I have a skin rash.
e-ru-TSYO-ne ku-TA-ne-a — 'eruzione' = eruption/rash. 'Cutanea' = skin (adjective, feminine).
Describe a rash to a doctor or pharmacist. Describe location, appearance, and whether it is itchy, spreading, or linked to something new.
'Eruzione cutanea' = skin rash (medical). Colloquial: 'sfogo', 'macchie sulla pelle' (skin spots), 'prurito' (itching). Common Italian causes: drug reactions, contact dermatitis ('dermatite da contatto'), eczema ('eczema'), psoriasis, viral rashes (varicella, herpes zoster). A photo can help the doctor assess remotely.
Ho uno sfogo rosso che si sta allargando.
I have a red rash that is spreading.
Spreading rash — could indicate infection or allergic reaction; seek prompt assessment
Ho la varicella. Ho le bolle su tutto il corpo.
I have chickenpox. I have blisters all over my body.
'Varicella' = chickenpox; 'bolle' = blisters — highly contagious, isolation needed
Ho l'herpes zoster. Fa un male terribile.
I have shingles. It hurts terribly.
Shingles ('herpes zoster') = reactivation of chickenpox virus — one-sided painful rash
Drug-induced rashes ('reazioni cutanee da farmaci') are one of the most common adverse drug reactions in Italy — affecting 1-3% of hospitalised patients. Amoxicillin rash (often maculopapular, not true allergy) is frequently misdiagnosed as penicillin allergy, leading to overuse of alternative antibiotics. Italian allergists ('allergologi') perform drug provocation tests to accurately diagnose true penicillin allergy.