Rashes
Skin redness or inflammation; Skin lesion; Rubor; Skin rash; ErythemaRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.
Considerations
Often, the cause of a rash can be determined from how it looks and its location and symptoms. Skin testing, such as a scraping or biopsy, may also be used to help with diagnosis. Sometimes, the cause of the rash remains unknown.
Causes
A simple rash is called dermatitis, meaning inflammation of the skin. Contact dermatitis is caused by things your skin touches, such as:
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a condition in which the skin becomes red, sore, or inflamed after direct contact with a substance.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article- Chemicals in elastic, latex, and rubber products
- Cosmetics, soaps, and detergents
- Dyes and other chemicals in clothing
- Poison ivy, oak, or sumac
Poison ivy, oak, or sumac
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that commonly cause an allergic skin reaction. This is also called an allergic contact dermatitis. The result...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article
Seborrheic dermatitis is a rash that appears in patches of redness and scaling around the eyebrows, eyelids, mouth, nose, trunk, and behind the ears. If it happens on your scalp, it is called dandruff in adults and cradle cap in infants.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition. It causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as the scalp, f...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleAge, stress, fatigue, weather extremes, oily skin, infrequent shampooing, and alcohol-based lotions aggravate this harmless but bothersome condition.
Other common causes of a rash include:
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis) -- Tends to happen in people with allergies or asthma. The rash is generally red, itchy, and scaly.
Eczema
Atopic dermatitis is a long-term (chronic) skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. It is a type of eczema. Other forms of eczema include...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Psoriasis -- Tends to occur as red, scaly, patches over joints and along the scalp. It is sometimes itchy. Fingernails may also be affected.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes skin redness, silvery scales, and irritation. Most people with psoriasis have thick, red, well-defined pat...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Impetigo -- Common in children, this infection is from bacteria that live in the top layers of the skin. It appears as red sores that turn into blisters, ooze, then form a honey colored crust over all or part of the rash.
- Shingles -- A painful blistered skin condition caused by the same virus as chickenpox. The virus can lie dormant in your body for many years and re-emerge as shingles. It usually affects only one side of the body.
Shingles
Shingles is a painful, blistering skin rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, a member of the herpes family of viruses. This is the viru...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Childhood illnesses such as chickenpox, measles, roseola, rubella, hand-foot-mouth disease, fifth disease, and scarlet fever.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a viral infection in which a person develops very itchy blisters all over the body. It was more common in the past. The illness is ra...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleMeasles
Measles is a very contagious (easily spread) illness caused by a virus.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleRoseola
Roseola is a viral infection that commonly affects infants and young children. It involves a pinkish-red skin rash and high fever.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleRubella
Rubella, also known as the German measles, is an infection in which there is a rash on the skin. Congenital rubella is when a pregnant woman with rub...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleHand-foot-mouth disease
Hand-foot-mouth disease is a common viral infection that most often begins in the throat.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleFifth disease
Fifth disease is caused by a virus that leads to a rash on the cheeks, arms, and legs.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleScarlet fever
Scarlet fever is caused by an infection with bacteria called group A streptococcus. This is the same bacteria that cause strep throat.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Medicines and insect bites or stings.
Insect bites or stings
Insect bites and stings can cause an immediate skin reaction. The bite from fire ants and the sting from bees, wasps, and hornets are most often pai...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article
Many medical conditions can cause a rash as well. These include:
- Lupus erythematosus (an immune system disease)
Lupus erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Rheumatoid arthritis, especially the juvenile type
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleJuvenile type
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a term used to describe a group of disorders in children that includes arthritis. They are long-term (chronic...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Kawasaki disease (inflammation of the blood vessels)
Kawasaki disease
Kawasaki disease is a rare condition that involves inflammation of the blood vessels. It occurs in children.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Certain body-wide (systemic) viral, bacterial or fungal infections
Home Care
Many simple rashes will improve with gentle skin care and by avoiding irritating substances. Follow these general guidelines:
- Avoid scrubbing your skin.
- Use gentle cleansers.
- Avoid applying cosmetic lotions or ointments directly on the rash.
- Use warm (not hot) water for cleaning. Pat dry, don't rub.
