Skin Rash: Common Rashes, Identification & Treatment

Key takeaways:

• Some rashes can be observed at home and treated with remedies such as a cool compress or oatmeal bath.
• Rashes that last longer than two days should be evaluated by a doctor.
• If you have a rash with symptoms other than itching or swelling, please see a doctor.

Developing a rash is something almost everyone experiences in their lifetime. Rashes can range anywhere from being barely noticeable to quite uncomfortable.

They can also cause anxiety when you don’t know the cause. Some rashes are easily identified and you can safely treat them at home. It is important to understand what some of the most common causes of rash are, and when you should seek further medical care.

What is a skin rash?

A rash is any change in your skin’s appearance. For example, when the skin is red or swollen you may have a rash. In other cases, there can be bumps or patches. Rashes can be itchy or painful, or cause no additional symptoms.

Rashes can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. They affect patients of all ages.

Common causes of skin rashes

There are many types of skin rashes, and the list below is not comprehensive. It does list some of the most common causes of rash and their associated symptoms.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a reaction that leads to an itchy skin rash. There are many causes of contact dermatitis. Usually, this condition is in response to chemical or physical agents that cause an allergic reaction or irritate the skin. This leads to itchy skin, a red rash, and sometimes blisters.

Some causes can be obvious such as overwashing of the hands, using certain chemical products, or wearing certain metals. At other times it can be more difficult to determine what is causing the reaction. It is important to see your doctor who may refer you to a dermatologist for something known as patch testing. This is when the doctor applies different agents to your skin in small amounts to check for a reaction.

Eczema

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that affects up to 20% of children and 10% of adults worldwide. Eczema can cause dry and itchy skin anywhere on the body. However, it is unusual for eczema to appear in the armpits, buttocks, or groin. The rash can look like bumps, thick patches, or flaky skin.

Eczema is not curable though it can be well-treated with medication.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is another common skin condition that causes an itchy rash. In psoriasis, skin cells multiply too quickly and “pile up” leading to thick plaques on the skin. These are usually located on the knees, elbows, scalp, or lower back. This condition is more common in adults than in children, though both can be affected.

Like eczema, psoriasis is a life-long disease for which there is no cure. However, it can be manageable if you see your doctor regularly and take your medications as prescribed. It is important to be seen periodically as patients with psoriasis are at risk for other serious conditions such as diabetes and arthritis.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a condition caused by a fungal infection of the skin. There are no actual worms involved. This infection is quite common. You’ve already had it if you’ve ever had athlete’s foot or jock itch. The rash is itchy and has a raised, wave-like border. Ringworm can affect any part of the body in adults or children. Anyone who sweats a lot or has close contact with other people is at risk of ringworm.

Ringworm is curable if you take medication. It’s important to know that this condition can be spread to others. The fungus that causes it can live on clothing and hairbrushes. So it’s very important to get treated and to take proper steps to prevent spreading it.

Hives

Hives are a skin reaction often triggered by foods or substances. This condition is also known as urticaria. Hives are considered an allergic reaction and can sometimes be accompanied by other serious symptoms. These include swelling of the lips, face, or tongue and difficulty breathing.

The rash associated with hives is red and round. It is usually itchy. It can appear on any part of the skin. Typically the hives will resolve within two days of onset and you can manage your symptoms at home. If your symptoms are severe or have lasted longer than two days then please see your doctor. If you are having trouble breathing or can feel your tongue, lips, or face swelling, then seek emergency medical care.

Common symptoms of skin rashes

Most rashes have symptoms associated with them. While not a complete list, these are some of the most common symptoms that accompany a rash.

Itching

The itching that accompanies a rash is from skin irritation. This irritation can be from an infection or allergic reaction.

The cause of the itching will influence the treatment. Also, it’s important to avoid scratching your itchy rash. Scratching damages the skin further and releases chemicals that make the itching worse.

Swelling

Some rashes like hives or psoriasis can have a component of swelling or thickening. Usually, as the rash disappears the swelling will also. If you are experiencing swelling in your lips, tongue, or face, please seek emergency medical care.

Read our full guide on rash symptoms for more.

Common rash types and how to identify them

If you know how to identify common types of rashes, it can help you decide when you should go to the doctor and when you can treat yourself at home.

Contact dermatitis

The rash from contact dermatitis usually results in itchy, blistered, and dry or cracked skin. If you have light skin your skin may appear red.

If you are dark-skinned, your skin may turn purple or gray. If you think you know what is causing the reaction, stop using that chemical or substance and watch your rash. If after two days the rash hasn’t gone away, see a doctor.

Eczema

Eczema causes a rash that is red and itchy with dry and thickened skin. Over time the rash may go away while the skin becomes thicker.

In children, this rash is usually on the cheeks, knees, or elbows. In adults the rash is often on the hands, arms, feet, or the back of the knees. If you suspect you may have eczema, see a doctor.

Psoriasis

The rash caused by psoriasis looks like smooth, raised patches or thick scaly areas of skin.

The scales can be white or gray. It usually appears on the elbows, knees, palms, and soles of the feet. If you think you have psoriasis, please call your doctor.

