What is that Rash?

A Look at Different Types of Common Skin Rashes Plus Treatment

Our skin is the body’s largest organ. Adults carry up to 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) and 22 square feet (2 square meters) of skin. Without our skin, we’d literally evaporate. 

 

Skin is the waterproof, insulating layer that guards the body against infection, extreme temperatures, damaging sunlight, and so much more. The skin also manufactures vitamin D for converting calcium into healthy bones. It’s also packed with nerve endings that keep our brains in touch with the world around us. At the same time, our skin allows us free movement, making it a very versatile organ!

 

But sometimes our skin can get damaged, inflamed, itchy, or infected. Today we’ll be looking at some of the most common rashes and their treatments. If you or a loved one has a rash, be sure to contact your doctor to get it looked at and diagnosed. Some of the causes can be life-threatening illness or infection. 

 

Rosacea

This is a chronic skin disease that goes through cycles of flaring and remission. Relapses can be triggered by certain foods and beverages. There are four subtypes that have a very wide variety of symptoms, but there are common symptoms.

Characteristics:

• Facial flushing and redness
• Raised red bumps
• Skin dryness and sensitivity
• On darker skin tones, brown or yellowish-brown bumps may appear and the rash can have a dusky coloration

Treatment of Symptoms:

• Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and menthol
• Avoid witch hazel and exfoliating agents
• Avoid direct sunlight without sunscreen
• Treatments such as laser therapy or microdermabrasion can help in some cases

 

Eczema

This common skin condition causes itchy, red, dry, and irritated skin. It can affect many different areas of the body. The cause isn’t completely understood, however, researchers believe it is triggered by an overactive immune system. It can be triggered by scented products, smoke, fabrics, sweat, stress, and more. 

Characteristics:

• Dry, rough, flaky, inflamed, and irritated skin
• Affected areas may be red and itchy
• Hair loss may occur in the area with the rash
• On darker skin tones, it can appear as darker brown or gray patches

Treatment:

• A dermatologist, allergist, or primary care doctor can prescribe a medication or therapy

 

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the rapid buildup of your skin cells on the surface of your skin. Inflammation, redness, and scaliness are fairly common.

Characteristics:

• Scaly, silvery, sharply defined skin patches
• Skin may crack or bleed
• Soreness around patches
• Painful swollen joints
• Itching and burning sensations around the patches
• On darker skin tones, it may look darker than surrounding skin or appear purple
• Common locations include scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back
• May be itchy or asymptomatic

Treatment:

• Topical treatments
• Systemic medications
• Light therapy

 

Systemic Lupus

This is an autoimmune disease with a wide variety of symptoms that affect many body systems and organs. 

Characteristics:

• Wide array of skin symptoms from rashes to ulcers
• Butterfly shaped face rash across cheeks and nose
• Can appear bright red on lighter skin tones
• On darker skin tones may be red, brown, or darker than natural skin color
• Rashes appear to get worse with sun exposure

Treatment:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Steroid creams 
• Corticosteroids
• Antimalarial drugs
• Immunotherapy drugs

 

Cellulitis

This condition is considered a medical emergency and urgent care is required.

It is caused by bacteria or fungi entering through a break or cut in the skin.

Characteristics:

• Pink or red
• May appear less obvious on darker skin tones; can appear brown, gray, or purple
• Painful, swollen skin without oozing that spreads quickly
• Hot and tender to the touch

Treatment:

• This condition is considered a medical emergency and urgent care is required.
• Antibiotics
• Hospital with IV treatment
• Surgery

 

Drug Allergy

This condition is considered a medical emergency and urgent care is required.

Caused by a reaction to taking a drug and can occur days to weeks after.

Characteristics:

• Mild to severe itchy, red rash
• Blisters, hives
• Racing heart
• Swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever, upset stomach
• Tiny purple or red dots on the skin

Treatment:

• This condition is considered a medical emergency and urgent care is required.
• Antihistamines 

 

Contact Dermatitis

This is an itchy allergy rash that appears hours to days after contact. 

