Different Kinds of Skin Rash: What to Know

A rash may be flat or raised, dry or moist, scaly, blistered, ring-shaped or centered in a skin fold. Contact dermatitis often follows exposure to an irritant or allergen. Heat rash favors sweaty, covered areas; intertrigo affects rubbing folds. Atopic dermatitis commonly causes itchy, dry inflammation, while psoriasis can form thicker, well-defined plaques. Ringworm may make an expanding ring, and scabies can cause intense itch with small bumps and household spread. A drug rash can begin after a new medicine.

Take a clear photograph, note when the rash began and list new medicines, foods, products, travel or contacts. Wash gently, avoid scratching and stop a newly introduced product that clearly irritates the skin. Keep folds cool and dry, and use a bland moisturizer for dryness. Do not share towels or apply steroid or antifungal creams without advice when the diagnosis is uncertain, because treatment for one rash can obscure another.

Seek urgent care for a rash with trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or tongue, faintness, widespread blistering, skin peeling, severe pain, purple spots, confusion or sores in the mouth or eyes. Get prompt medical advice for fever, rapidly spreading redness, pus, a painful rash, suspected scabies, or a rash that starts soon after a medicine. Babies, older adults and people with reduced immunity should be assessed sooner when a rash is extensive or worsening.

Ask what pattern the rash follows, whether you need testing, which products or medicines may be responsible, what treatment is safe for its location, and how to prevent recurrence. Tell the clinician about fever, itch, pain, new exposures and anyone else with similar symptoms.