- Stop using any recently added cosmetics or lotions.
- Leave the affected area exposed to the air as much as possible.
- Try calamine medicated lotion for poison ivy, oak, or sumac, as well as for other types of contact dermatitis.
Hydrocortisone cream (1%) is available without a prescription and may soothe many rashes. Stronger hydrocortisone or other steroid creams are available with a prescription. If you have eczema, apply moisturizers over your skin. Try oatmeal bath products, available at drugstores, to relieve symptoms of eczema or psoriasis. Oral antihistamines may help relieve itchy skin.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call 911 or the local emergency number if:
- You are short of breath, your throat is tight, or your face is swollen.
- Your child has a purple rash that looks like a bruise.
Contact your health care provider if:
- You have joint pain, fever, or a sore throat.
Fever
Fever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleSore throat
Pharyngitis, or sore throat, is discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in the throat. It often makes it painful to swallow.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - You have streaks of redness, swelling, or very tender areas as these may indicate an infection.
- You are taking a new medicine. -- Do not change or stop any of your medicines without talking to your provider.
- You may have a tick bite.
Tick bite
Ticks are bugs that can attach to you as you brush past bushes, plants, and grass. Once on you, ticks often move to a warm, moist place on your body...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Home treatment doesn't work, or your symptoms get worse.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your provider will perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history and symptoms. Questions may include:
- When did the rash begin?
- What parts of your body are affected?
- Does anything make the rash better? Worse?
- Have you used any new soaps, detergents, lotions, or cosmetics recently?
- Have you been in any wooded areas recently?
- Have you noticed a tick or insect bite?
- Have you had any change in your medicines?
- Have you eaten anything unusual?
- Do you have any other symptoms, like itching or scaling?
- What medical problems do you have, such as asthma or allergies?
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow. It leads to breathing difficulty such as wheezing, shortness o...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleAllergies
An allergy is an immune response or reaction to substances that are usually not harmful.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Have you recently traveled out of the area where you live?
Tests may include:
- Allergy testing
Allergy testing
Allergy skin tests are used to find out which substances cause a person to have an allergic reaction. These substances are called allergens....
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Blood tests
- Skin biopsy
Skin biopsy
A skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined under a microscope. The skin is tested to look for skin conditi...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Skin scrapings
Depending on the cause of your rash, treatments may include medicated creams or lotions, medicines taken by mouth, or skin surgery.
Many primary care providers are comfortable dealing with common rashes. For more complicated skin disorders, you may need a referral to a dermatologist.
References
James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Cutaneous signs and diagnosis. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 2.
Ko CJ. Approach to skin diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 407.
Rash - illustration
A rash is an eruption of changes in color or texture of the skin.
Rash
illustration
Poison oak rash on the arm - illustration
Poison oak rash on the arm. Several plants produce toxins that cause skin reaction. This is the appearance of poison oak dermatitis. Note the typical linear streaks produced either by scratching or brushing against the plant. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
Poison oak rash on the arm
illustration
Erythema toxicum on the foot - illustration
Newborn infants may have Erythema toxicum, a rash that is characterized by patchy redness with central vesicles. The rash is temporary, and the location may move (transient). (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
Erythema toxicum on the foot
illustration
Acrodermatitis - illustration
Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a skin condition peculiar to children that may be accompanied by mild symptoms of fever and malaise. It may also be associated with hepatitis B infection or other viral infections. The lesions appear as small coppery-red, flat-topped firm papules that appear in crops and sometime in long linear strings, often symmetric.
Acrodermatitis
illustration
Roseola - illustration
Roseola is an acute disease of infants and young children that is characterized by high fever followed by a rash that appears on trunk, limbs, neck and face.
Roseola
illustration
Shingles - illustration
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus can lie dormant in the body for many years and re-emerge as shingles. Shingles appear as a painful rash. It consists of red patches of skin with small blisters (vesicles) that look very similar to early chickenpox. Shingles usually clears in 2 to 3 weeks and rarely recurs.
Shingles
illustration
Cellulitis - illustration
Cellulitis is a deep infection of the skin, usually accompanied by generalized (systemic) symptoms such as fever and chills. The area of redness increases in size as the infection spreads. The center of the circled lesion has been biopsied.
