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- Chickenpox. Everyone knows about this viral rash. Or they used to. A new vaccine means few kids get chickenpox anymore. You might have a fever or sore throat before the telltale itchy spots break out all over your body.
- Shingles. Once you’ve had chickenpox, the virus lives on inside your body. Later it may come back as shingles, a painful, blistering rash. It’s more likely as you get older.
- Molluscum Contagiosum. Look for about 15 pinkish-red bumps with a dimple in the middle and white gunk inside. Scratch them and you may spread the virus to other places on your body.
- Fifth Disease. Also called erythema infectiosum, it’s more common in kids. You get a splotchy red rash on the face that looks like a slapped cheek. You also might have a fever and body aches.
Nov 28, 2023 · A viral rash occurs as a symptom of an underlying viral infection. It can appear with other common viral symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, or fatigue. Most viral rashes start on your trunk or face, then spread to other parts of your body. They can appear in many forms, such as bumps, spots, or blotches.
- Overview
- Pictures of different rashes
- What causes rashes?
- When to see a healthcare professional about rashes
- What to expect during your appointment
- What you can do now
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
A rash is any area of irritated or swollen skin on your body. Rashes are often itchy and painful and can appear differently on different skin tones. While they are often described as red, on darker skin tones, they may be purple, gray, or white.
Rashes have a variety of causes, from bites to chickenpox to serious conditions like drug allergies. Seek medical attention if home remedies do not help or if you also have symptoms such as fever or dizziness.
Fleabites
•usually located in clusters on the lower legs and feet •itchy, small red bumps on lighter skin tones and more plum-like in color on darker skin tones •symptoms begin immediately after being bitten Read the full article on fleabites.
Fifth disease
•symptoms include headache, fatigue, low fever, sore throat, runny nose, diarrhea, and nausea •children are more likely than adults to experience a rash •round, bright red rash on the cheeks, but it may be less noticeable on darker skin tones •usually after the face rash, a lacy-patterned rash may appear on the arms, legs, and upper body and might be more visible after a hot shower or bath Read the full article on fifth disease.
Rosacea
•chronic (long-term) skin disease that goes through cycles of fading and relapse •relapses may be triggered by spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, sunlight, stress, and the intestinal bacteria Helicobacter pylori •the four subtypes of rosacea encompass a wide variety of symptoms •common symptoms include facial flushing, raised red bumps, facial redness, skin dryness, and skin sensitivity •on darker skin tones, brown or yellowish-brown bumps may appear, and the rash can have a dusky coloration Read the full article on rosacea.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is one of the most common causes of rashes. This type of rash occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with a foreign substance that causes an adverse reaction, leading to a rash. The resulting rash may be itchy, red, or inflamed. Possible causes of contact dermatitis include: •beauty products •soaps •laundry detergent •dyes in clothing •chemicals in rubber, elastic, or latex •poisonous plants, such as poison oak, poison ivy, or poison sumac
Medications
Taking medications may also cause rashes. They can form as a result of: •an allergic reaction to the medication •a side effect of the medication •photosensitivity from the medication
Other causes
Other possible causes of rashes include the following: •A rash can sometimes develop in the area of a bug bite, such as a fleabite. Tick bites are of particular concern because they can transmit disease. •Atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, is a rash that may be more common in people with asthma or allergies. The rash is often reddish, though it can be skin-colored or darker on people with darker skin tones. It can be itchy with a scaly texture. •Psoriasis is a common skin condition that can cause a scaly, itchy, red, or purplish rash to form along the scalp, elbows, and joints. •Seborrheic eczema is a type of eczema that most often affects the scalp and causes redness, scaly patches, and dandruff. It can also occur on the ears, brows, or nose. When babies have it, it’s known as cradle cap. •Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that can trigger a rash on the cheeks and nose. This rash is known as a “butterfly,” or malar, rash. •Rosacea is a chronic skin condition of unknown cause. There are several types of rosacea, but all are characterized by redness and rash on the face. •Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a distinctive ring-shaped rash. The same fungus that causes ringworm on the body and the scalp also causes jock itch and athlete’s foot. •Diaper rash is a common skin irritation in infants and toddlers. It can be associated with prolonged exposure to a wet diaper. •Scabies is an infestation by tiny mites that live on and burrow into your skin. It causes a bumpy, itchy rash. •Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin. It usually appears as a red, swollen area that is painful and tender to the touch. If left untreated, the infection causing the cellulitis can spread and become life threatening.