Characteristics:

• Itchy, scaly, or raw rash
• Has visible borders
• On lighter skin tones, it appears red
• On darker skin tones, it may be less noticeable
• Blisters may develop that weep, ooze, or become crusty
• Hives may develop
• Sun sensitivity
• Cracking skin due to extreme dryness
• Swelling

Treatment:

• Your doctor may refer you to an allergy specialist or dermatologist to pinpoint the cause
• Avoid scratching, and clean skin with mild soap and lukewarm water
• For symptoms, use anti-itch treatments such as calamine lotion or antihistamine 
• If it worsens, it may require antibiotics

 

Chickenpox

These itchy red bumps are most common in children. Chickenpox remains contagious until all blisters have crusted over. Those who get it are at risk of getting Shingles later in life. 

Characteristics:

• Clusters of itchy, red, fluid-filled blisters
• On darker skin tones, can be red, natural skin tone or a little darker; scabs appear gray
• Accompanied by a fever, body aches, sore throat, and loss of appetite
• Can spread to eyes

Treatment:

• There is now a vaccine for chickenpox
• Lukewarm baths
• Unscented lotion
• Wear lightweight, soft clothing
• Doctor may prescribe drugs if you are experiencing complications

 

Shingles

This is most common in adults 50 years of age and older and is caused by the chickenpox virus. 

Characteristics: 

• Painful rash that burns, tingles, or itches
• Clusters of fluid-filled blisters
• May be accompanied by low fever, chills, headache, or fatigue

Treatment:

• There is now a vaccine for shingles
• Prescription medication

 

Measles

Measles is a viral infection that starts in the respiratory system.

Characteristics:

• Rash may be red, skin-colored, or darker than natural skin color
• Spreads from the face down the body 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms appear
• Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background can appear inside the mouth
• Accompanied by cough, fever, runny nose, red eyes, sore throat

Treatment:

• There is a measles vaccine, given within 72 hours of exposure
• Immune proteins
• Antibiotics
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen 

 

Impetigo

This condition is most common in children ages 2 to 5 years old, but can happen at any age. It’s an infection that can spread from close contact with an infected person. You can decrease your risk for this infection by practicing good personal hygiene. 

Characteristics:

• Often located around the mouth, chin, and nose
• An irritating rash and fluid-filled blisters that pop easily and form a honey-colored crust
• Can also appear brown, purple, or gray on darker skin tones

Treatment:

• Antibiotics

 

Ringworm

This rash isn’t caused by a worm, but rather is a fungal infection. This lesion appears in the shape of a ring, which is how it got its name.

Characteristics:

• Itchy and scaly circular patches with raised borders
• Blisters or pustules can develop
• On lighter skin tones, the patches appear pink or red
• On darker skin tones, the patches appear gray or brown
• Common areas on the body that are affected include the scalp, feet, hands, nails, groin, and beard
• Hair loss can also be a symptom

Treatment:

• Antifungal creams, ointments, gels, or sprays

 

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

This rash generally affects children under the age of 5 and is highly contagious.

Characteristics:

• Painful, red blisters in the mouth and on the tongue and gums
• Flat or raised red spots located on palms of hands and soles of feet
• Can also appear on buttocks or genital area
• On darker skin tones, it can be skin-colored or grayish-brown
• Fever, sore throat, irritability
• Decreased appetite
• Malaise
• Drooling 

Treatment:

• Prescription or OTC topical ointments to soothe blisters and rashes
• Pain medication (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
• Medicated lozenges or syrups for sore throat

 

Final Thoughts

Skin rashes can vary widely in appearance depending on the cause and the natural skin tone color. If you see a rash on your skin, the best thing to do is to contact your doctor, as some rashes can be caused by life-threatening infections or illness.