etc. Basically, anywhere you experience friction or sweat.

It usually starts out as a red lump which grows bigger within the next few days and becomes filled with pus.

Areas around the affected area might also experience swelling.

Symptoms

Apart from the painful lumps, you might also experience:

• Itching, which usually occurs even before the lump begins to form.
• Fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Body pains
• Pus oozing from the bumps

If you notice any of these, please see your doctor immediately.

5. Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal skin infection.

The fungus causes a worm like lesion in form of a ring to form in your skin. It affects the feet, beards, scalp, nails, etc., and sometimes, even the groin.

There are different fungi that cause ringworm and they are: Epidermophyton, Trichophyton and Microsporum

It usually starts out as a red skin patch before spreading to other areas of your skin. it can be gotten from direct contact with soil or infected people.

Symptoms

• Red and itchy skin patches
• Blisters or pustules on affected skin areas
• Patches might be redder on the edges and look like a ring
• The skin patch edges are raised and defined – more like plaques.

If you notice any of these symptoms, please visit a doctor immediately.

In conclusion,

Not all skin problems can be treated with a cream, soap, scrub or mask.

Some can be very severe and require urgent medical attention. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, please visit a doctor immediately.

Do not try to treat it locally or ignore it.

If you have any questions about any skin problem, leave a comment and I will be pleased to answer your questions.