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Dermatology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
contagious skin rashes
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.

contagious skin rashes

by Katherine, Jul 16, 2000 12:00AM
I work at a restaraunt, and have a coworker who was covered with small red dots all over the arms, which he explained were caused do to inflammation of the blood vessels. i have looked as far as i know how to on the web, and in a times/life home medical book, but have found nothing to coincide with this explanation. i do not know if the rash is also located on other parts of his body. He specified a name for this, although i dont remember it nor, do i know how to spell it. I am wondering if you can tell me if there is such a disorder caused by inflammmation of the blood vessels that would cause such a rash. being in food service, this has me concerned, not only for the customers, but for myself as far as whether he is contagious. there are too many communicable diseases these days. my superiors have not asked for any doctor verification, which also has me concerned.

by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jul 16, 2000 12:00AM
Katherine:



Yes, there are several variants of what is called vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels.



Most rashes "look" contagious, especially red ones, even more especially in food-service contexts.  I am confident that your co-worker's physician wouldn't let him back to work with a contagious condition.  As for the customers, if your superiors aren't worried about putting them off, I think you be relaxed about it.



Best.



Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (6)

by Katherine, Jul 16, 2000 12:00AM
i would have hoped you could be more specific with your answer,  i am still not comfortable, i also know he is gay, and i just think  you  could have eased my fears more than you did, such as a name of such  conditions. i would recognize it if i heard it ,  but thank you

by Katherine, Jul 16, 2000 12:00AM
that is not the name he gave for the condition

by Katherine, Jul 16, 2000 12:00AM
my  superiors did not look into it that much because they are constantly short on help, i  am really worried about this probably more so than they  are

by John, Jul 23, 2000 12:00AM
Katherine, you sound a bit paranoid. Although being cautious is understandable the doctor gave you sound advice and futher advised that "if your superiors aren't concerned then you should relax."  If your co-worker's condition concerns you that much then maybe you should seek employment elsewhere and stop trying to find fault in someone just because of their sexual preference.

by Concerned Mom, Sep 11, 2000 12:00AM
i am concerned about a skin rash my son has had for thelast 2 evenings. has anyone heard of roseoli ? Please help it went away and now it is back.

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