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Health ConditionsSkin Conditions

What’s Causing Your Skin Rash?

Do you have burning red skin or an itchy skin bump? Learn how to identify the cause of your skin rash.
By
Chris Iliades, MD
Updated on August 8, 2024
by
Ross Radusky, MD
a woman looking at her skin rash in the mirror
Getty Images

A skin rash is an area that has become swollen, inflamed, or irritated. It can look like pimples or sores, be blotchy, scaly, or red, and can be itchy if caused by allergens, heat, and certain medical conditions. Rashes can appear on the face, arms, legs, or torso.

It’s important to note that the word “rash” can mean a whole lot of things to a whole lot of different people, says Whitney High, MD, the director of dermatopathology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver, and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology. “To a dermatologist, rash is an extremely broad term, ranging from connective tissue disease like lupus, to infections, to something very obvious” — for example, after using a new laundry detergent, you notice redness and irritation in your underarms; when you switch back to your old detergent, it goes away.

If you're suffering from a skin rash, check out the following images to see if it could be one of these types. (Warning: A few of these images might be a difficult to look at.)

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Is That Rash Psoriasis, or Is It Something Else?

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Chicken Pox

a child with the chickenpox
Getty Images

The virus known as varicella zoster, more commonly called chicken pox, creates a skin rash of itchy blisters on the face that spreads down to cover the chest, back, and the rest of the body. The virus usually causes fever and headache and is treated with non-aspirin pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and soothed with oatmeal baths. But the chicken pox vaccine has led to a decline in cases.

People with chicken pox should avoid young children, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems, because it is highly contagious for those without prior exposure or who did not receive the vaccine.

Rubella

a person with rubella
DR P. Marazzi/Getty Images

Another skin rash caused by a virus that affects children and young adults is rubella or German measles. Rubella can cause red skin spots, but they are less obvious on medium to darker skin and feel rough and bumpy. The rash may be itchy and spread like chicken pox from the face down.

Other symptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen glands, headache, and runny nose. There is a vaccine for rubella, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that while the virus was eliminated from the United States, it is still common in other countries. Rubella can be very dangerous for pregnant people because it can cause congenital disabilities. Treatment includes rest and acetaminophen to relieve discomfort.

Hives

a person with hives on their legs
Getty Images

Urticaria, also known as hives, is a skin rash that comes on suddenly and can occur anywhere on the skin. Its appearance varies among skin tones. Hives may have itchy welts that sometimes burn or sting, look pink or red on light or medium skin tones, and on darker skin tones, they can be the same color as the skin, but slightly darker or lighter.

Speak to a physician if an individual welt or hive lasts longer than 24 hours and is associated with any pain or fever. Hives may last for a few days or a few weeks and may be caused by an allergic reaction, typically to a food or medication or a recent cold or illness. The most common treatment is to avoid the cause and treat the symptoms with an antihistamine medication. Up to 20 percent of people experience hives at least once in their lifetime. This skin condition can occur anywhere on the skin.

Skin Rashes Caused by Allergic Reactions to Medication

a person with a skin rash caused by medication
Scott Camazine/Alamy

There are two main types of drug-induced skin rashes. One is immediate — associated with hives, itching, and often with breathing difficulty and tongue or lip swelling. If this happens, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

A drug rash can also occur several days to even weeks later. The skin may erupt in bumps, appear purple, red, or flesh-toned, or scaly with thickened areas of skin. This skin condition can occur anywhere on the skin or even inside the mouth. In rare cases, when accompanied by fever, pain, swelling, and eye, mouth, or genitalia involvement, drug-induced rashes can be serious or even fatal, so check with your doctor. Treatment is to stop taking the drug and manage the symptoms with antihistamines or steroids.