Cellulitis
illustration
Erythema annulare centrifugum - close-up - illustration
When redness appears in ring shapes on the body, it is referred to as erythema annulare, shown here on the forearm. There are generally no symptoms, with the exception of mild itching (pruritus). It may be associated with serious diseases, but in the majority of cases, an underlying illness is never discovered.
Erythema annulare centrifugum - close-up
illustration
Psoriasis - guttate on the arms and chest - illustration
This is a picture of guttate (drop-shaped) psoriasis on the arms and chest. Guttate psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis. It frequently follows a streptococcal infection, appears rapidly and affects the face, chest, and nearest limbs. The patches are small and round or oval and have the typical appearance of psoriasis. This photograph shows the diffuse and widespread coverage on the arm and chest.
Psoriasis - guttate on the arms and chest
illustration
Psoriasis - guttate on the cheek - illustration
This is a picture of guttate (drop-shaped) psoriasis on face and neck. Guttate psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis. It frequently follows a streptococcal infection, appears rapidly and affects the face, chest, and nearest limbs. The patches are small and round or oval and have the typical appearance of psoriasis. This photograph shows the diffuse and widespread coverage on the face and neck.
Psoriasis - guttate on the cheek
illustration
Systemic lupus erythematosus rash on the face - illustration
This is a photo of a systemic lupus erythematosis rash on the face. Lupus erythematosis often produces a butterfly rash or malar rash. Typically, the rash also appears on the nose.
Systemic lupus erythematosus rash on the face
illustration
Poison ivy on the knee - illustration
This is a typical early appearance of a poison ivy rash, located on the knee. These early lesions consist of multiple small blisters (vesicles), often in a line where the skin has brushed against the poison ivy plant. The person may then spread the toxin to other areas of the body by scratching.
Poison ivy on the knee
illustration
Poison ivy on the leg - illustration
This is a typical early appearance of a poison ivy rash, located on the leg. These early lesions consist of multiple small blisters, often in a line where the skin has brushed against the poison ivy plant. The rash is caused by skin contact with the oily sap (resin) of these plants. The oily resin usually enters the skin rapidly, and is seldom transferred from person to person. The rash is not caused by the fluid from the blisters. Thus, once the person has washed the oil off the skin, the rash is usually not contagious.
Poison ivy on the leg
illustration
Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands - illustration
Erythema multiforme lesions are circular and may appear in concentric rings (often called target lesions). Target lesions may also be associated with other medical conditions such as herpes infection, streptococcal infection, tuberculosis (TB), or as a reaction to chemicals or medications.
Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands
illustration
Erythema multiforme, target lesions on the palm - illustration
Erythema multiforme lesions are often referred to as target lesions because of the concentric rings the lesions produce. The target appearance is well demonstrated in this photograph.
Erythema multiforme, target lesions on the palm
illustration
Erythema multiforme on the leg - illustration
The red spots on this person's back appear where blisters (bullae) caused by Erythema multiforme have ruptured and the overlying skin removed (denuded). The resulting lesions are yellow-crusted ulcers (erosions). Erythema multiforme may be associated with herpes simplex infection, mycoplasma pneumonia, or other medical conditions such as streptococcal infection, tuberculosis (TB), or may result from exposure to chemicals or medications.
Erythema multiforme on the leg
illustration
Rash - illustration
A rash is an eruption of changes in color or texture of the skin.
Rash
illustration
Poison oak rash on the arm - illustration
Poison oak rash on the arm. Several plants produce toxins that cause skin reaction. This is the appearance of poison oak dermatitis. Note the typical linear streaks produced either by scratching or brushing against the plant. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
Poison oak rash on the arm
illustration
Erythema toxicum on the foot - illustration
Newborn infants may have Erythema toxicum, a rash that is characterized by patchy redness with central vesicles. The rash is temporary, and the location may move (transient). (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
Erythema toxicum on the foot
illustration
Acrodermatitis - illustration
Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a skin condition peculiar to children that may be accompanied by mild symptoms of fever and malaise. It may also be associated with hepatitis B infection or other viral infections. The lesions appear as small coppery-red, flat-topped firm papules that appear in crops and sometime in long linear strings, often symmetric.