Call a healthcare professional if the rash doesn’t go away with home remedies. You should also contact them if you’re experiencing other symptoms in addition to your rash and you suspect you have an illness.
If you don’t already have a physician, you can use the Healthline FindCare tool to find a professional near you.
Go to the hospital immediately if you experience a rash along with any of the following symptoms:
•increasing pain or discoloration in the rash area
•tightness or itchiness in the throat
•difficulty breathing
Your healthcare professional will perform a physical exam and inspect your rash. Expect to answer questions about your:
•rash
•medical history
•diet
•recent use of products or medications
•hygiene
Follow these tips if you have a rash:
•Use home remedies to soothe mild contact rashes.
•Identify potential triggers for the rash and avoid them as much as possible.
•Call a healthcare professional if the rash doesn’t go away with home treatments. You should also contact them if you’re experiencing other symptoms in addition to your rash and you suspect you have an illness.
How can I identify my rash?
It’s not so easy to identify a rash. Rashes can present as splotches, bumps, or blisters. They can be itchy, scaly, and red, and some may look different on different skin tones. They may develop in one specific area of the skin or all over the body. They may disappear and reappear randomly, or stay indefinitely. A board-certified dermatologist can help you identify your rash and recommend the right treatment.
What are the 5 types of rashes?
There are many types of rashes, many of which have sub-types. Broadly speaking, rashes can be split into those caused by infection, allergic reactions, environmental irritation, irritation from plants, and those caused by autoimmune conditions.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a rash?
There are several home remedies you can try that might help you relieve discomfort from a rash. That said, the treatment and timing of healing depends on the cause. Consult with a dermatologist to determine what rash you have and what treatment you need.
Rashes are areas of irritated or swollen skin. These areas may become itchy, painful, or dry out.
Skin discoloration is a common rash symptom, which can present differently on different skin tones. Rashes may appear red or pink on lighter skin tones, while on darker skin tones they may be purple, gray, or white.
- Chickenpox. Chickenpox occurs as a result of the varicella-zoster virus and causes an itchy rash that can look like red spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters.
- Measles. Measles—a highly contagious disease that occurs when you contract the measles virus—appears as a red, blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads downward.
- Rubella. Rubella, also known as German measles, looks like a pinkish-red rash that begins on the face or behind the ears and spreads to your body. This infection can also cause mild fever, a runny nose, headache, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Fifth Disease. Fifth disease, also known as erythema infectiosum, is a viral infection caused by parvovirus B19 that primarily affects children. How intense this infection is can fluctuate.
- Measles. Share on Pinterest. Measles is a highly contagious viral infection. It can cause many symptoms, including a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body.
- German measles (rubella) Share on Pinterest. Rubella is a viral illness that causes a rash on the face that spreads to the rest of the body. Akkalak Aiempradit/Shutterstock.
- Mononucleosis (mono) Infectious mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This virus is common in teenagers and young adults but can occur at any age.
- Chickenpox. Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, causes a rash with fluid-filled pustules. This virus is highly contagious to those who have not been vaccinated.
Jul 17, 2024 · A viral rash is one that occurs due to a viral infection. It can itch, sting, burn, or hurt. The appearance of viral skin rashes can vary. They may appear as welts, small bumps, or red, brown, or ...
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Oct 31, 2023 · Different types of parasitic skin infections include: ... et al. (2021). Diagnosis and management of common viral skin infections ... Many people have experienced an occasional skin rash or ...