Prickly Heat

a person with heat rash
Shutterstock

Prickly heat, or heat rash, may appear red, but on darker skin, it is harder to see, appearing gray, white, or purple. It stings and itches, and small skin bumps may also form. Heat rash is caused when sweat gets blocked in your pores. It's a common rash in babies, but can occur at any age. This skin condition tends to form where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as in skin folds of the neck, breasts, groin, and underarms. The best treatment is to cool off, dry off, and reduce friction.

Intertrigo

a person with intertrigo
Getty Images
Intertrigo is a condition that occurs in skin folds, such as under the breasts, inner thighs, armpits, or in belly folds. Chafing causes a rash of red skin or brown skin that can get infected with yeast or bacteria and becomes raw. The skin rash may ooze and itch. This rash is more common in people who are overweight and in people with diabetes. Treatment involves keeping the areas dry, treating infections, and using antibiotic, antifungal, or steroid creams.

Rosacea

a woman with rosacea
Getty Images

Rosacea is a common skin condition that typically affects the face, and in some cases it appears on the neck, chest, ears, scalp, or even the eyes. Symptoms of rosacea include redness of the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. On darker skin tones it may be less obvious and missed, but there are other symptoms that you may notice. Rosacea can cause flushing, swollen discoloration on the skin, breakouts, yellowish-brown bumps, burning, stinging when using skin-care products, or small blood vessels may be seen on the surface of the reddened skin. The cause is unknown, and there is no cure, although antibiotic treatment can minimize symptoms.

Eczema

a patch of eczema
Getty Images

Eczema is a group of various inflammatory skin conditions: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis. These conditions cause your skin to be itchy, cracked, and sometimes oozy. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which can appear pink, red, ashen gray, purple, or darker brown, depending on your skin tone.

The causes of eczema range from genetics to exposure to environmental factors and stress and can be triggered by detergents, soaps, wool, synthetic fibers, and dry skin. It isn't contagious and is common in babies and children but can be seen at any age. The best treatment is avoiding substances that your skin is sensitive to and following a regular moisturizing skin-care routine. Colloidal oatmeal and other topicals and oral medications can help ease symptoms and offer relief.

Contact Dermatitis

a person with contact dermatitis on their finger
Phanie/Alamy

Contact dermatitis, a form of eczema, can be caused by any allergy-causing or irritating substance that touches your skin. Irritating substances are more common and include solvents, pesticides, and detergents. Allergic contact dermatitis commonly occurs with poison ivy, cosmetics, certain metals such as nickel, and medications applied to the skin.

The skin rash of contact dermatitis can appear red on lighter skin and purple, gray, or darker brown on darker skin. It also causes skin bumps, blisters, scales, crusts, sores, and itching. To treat the skin condition, avoid the source or trigger, wash the skin, use anti-itch and moisturizing lotions and steroids.

Impetigo

a child with impetigo
Alamy

Impetigo is a rash caused by a skin infection, usually traced to one of two bacteria, group A streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus. This skin rash appears as red, crusty sores or blisters around the nose or mouth area. It is very itchy and very contagious. Scratching the rash and then touching other areas of the body, or other people, will cause it to spread. Treatment of impetigo is with antibiotic creams or lotions, and for more severe cases, with oral antibiotics.

Psoriasis

a person with psoriasis on their elbow
Getty Images

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause thick, dry skin patches covered with silvery scales ranging from light to dark gray, known as plaques. These itchy, raised patches can appear anywhere on the body.

More than 7.5 million Americans 20 years or older have psoriasis, which is thought to occur when a faulty immune system accelerates the growth cycle of skin cells. Up to a third of people with the condition also suffer from psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain and swelling. The exact cause of psoriasis is unclear, but genetics play a role. Treatments such as topical creams, light therapy, and medications can help manage psoriasis symptoms.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Some rashes may be relatively harmless and easy to care for at home, while others can be more problematic. Isabela Jones, MD, a dermatologist at McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center in McLean, Virginia, recommends seeking medical attention if you also have any of the following symptoms:

  • Fever, which "can indicate the presence of an infection, serious reaction to a medication, or rheumatologic disease," says Dr. Jones.
  • Blisters or open sores on the skin, mouth, or genitalia; "some benign rashes, like poison ivy, can cause small blisters in the skin. But blisters and open sores can indicate a serious or life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention," she notes.
  • A rash that is painful and all over the body or spreading rapidly.
  • A rash that has not improved with home care.

