Skin rashes are a type of skin irritation marked by a change in your skin’s color or texture. Common skin rash symptoms can include:
- Red, inflamed skin
- Itchy skin
- Scaly, leathery, cracked or dry skin
- Raised red bumps
- Welts
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Skin that is warm to the touch
Skin rashes can be caused by a number of factors, including allergic reactions, viruses, detergents, or underlying skin conditions like eczema or rosacea. Common types of rashes include:
- Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is an irritation caused by exposure to an irritant or allergen. It results in a red, itchy, scaly rash. Contact dermatitis may be caused by certain chemicals, cleaning products, medications, nickel metal, airborne allergens (such as pollen or dust), personal care products (such as shampoos, deodorants, cosmetics, and soaps), or plants (such as poison ivy).
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Eczema is a chronic condition that causes red, itchy, flaky, and inflamed skin. Eczema is itchier than other skin conditions and usually appears in flares or episodes of increased irritation. Eczema is caused by genetic variation and has no cure. Instead, its symptoms are managed throughout a patient’s life.
- Hives: Hives, also known as urticaria, is a chronic skin condition commonly caused by an allergic reaction or exposure to an irritant (such as bug bite, stings, or parasites). Hives cause patches of red, swollen skin that can hurt or itch. If your hives are accompanied by difficulty breathing or another sign of anaphylaxis, seek medical attention immediately.
- Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a condition that occurs when the immune system overproduces skin cells, causing a buildup of inflamed skin. Psoriasis commonly occurs on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, and genitals. The overgrowth of skin cells results in patches - or “plaques” - of red, scaly, itchy skin.
- Ringworm: Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus that lives on the cells of your skin. Ringworm is contagious and can be transmitted through contact with other people, animals, objects, or soil. Ringworm causes a red, itchy, and circular rash to appear on the affected area.
- Rosacea: Rosacea is a common condition that causes redness and acne-like bumps to develop on the face. Rosacea is commonly confused with acne breakouts but isn’t caused by poor hygiene or skincare. Instead, rosacea is “triggered” by certain factors like spicy food, alcohol, extreme temperatures, hot beverages, cosmetic products, and stress.
- Viral rashes: Also known as viral exanthems, these rashes can be caused by viral infections like measles or chickenpox. Viral rashes may be itchy and are often accompanied by a fever, body aches, or tiredness.
If you are experiencing itchy, inflamed skin, talk to a doctor right away. While most skin rashes are not medical emergencies, they can be extremely uncomfortable. They may also signify the presence of an underlying medical condition.