Acrodermatitis
illustration
Roseola - illustration
Roseola is an acute disease of infants and young children that is characterized by high fever followed by a rash that appears on trunk, limbs, neck and face.
Roseola
illustration
Shingles - illustration
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus can lie dormant in the body for many years and re-emerge as shingles. Shingles appear as a painful rash. It consists of red patches of skin with small blisters (vesicles) that look very similar to early chickenpox. Shingles usually clears in 2 to 3 weeks and rarely recurs.
Shingles
illustration
Cellulitis - illustration
Cellulitis is a deep infection of the skin, usually accompanied by generalized (systemic) symptoms such as fever and chills. The area of redness increases in size as the infection spreads. The center of the circled lesion has been biopsied.
Cellulitis
illustration
Erythema annulare centrifugum - close-up - illustration
When redness appears in ring shapes on the body, it is referred to as erythema annulare, shown here on the forearm. There are generally no symptoms, with the exception of mild itching (pruritus). It may be associated with serious diseases, but in the majority of cases, an underlying illness is never discovered.
Erythema annulare centrifugum - close-up
illustration
Psoriasis - guttate on the arms and chest - illustration
This is a picture of guttate (drop-shaped) psoriasis on the arms and chest. Guttate psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis. It frequently follows a streptococcal infection, appears rapidly and affects the face, chest, and nearest limbs. The patches are small and round or oval and have the typical appearance of psoriasis. This photograph shows the diffuse and widespread coverage on the arm and chest.
Psoriasis - guttate on the arms and chest
illustration
Psoriasis - guttate on the cheek - illustration
This is a picture of guttate (drop-shaped) psoriasis on face and neck. Guttate psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis. It frequently follows a streptococcal infection, appears rapidly and affects the face, chest, and nearest limbs. The patches are small and round or oval and have the typical appearance of psoriasis. This photograph shows the diffuse and widespread coverage on the face and neck.
Psoriasis - guttate on the cheek
illustration
Systemic lupus erythematosus rash on the face - illustration
This is a photo of a systemic lupus erythematosis rash on the face. Lupus erythematosis often produces a butterfly rash or malar rash. Typically, the rash also appears on the nose.
Systemic lupus erythematosus rash on the face
illustration
Poison ivy on the knee - illustration
This is a typical early appearance of a poison ivy rash, located on the knee. These early lesions consist of multiple small blisters (vesicles), often in a line where the skin has brushed against the poison ivy plant. The person may then spread the toxin to other areas of the body by scratching.
Poison ivy on the knee
illustration
Poison ivy on the leg - illustration
This is a typical early appearance of a poison ivy rash, located on the leg. These early lesions consist of multiple small blisters, often in a line where the skin has brushed against the poison ivy plant. The rash is caused by skin contact with the oily sap (resin) of these plants. The oily resin usually enters the skin rapidly, and is seldom transferred from person to person. The rash is not caused by the fluid from the blisters. Thus, once the person has washed the oil off the skin, the rash is usually not contagious.
Poison ivy on the leg
illustration
Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands - illustration
Erythema multiforme lesions are circular and may appear in concentric rings (often called target lesions). Target lesions may also be associated with other medical conditions such as herpes infection, streptococcal infection, tuberculosis (TB), or as a reaction to chemicals or medications.
Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands
illustration
Erythema multiforme, target lesions on the palm - illustration
Erythema multiforme lesions are often referred to as target lesions because of the concentric rings the lesions produce. The target appearance is well demonstrated in this photograph.
Erythema multiforme, target lesions on the palm
illustration
Erythema multiforme on the leg - illustration
The red spots on this person's back appear where blisters (bullae) caused by Erythema multiforme have ruptured and the overlying skin removed (denuded). The resulting lesions are yellow-crusted ulcers (erosions). Erythema multiforme may be associated with herpes simplex infection, mycoplasma pneumonia, or other medical conditions such as streptococcal infection, tuberculosis (TB), or may result from exposure to chemicals or medications.
Erythema multiforme on the leg
illustration
Review Date: 11/30/2022
Reviewed By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.