The combination of rashes and fevers has been found to be indicative of several serious or life-threatening illness in adults, a new study shows. Experts warn that the adult patient suffering from skin rashes and a fever of 100.5 Fahrenheit or higher should be given emergency treatment as the combination of symptoms could be fatal.

Researchers from the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians said that it is difficult to understand the underlying cause of the conditions. However, they suggest that quick and aggressive early treatment could increase the survival rates of the patients.

The Toxic shock syndrome, or TSS, is the primary concern of the new study. According to Mayo Clinic, TSS has been initially linked with tampon use in the 1980s.

The adult mortality rates for other menstrual-related cases declined to nearly 5 percent, but the occurrence rate remains the same, the researchers said. However, non-menstrual cases of TSS, caused by surgery or an injury, have been found to typically affect people of all ages and genders with three times higher chance of being fatal.

"People often think of a rash as a nuisance ailment and delay treatment,” said Christine Giesa, director of osteopathic medical education for Crozer-Keystone Health System in Pennsylvania. But it has been found that rash with fever is a “clear indication of an acute systemic illness” that requires further analysis and life-saving intervention.

"By taking a whole person approach to uncovering the root cause of these symptoms, we're able to identify and treat conditions that can quickly turn fatal," Giesa said.

Other most serious rash-related illnesses, raising concerns on the analysis, include Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, often caused by medication; Staph Scalded Skin Syndrome, caused by a bacterial infection; Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, caused by ticks; Meningococcemia, an airborne bacteria; Purpura Fulminans, a thrombotic disorder; and Strep Toxic Shock Syndrome, caused by a bacterial infection. Giesa is set to review the cases of the conditions in a lecture, titled “Rashes That Kill,” on Oct. 17 to 21 in Orlando.

Understanding rash-related conditions is important as it will help patients and physicians to seek quick medical attention, Giesa said. However, there have been relatively rare cases of patients suffering from the conditions, and still difficult to diagnosis, she added.

Children commonly contract mild viral illnesses that cause rashes with a fever. But in adults, “the combination demands further investigation to identify the underlying illness at its earliest, most treatable stage," Giesa explained.

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