11 Common Rash Types & How to Identify Them

Key takeaways:

• Many rashes aren’t harmful and result from irritation, inflammation, or an existing health condition like eczema.
• Call your doctor if your rash doesn’t go away after two days or is incredibly itchy.
• If you have a rash and symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, or gastrointestinal symptoms, seek emergency medical care.

Rashes are a common occurrence for many adults and children. They can range from being nearly asymptomatic to unbearably uncomfortable and painful. Rashes can occasionally be a response to an underlying disease that requires medical attention or, at the very least, prescription medication.

Most rashes are not serious, but it can be helpful to know when you should think about seeking medical care. If you can identify or at least get an idea of what type of rash yours may be, you can better understand when you may need to contact your doctor.

Most common rash types

There are many causes of rashes, and this list is not meant to be comprehensive. Here are some of the most common types of rashes.

1. Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash that results from skin contact with an irritating substance. This leads to itching, a red rash, and sometimes blisters.

Common causes include overwashing your hands, using certain chemical products, or touching certain metals. It can sometimes be difficult to determine the cause of the reaction. To help find out, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for patch testing. This involves the dermatologist applying different agents to your skin in small amounts to check for a reaction.

2. Eczema

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that affects up to 20% of children and 10% of adults worldwide.

Eczema causes dry and itchy skin anywhere on the body, but it’s unusual to appear in the armpits, buttocks, or groin. The rash can look like bumps, thick patches, or flaky skin. While eczema is not curable, it often responds well to medication.

3. 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 is more common in adults than children.

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. Patients with psoriasis are at risk for other serious conditions such as diabetes or arthritis.

4. Ringworm

Ringworm is a relatively common condition caused by a fungal infection of the skin. There are no actual worms. 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, which is contagious, 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. Prompt medical attention is important to prevent the worsening and spread of the condition.

5. Hives

Hives are a skin reaction often triggered by foods or other ingested substances. Hives are considered an allergic reaction and can sometimes be accompanied by other serious symptoms, such as swelling of the lips, face, or tongue and difficulty breathing.

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

6. Lichen planus

Lichen planus is a rash that causes firm, shiny, and red/purple bumps. They usually appear on the wrists, lower back, and ankle, but they can appear anywhere. The skin will sometimes itch and thicken after time. The cause is unclear, and treatment is directed at relieving symptoms. Please call your doctor if you think you have this rash.

Less common rash types

While rashes representing life-threatening conditions are rare, it is important to know if you may have one so you can receive prompt medical attention.

7. Lyme disease

Erythema migrans (EM) is a circular rash that appears at the site of a tick bite. It most closely resembles a target or “bullseye” and is an early sign of Lyme disease.

This rash is usually not painful or itchy. If you have been outdoors in areas with ticks or have noticed a tick on your skin, talk to your doctor. Lyme disease is effectively treated with antibiotics but can cause serious complications if left untreated.

8. Hemolytic uremic syndrome

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can cause a rash that looks like small red spots all over the body.

This rash is usually accompanied by bloody diarrhea and fever caused by E. coli infection. If you or your child are experiencing these symptoms, please seek emergency medical care.

9. Meningococcal rash

The rash associated with bacterial meningitis consists of scattered purple/red dots or purple/red bruises.

These do not disappear (blanch) when you push on the skin. If you are experiencing fever, headache, stiff neck, or vomiting and have this rash, seek emergency medical care immediately.

10. Necrotizing fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis, otherwise known as the flesh-eating disease, is a bacterial infection that can affect any part of the body. It destroys fascia, which is the soft tissue under your skin. It is painful and causes the overlying skin to turn purple, red, or, in severe cases, black.

This disease is often accompanied by fever and chills with severe pain at the site of the skin changes. This disease can spread quickly, sometimes in a matter of hours. If you are experiencing the above symptoms, please go to the emergency room immediately. This is a life-threatening condition that is survivable if treated early.

11. Stevens-Johnson syndrome/Toxic epidermal necrolysis

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a skin disorder that is usually a reaction to a medication. It starts with flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and fatigue. These are followed by a painful red or purple rash that spreads all over the body.

Eventually, blisters form, and the skin sheds a few days later. A more severe version of this is known as toxic epidermal necrolysis, where more than 30% of the skin is involved. If you suspect you have this condition, seek emergency care immediately.

Read our full guide on rash symptoms for more.

When to see a doctor if you have a skin rash

In general, if your rash lasts more than two days or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should see your doctor. If you are unsure whether you should be seen, call 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 or nausea or are vomiting.
• The rash involves your eyes, lips, mouth, or genitals.
• You are having trouble breathing.
• You notice swelling of your face, tongue, or lips.

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

Questions to ask your doctor about a skin rash

• Is my rash 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?

Final thoughts

It is common to develop a skin rash at some point in your lifetime. Common types of rashes include contact dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis, among others. Less common rashes may be caused by more serious conditions, such as Lyme disease. If your rash is otherwise asymptomatic and you feel well, you can likely manage it at home. If you have other symptoms or the rash has not improved after a few days, contact your doctor to learn what steps to take next.

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. Lane Thaut, DO.

Sources

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