Describing rashes

Wondering how you describe the rash of measles, molluscum contagiosum, hand foot mouth, or chickenpox? Learn how in today’s episode!

This episode was written by pediatricians Tammy Yau and Lidia Park with content support from Aruna Venkatesan and Gabriel Molina (dermatologists at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center). Pediatricians Tammy and Lidia take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

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Key Points:

• When describing a rash, include the basic morphology, size, color, location, distribution and configuration, and any secondary morphology
• When taking photos, try to have natural light and make sure the rash is in focus. If taking a close up photo, make sure to have a photo further away so that the location of the rash is clear.

Sources:

• Stanford Medicine: https://stanfordmedicine25.stanford.edu/the25/dermatology.html
• Allmon A, Deane K, Martin KL. Common skin rashes in children. American family physician. 2015 Aug 1;92(3):211-6. 
• CDC Measles: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html