What should you know about red spotty rash spreading over body?

The distribution and feel provide useful clues. Itching after a new soap, fabric or cosmetic can fit [Contact Dermatitis](/conditions/contact-dermatitis/). Dry, itchy patches may occur with [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/), while heat and sweating can produce [Heat Rash](/conditions/heat-rash/). A ring-shaped scaly patch can be [Ringworm](/conditions/ringworm/), and intense night itching or affected household contacts can occur with [Scabies](/conditions/scabies/). Other possibilities include [Drug Rash](/conditions/drug-eruption/), [Psoriasis](/conditions/psoriasis/) or [Intertrigo](/conditions/intertrigo/).

Note when the rash began, where it started, whether it itches or hurts, and any new medicine, food, product, travel or contact with someone unwell. Use gentle, fragrance-free skin care, keep cool, and avoid scratching. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without medical advice, but contact the prescriber promptly if the rash followed a new drug.

Get urgent medical help for breathing difficulty, swelling of the lips or tongue, faintness, blistering, skin peeling, purple spots that do not fade when pressed, severe pain, confusion or fever with a rapidly worsening rash. Arrange a clinical review when the rash keeps spreading, affects the eyes or mouth, or does not settle.

Ask which features point toward allergy, infection or inflammation, whether testing is needed, which treatments are suitable for the affected body areas, and what change should trigger urgent review.