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A skin rash is an area of skin that has become swollen, inflamed, or irritated. Skin rashes can include skin bumps that look like pimples or sores; blotchy, scaly or red skin; and itchy or burning skin. Allergens, heat, and certain medical conditions (some more serious than others) can all cause skin reactions like these. Some skin rashes occur right away, while others take some time to develop. Some tend to occur on the face while others flare up on the arms, legs, or torso. Location, appearance, and color of a skin rash are all factors in determining the right diagnosis and the right treatment.
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.
Some rashes may be relatively harmless and easy enough to take care of at home while others can be more problematic. So how do you know when to see your doctor for medical treatment? Isabela Jones, MD, a dermatologist at McLean Dermatology and Skincare Center in McLean, Virginia, recommends seeking medical attention if any of the following symptoms are also present:
- 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. However, many times blisters and open sores can indicate a serious or life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention,” she notes.
- A rash that is painful and that is 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, seeking medical care would be recommended,” says 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.
If you're suffering from a skin rash, check out the following images to see if it could be one of these. (Warning: A few of these rashes might be a little tough to look at.)
Chickenpox: A Skin Rash Made Up of Blisters
The virus known as varicella zoster, more commonly called chickenpox, creates a skin rash of itchy blisters on the face that spreads down to cover the chest, back, and the rest of the body. It's typically accompanied by fever and headache. Because a vaccine is available, chickenpox is less common now, though it still occurs, especially in children under age 12. Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms, including fever, with non-aspirin pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and soothing the itch with oatmeal baths. People with chickenpox should avoid young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, because chickenpox is highly contagious for those without prior exposure or who did not receive the vaccine.
Rubella: Small, Red Spots All Over the Skin
Another viral skin rash that affects children and young adults is rubella, or German measles. Rubella causes a rash of red skin spots that spreads like chickenpox from the face down. The skin rash can be itchy. Other symptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen glands, headache, and runny nose. There is a vaccine for rubella, and the Centers for Disease Control note that the virus has been eliminated from the United States, but it is still common in other countries. Rubella can be very dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause birth defects. Treatment includes rest and acetaminophen to relieve discomfort.
Hives: Sudden, Itchy Skin Bumps and Welts
Urticaria, also known as hives, is a skin rash that comes on suddenly and causes pale pink or red, itchy welts, which sometimes burn or sting. This skin condition can occur anywhere on the skin. Up to 20 percent of people may experience hives at least once in their lifetime. 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. Speak to a physician if an individual welt or hive lasts longer than 24 hours and is associated with any pain or fever.
Skin Rashes Caused by Allergic Reactions to Medication
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. These may include skin bump eruptions, purple or red skin discoloration, or scaly and thickened areas of skin. This skin condition can occur anywhere on the skin or even inside the mouth. In rare cases, such as those accompanied by fever, pain, swelling, 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.
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