Ringworm

Ringworm leads to an itchy red rash that is circular or ring-shaped. The skin inside the ring can be rash-free or may have small red bumps. Ringworm can appear on almost any part of the body. Call your doctor if you suspect you have ringworm.

Hives

Hives, or urticarial rash, look like smooth elevated patches of itchy red skin. Typically these resolve after a few hours.

If you are having difficulty breathing or notice swelling of your face, tongue, or lips go to the emergency room or call 911. Otherwise, you may observe your rash at home. If it is still present after 48 hours, speak with your doctor. If you can, try to write down what you ate or what soaps and laundry detergents you may have been exposed to before the rash began.

Treatment options for rashes

The proper treatment for a rash depends on the cause. Please talk to your doctor before starting any over-the-counter creams or lotions.

At-home remedies

An effective remedy for many itchy rashes is to use a cold compress. This is better than scratching and less damaging to the skin. Another useful remedy is to try an oatmeal bath. This can be especially helpful for children with an itchy rash.

Creams and lotions

Your doctor may prescribe a medicated cream or lotion to apply to your rash. It is important to follow the prescription as written.

Be careful when using over-the-counter steroid creams such as hydrocortisone. Using steroids for too long can damage your skin.

Oral medications

If you are prescribed oral medication for your rash, please take it as prescribed for the entire length of the prescription.

Even if you feel better, it is important to continue taking the medication. This is especially important with antibiotics.

Diagnosing a skin rash

Most rashes can be diagnosed by your doctor during your visit. Your doctor may want to refer you to a skin specialist, or dermatologist.

This doctor may examine you with special lights or take scrapings from your skin. The dermatologist may want to do a special test called a patch test if they are concerned about contact dermatitis.

When to see a doctor for a skin rash

In general, if your rash lasts more than two days or is causing severe symptoms, you should see your doctor.

You should see a doctor if:

• Your rash has lasted two days or more.
• Your rash is covering most of your body.
• Your rash is blistering or turning into open sores.
• The rash is spreading rapidly.
• The symptoms are preventing you from completing normal daily activities.

You should go to the emergency room if:

• You have a rash and a fever (temperature > 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
• You have a headache, nausea, or vomiting.
• The rash involves your eyes, lips, mouth, or genitals.
• You are having trouble breathing.
• You notice swelling of your face, tongue, or lips.

Questions to ask your doctor if you have a skin rash

• Is it contagious?
• Can I do anything about the itching?
• What other signs or symptoms should I look out for?
• Is there anything I can do to prevent this from coming back?

Frequently asked questions: skin rashes

It is normal to have questions about skin rashes.

How can you identify a rash?

Rashes frequently have common appearances that can be recognized. A reputable website such as aad.org may have pictures to help you. However, if you are in doubt, please call your doctor.

How can you tell if a rash is serious?

If the rash is accompanied by fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency care.

Read our full guide on when to worry about a rash for more.

Last thoughts

Rashes are a common experience for adults and children. Many rashes can be simply observed at home if there are no other symptoms and the rash improves after 48 hours. Please see a doctor if you have questions or concerns.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Adam Carewe, MD.

Sources

“Rash 101 in Adults: When to Seek Medical Treatment.” Www.aad.org, www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/rash/rash-101.

‌Ely, John W., and Mary Seabury Stone. “The Generalized Rash: Part I. Differential Diagnosis.” American Family Physician, vol. 81, no. 6, 15 Mar. 2010, pp. 726–734, www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2010/0315/p726.html.

‌“Eczema Types: Contact Dermatitis Diagnosis and Treatment.” Www.aad.org, www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/contact-dermatitis/treatment.

‌“Patch Testing Can Find What’s Causing Your Rash.” Www.aad.org, www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/contact-dermatitis/patch-testing-rash.

‌Silverberg, Jonathan I et al. “Atopic dermatitis in the pediatric population: A cross-sectional, international epidemiologic study.” Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology vol. 126,4 (2021): 417-428.e2. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2020.12.020

Silverberg, Jonathan I., and Jon M. Hanifin. "Adult eczema prevalence and associations with asthma and other health and demographic factors: A US population–based study." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 132.5 (2013): 1132-1138.

Nemeth, Valerie, and Justin Evans. “Eczema.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 8 Aug. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538209/.

“Psoriasis: Overview.” Www.aad.org, www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/what/overview.

Michalek, I M et al. “A systematic review of worldwide epidemiology of psoriasis.” Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV vol. 31,2 (2017): 205-212. doi:10.1111/jdv.13854

“Ringworm: Overview.” Www.aad.org, www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/ringworm-overview.

Zhao, Zhong-Qiu, et al. "Descending control of itch transmission by the serotonergic system via 5-HT1A-facilitated GRP-GRPR signaling." Neuron 84.4 (2014): 821-834.

“Home Remedies: What Can Relieve Itchy Eczema?” Www.aad.org, www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/childhood/itch-relief/home-remedies.

Kanani, Amin, Stephen D. Betschel, and Richard Warrington. "Urticaria and angioedema." Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology 14 (2018): 1-13.