Dr. High notes that if you're feeling well and the condition is not interfering with your quality of life, it's fine to try reasonable home remedies, such as hydrocortisone cream. But if the irritation persists, however innocuous it may seem, it's a good idea to check with your doctor. "Usually, if a rash has not improved within two weeks of starting home care, medical care would be recommended," says Dr. Jones. "Contacting a dermatologist or primary care provider is never a bad idea if someone is uncertain about how to treat the rash, or is generally worried about the appearance of the rash," says Jones.

The Takeaway

A skin rash is an area on the body that has become swollen, inflamed, or irritated. It can appear blotchy, scaly, or red and cause itchiness. Skin rashes can appear on the face, arms, legs, or torso and lead to skin discolorations, including pink, red, ashen, gray, or purple. Although some rashes can resolve with at-home treatments, you should seek medical care if you have a fever, open sores, a rash that is painful and spreads rapidly, and if home care hasn't helped.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Additional Sources
  • Impact of U.S. MMR Vaccination Program. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • Hives: Signs and Symptoms. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
  • Kayiran M et al. Diagnosis and Treatment of Urticaria in Primary Care. Northern Clinics of Istanbul. February 14, 2019.
  • People With Darker Skin Tones Can Get Rosacea. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
  • What Is Eczema? National Eczema Association.
  • Discoid Eczema. National Health Service.
  • Kaufman B et al. Eczema in Skin of Color: What You Need to Know. National Eczema Association. September 2, 2022.
  • Contact Dermatitis. National Health Service.
  • Armstrong A et al. Psoriasis Prevalence in Adults in the United States. JAMA Dermatology. June 30, 2021.

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Ross Radusky, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Ross Radusky, MD, is a practicing board-certified dermatologist at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center in Dallas. Originally from New York City, he graduated summa cum laude from the City University of New York and then received his MD from the New York University School of Medicine. There, he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and served as chapter president for two years. He completed his residency in dermatology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical Center, and at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Dr. Radusky practices general and cosmetic dermatology with a focus on the early detection of skin cancer, and provides patients with a personalized approach to looking their best at any age. He has authored articles and textbook chapters on the clues that our finger- and toenails may provide us about internal disease, as well as on comprehensive therapies for cosmetic dermatology and reversing the signs of skin aging.

Complementing his medical practice, Radusky has a strong passion for the cultural arts, particularly in expanding access to youths and seniors. He previously served as an artist instructor for the Rockaway Artists Alliance, a New York City nonprofit arts and education organization, and then served as both a board director and treasurer of the organization throughout his medical school training.

Radusky enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife Robyn, son Oliver, and poodle Lucy, where he can usually be found preventing photoaging and reducing the risk of skin cancer beneath an umbrella in a wide-brimmed hat. He is also the proud inventor of Sunshotz, the world’s only sunscreen measuring cup, designed to help patients of all ages apply the proper amount of sunscreen needed to enjoy all the sun without the burn.

See full bio
Chris Iliades

Chris Iliades, MD

Author

Chris Iliades, MD, is a full-time freelance writer based in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. His work appears regularly on many health and medicine websites including Clinical Advisor, Healthgrades, Bottom Line Health, HeathDay, and University Health News. Iliades also writes a regular blog for The Pulse, a website for fetal health and pregnancy.

Iliades is board-certified in Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery. He practiced clinical medicine for 15 years and has also been a medical director for diagnostic research and a principal investigator for clinical research before he turned to full-time medical writing.

See full bio
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