What is a skin rash, exactly?

I know that sounds like a dumb question, but seriously. Does a rash need to itch? Does it need to be red, flat, raised or bumpy? I bring this up because of my hands. Both hands have it, but my right one is affected the most. My index finger and middle finger have been peeling. The one finger does itch, slightly, but it is more of an irritation than anything. The tip of the middle finger has peeled so much that it developed a crack. It is sore, but numb at the same time. The index finger feels all callousy where the skin is peeling. I showed this to my Rheumatologist, and she said that the Plaquenil she gave me would clear it up. So, is this related to Lupus? Is it a rash, or just a condition? She did not say what it could be. It is annoying and hurts, whatever it is.

I have been putting Neosporin on i and wrapping it up. I don't think it is bacterial (or fungal for that matter). But since it has a cut, I want to make sure that does not get infected. I just don't know what to call it other than my peeling fingers. :/ I wonder if it is scleroderma.

Here are some pictures of the fingers and part of my hand. It looks like dry skin, but it is not (It is hard and almost callous like). On the middle finger, skin is just peeling off. That has finally slowed down, but the crack still hurts. The index finger is starting to really peel now too. I honestly think I should buy bagbalm, slather it on my fingers, and put my hand in gauze. Seriously.

Yes, I'd go to a dermatologist asap.

You should definitely see a dermatologist and not wait until it's healed IMO. A biopsy may provide the answers you are looking for and you can ONLY get that during an active rash, so why wait? I have SLE and Subcutaneous and discoid lupus as well and get alot of different kinds of rashes. It could be scleroderma from the look of it. I do get those during flares but not often. HUGS, Julie