Rashes

A skin rash occurs when skin becomes red, inflamed and bumpy. Some skin rashes are dry and itchy. Some are painful. Many things can bring on a skin rash, including viruses, bacteria, allergens and skin conditions like eczema.

Almost everyone develops at least one skin rash during their lifetime. It’s extremely common to sometimes feel itchy or have red, bumpy skin for a little while.

 Infants are prone to diaper rash and cradle cap. 

Children are prone to atopic dermatitis and catch rash-inducing viruses, such as fifth disease. 

Older kids or adults can develop contact dermatitis as skin becomes sensitive to allergens or irritants over time.

Symptoms of Rashes

The symptoms that come along with a skin rash depend on the cause and type of rash. Some common symptoms include:

• Blistering
• Redness
• Scaly or dry skin
• Similarity to hives
• Blotchiness
• Swelling or inflammation
• Itchy skin
• Pain
• Infection of the areas of broken skin
• Shiny, flat-topped bumps
• Large affected areas of skin
• Circular-shaped affected areas
• Causes of Rashes

Irritants and allergens in the climate/environment can cause rashes on the skin. Other common causes include:

• Viral or bacterial infections
• Skin conditions such as rosacea or eczema
• Stress
• Skin irritants (including soaps, skin care products, or some fabrics)
• Personal and/or family history of allergies, hay fever, or asthma
• Allergic to certain medications, including those that treat high blood pressure, heart disease, and arthritis
• Triggering agents from other conditions, such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C

 Some causes and triggers for rashes are unknown.

There are many different types of skin rashes, including:

Contact dermatitis: 

This form of dermatitis occurs when your body reacts to a substance that it doesn’t like. Lots of people are allergic to fragrances, preservatives, nickel (often found in costume jewelry) and poison ivy. Common irritants include soaps, detergents, chemicals and household cleaners.

Eczema:

 Also called atopic dermatitis, eczema often develops in infancy and often gets better as a child grows. It tends to run in families (genetic). People who have asthma or allergies are more likely to have eczema, too.

Hives: 

Also called urticaria, hives cause raised, red, itchy skin welts. You may get hives if you have an allergic reaction to airborne allergens or insect stings. Extreme temperature changes and certain bacterial infections can also bring on hives.

Psoriasis:

 This lifelong skin disorder causes a thick, scaly rash. The rash often forms on the elbows, knees, lower back, scalp and genitals. Psoriasis can be inherited.

Viral: Skin rashes are a common symptom of many viral conditions, such as chickenpox, measles and molluscum contagiosum.

Granuloma annulare

Granuloma annulare is a chronic skin condition. A circular-shaped rash with reddish bumps (papules) is a common symptom. Most often, it affects children and young adults. It’s slightly more common in girls and is usually seen in people who are otherwise healthy. If you have granuloma annulare, you’ll usually notice one or more rings of small, firm bumps over the back of your forearms, hands, or feet. The rash may be mildly itchy.

Lichen planus

Lichen planus is a common skin condition that causes shiny, flat-topped bumps. They often have an angular shape and a reddish-purplish color. Lichen planus can show up anywhere on the skin but often affects the insides of your wrists and ankles, lower legs, back, and neck. Some people have lichen planus inside their mouth, genital region, scalp, and nails. Thick collections of bumps may occur, especially on the shins.

Pityriasis rosea

Pityriasis rosea is a common skin rash that is usually mild. The condition often begins with a large, scaly, pink patch of skin on your chest or back. The number and sizes of spots can vary. Pityriasis rosea affects the back, neck, chest, abdomen, upper arms, and legs. The rash can differ from person to person.

Rashes are bothersome and unsightly, but skin rashes usually respond well to treatment. They rarely cause serious problems. Potential issues include:

• Anaphylaxis: A severe allergic reaction can cause a skin rash and a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis. Extreme swelling (angioedema) from anaphylaxis can close air passages. People in anaphylaxis need an immediate epinephrine injection (EpiPen®) to counteract this allergic response. If you’ve ever felt your throat or mouth swelling when you get a rash, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to carry an EpiPen.
• Infection: Scratching an itchy rash can break open the skin, allowing germs to get in. Scratching puts you at risk for developing a bacterial skin infection. Diagnosing a skin rash can be hard because the symptoms can be caused by many things. Your doctor will check your skin and ask about your symptoms and may decide to diagnose your rash using tests such as:
• Skin biopsy: This involves taking a small bit of skin from the affected area and sending it to a lab for testing for a virus or bacteria. (see symptoms and diagnosis of eczema)
• Blood test: Your doctor can diagnose certain diseases by looking at antibodies in your blood. Also, rashes can be the result of systemic conditions, and blood tests can help to check how your organs may be affected.
• Allergy test: These tests include skin pricks or patch tests to look for allergens. During the test, your skin is exposed to certain allergens to detect any potential reactions.

The treatment your doctor recommends will depend on the cause of your skin rash. Some treatment options include:

Over-the-counter and prescription creams and ointments: You can treat rashes caused by skin conditions like eczema with moisturizers that are fragrance-free and contain ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, and mineral oil. Medications include over-the-counter creams and ointments containing the steroid hydrocortisone (for example, Cortizone-10, Cort-Aid, Dermarest Eczema, Neosporin Eczema). These products may help control the itching, swelling, and redness linked to eczema.

In more severe cases, prescription-strength cortisone creams are also used.

Steroids: If you have ongoing symptoms, your doctor may prescribe topical or oral steroid treatment, which can help with itchy and inflamed skin.

Topical immunomodulators: For people with mild-to-moderate eczema, topical immunomodulators can help. These medications, including brand name products Elidel and Protopic, work by changing the body’s immune response to allergens, thereby preventing flare-ups.

Shots (injections): Injections can be used to treat rashes that come from certain skin conditions. Dupilumab (Dupixent), for example, is an injectable monoclonal antibody used in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. It clears the itch quickly in most patients. Cortisone shots can also be used in more severe cases.

Phototherapy (light therapy): This is another treatment that helps some people with eczema. Phototherapy uses ultraviolet light, either ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB), from special lamps to treat people with severe cases.

Risks linked to phototherapy include burning (usually resembling a mild sunburn), dry skin, itchy skin, freckling, and potential premature aging of the skin. Your health care professionals will work with you to lessen any risks.

Anti-itch products or allergy medications such as antihistamines: Antihistamines, such as Diphenhydramine or Benadryl, can help soothe the itchiness.

Immunosuppressive medications: Medications including steroid shots, prednisone, or other drugs can help clear up a rash by suppressing your immune system.

There are ways to lessen your risk and prevent flare-ups such as those associated with atopic eczema:

• Reduce stress 
• Avoid scratchy materials (for example, wool) and chemicals that can be triggers, such as harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents.
• Moisturize often.
• Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity.
• Avoid situations that cause sweating and overheating.
• Immediately wash your hands when you come into contact with something you’re allergic to.

Depending on the cause, some skin rashes go away with treatment. Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis cause chronic, recurring skin rashes that need ongoing care. Treatments can soothe pain, inflammation and itching.