Treatments for 16 Different Kinds of Skin Rashes

Common types of skin rashes include dermatitis, allergies, insect bites, infections, or health conditions. Examples include eczema, chickenpox, psoriasis, hives, and shingles. It can be hard to identify a skin rash since many cause similar symptoms. Treatment depends on the cause and might include topical (applied to the skin) or oral medication (taken by mouth) and lifestyle changes

A skin rash is generally defined as an area of irritated skin noted by a change in texture, color, or feeling. Symptoms might include discoloration, itchiness, pain, swelling, blistering, and flaky or bumpy skin.

1. Eczema

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Eczema, which is also known as dermatitis, is a term for different types of swollen skin rashes. Common types of eczema include atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.

These skin rashes commonly form on the face, hands, feet, and behind the knees. The rash may look discolored and will be dry, itchy, and swollen. It typically appears red in lighter skin tones and brown, gray, or purplish in darker skin tones.

You might have eczema for a short period, or it might be chronic (long-term). It's not contagious, but the exact cause is unclear. Eczema is likely due to genetic and environmental factors. Research has shown that eczema is associated with hay fever (an allergic reaction to pollen) and asthma (which affects the airways in the lungs).

2. Atopic Dermatitis

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Atopic dermatitis is a type of chronic eczema. It's more common in infants and children, as well as in people who have seasonal allergies or asthma. Atopic dermatitis also tends to run in families.

Atopic dermatitis can cause rashes anywhere on the skin, including the face. People with atopic dermatitis have more sensitive skin, possibly due to bacteria on their skin that cause an immune response.

Triggers can include:

• Allergies
• Dry skin
• Illness
• Perfumes and dyes
• Stress
• Sudden changes in temperature
  

3. Allergic Contact Dermatitis

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Allergic contact dermatitis happens when the skin comes into contact with an allergen that causes an immune reaction. Common triggers of contact dermatitis include:

• Fragrances found in perfume, cosmetics, and hair products
• Latex
• Nickel
• Poison ivy

You might notice the following symptoms within a day or two of exposure:

• Blisters
• Flakiness
• Severe itchiness
• Streaky discoloration on and around the rash
• Swelling

The allergy develops with repeated exposure over time. You might not experience a reaction for years. The allergy might remain for the rest of your life. Symptoms can last for weeks after exposure to the trigger.

4. Irritant Contact Dermatitis

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Irritant contact dermatitis is more common than allergic contact dermatitis. This type of rash develops when there's direct contact with a substance that "damages" the skin through irritation or friction. 

Some of the most common chemicals to prompt this type of rash include:

• Cement
• Hair dyes
• Household cleaning products and soaps
• Pesticides

Irritant contact dermatitis might feel painful rather than itchy. The reaction can show up after either a short period of contact or through repeated exposure.

5. Seborrheic Dermatitis

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Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of atopic dermatitis. The cause is unknown, but seborrheic dermatitis may be a reaction to yeasts on the skin.

Symptoms usually appear gradually and include:

• Dandruff (on the scalp)
• Greasy yellow scaling
• Itchiness

These symptoms appear in areas with many sebaceous glands, including the face, scalp, and chest. Sebaceous glands are those in the hair follicles that produce sebum. This oily substance provides moisture to the skin.

6. Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It commonly affects children, but adults can also develop chickenpox. An itchy rash that forms fluid-filled blisters and then scabs over is the most common symptom of chickenpox. This rash typically affects the back, chest, and face.

Other symptoms can include:

• A fever
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Tiredness

Chickenpox typically resolves within five to 10 days. Calamine lotion and oatmeal baths can ease itching, and Tylenol (acetaminophen) reduces a fever. VZV remains latent in the nerve cells after the infection resolves. The virus can later reactivate and cause shingles in adults.

7. Hives

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Hives (urticaria) are raised welts that form on a patch of skin. Symptoms include significant itching and swelling. Hives typically last less than six weeks, but some cases can last longer.

Hives often develop as a result of a food or drug allergy, but they have many other potential causes. Possible triggers include:

• Excessive sweating
• Illness
• Infection
• Insect bites
• Stress
• Water exposure

8. Insect Bites

It's common to experience skin irritation after being bitten or stung by an insect. Many insect bites are harmless and limited to a small bump or two. Certain bites can be serious, particularly if you're allergic to an insect's venom or if it's carrying a disease. 

A tick bite can prompt a red or discolored rash that's shaped like a target. This rash might be a sign of Lyme disease, which requires prompt medical treatment.

Flea bites can manifest as small, itchy, painful clusters of bumps that usually appear on the lower part of the leg. These bites can be bothersome, but they generally resolve on their own with no complications.

9. Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks healthy cells. The most common type is called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Lupus affects several body parts, including the brain, heart, lungs, joints, and skin.

Lupus often causes a rash, which is known as a "butterfly rash," on the face. This rash can appear red in people with lighter skin tones or black, blue, brown, gray, or purple in people with darker skin tones.

This rash may come and go in flares. There's no cure for lupus, but certain medications help control symptoms. Medications can include high-dose corticosteroids or immunosuppressant drugs.

10. Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection. The most common symptom is a blotchy rash that appears red in lighter skin tones and brown or purplish in darker skin tones. This rash usually forms on the head before spreading down the rest of the body.

Other measles symptoms include:

• Aches
• Cough
• Fever
• Pink eye, or conjunctivitis
• Runny nose
• Small white spots inside the mouth

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine can prevent measles. There's no treatment if you develop measles, which can cause health problems.

11. Psoriasis

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Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes a thick, scaly rash on certain body parts, including elbows, knees, and scalp. This rash typically appears pink or red in people with lighter skin tones and dark brown in people with darker skin tones. Other common symptoms include irritation and itchiness. Most people have plaque psoriasis, which is characterized by silvery-white flaky scales on top of the rash.

Certain triggers may prompt a rash to flare up, including:

• Dry air
• Infections
• Medications
• Skin injury
• Stress
• Sunlight

Most people develop psoriasis between the ages of 15-35. It isn't contagious, but researchers speculate that there's a genetic component.

12. Ringworm

Ringworm is a type of tinea, which is a group of fungal infections. You can get ringworm from an infected person or pet or damp environments like shower floors and swimming pools. This fungal infection causes an itchy skin rash that has a ring around it. It typically appears pink or red in people with lighter skin tones and gray or brown in people with darker skin tones.

You can usually treat ringworm with creams and powders. A healthcare provider may prescribe medications in some cases.

13. Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes flushing, or redness of the face. It's most prevalent in people with lighter skin tones. Triggers like hot or cold weather, coffee, spicy foods, red wine, and stress can cause flares.

Other symptoms can include:

• Acne
• Dry, itchy, or red eyes
• Swelling of the nose
• Thick skin on the cheeks, chin, and forehead
• Vision problems

There's no cure for rosacea, but treatments can manage symptoms. A healthcare provider may prescribe medications or, in severe cases, advise surgery.

14. Scabies

Scabies is a parasitic infection caused by mites. It may cause a rash or pimple-like growth on the skin. Other symptoms include itching that worsens at night and sores that develop from scratching.

A healthcare provider can prescribe lotions to treat scabies. It's important to wash infected bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water and dry them in a hot dryer. People who live in your household and any sexual partners may also require treatment to prevent infection.

15. Shingles

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A previous case of chickenpox or varicella vaccination can trigger shingles (herpes zoster). VZV stays dormant in the body and can manifest as shingles years later.

Shingles causes a painful, burning rash that appears in clusters of small blisters, often on the torso. This rash tends to be red in people with lighter skin tones and dark brown, gray, pink, or purple in people with darker skin tones. You may notice a tingling sensation a few days before the rash appears. The blisters may crack open and bleed as they heal, which usually happens within several weeks.

Shingles may also include symptoms like:

• Fever and chills
• A general feeling of being unwell
• Headache
• Joint pain

Shingles rashes that affect the face may cause facial paralysis, hearing loss, severe pain, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). You can develop glaucoma (eye diseases that cause vision loss) and extreme pain if a shingles rash develops around your eye. Get medical attention right away if you develop a shingles rash near your eyes.

These symptoms usually resolve as the rash heals. Treatment is most effective when you start it within the first few days of symptoms.

16. Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that affects the skin. It's caused by group A Streptococcal (strep) bacteria. These bacteria can enter the body through burns, cuts, and wounds. A painful rash that blisters and scabs over is a common symptom of cellulitis. Other symptoms include a fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes.

Cellulitis is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. A healthcare provider will administer antibiotics that you take orally or receive intravenously.

Common Skin Rashes in Children

Common causes of skin rashes in children include:

• Atopic dermatitis: This condition affects about 20% of children in the United States. It's more common in infants and children than adults.
• Diaper rash: This type of skin rash is often caused by prolonged exposure to a damp or wet diaper. It may be accompanied by candidiasis, or a fungal infection caused by yeast.
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD): This viral infection commonly occurs in children younger than 10. HFMD causes a painful rash with small blisters on the hands, feet, and diaper area.
• Impetigo: This bacterial infection is characterized by small, fluid-filled bumps with a thick, yellow crust.
• Roseola: This is another viral infection that can cause a rash and fever.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: This type of dermatitis is known as cradle cap in infants and young children.
• Viral exanthem: This type of rash is usually related to a viral infection, such as chickenpox, erythema infectiosum, measles, and roseola.
  

Treatments

A dermatologist (who specializes in skin, hair, and nail health) usually treats skin rashes. The exact treatment for a rash will depend on its cause.

A dermatologist may prescribe one or more of the following options as part of a treatment plan: 

• Antiviral medications: Medications like Zovirax (acyclovir), Valtrex (valacyclovir), and Famvir (famciclovir) can help treat shingles.
• Home remedies: Topical remedies like calamine lotion, cool compresses, or oatmeal baths can soothe itchiness.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) oral antihistamines: Medications often used to treat allergies can reduce swelling and itching.
• Topical corticosteroids: Medications that reduce inflammation are often used to treat eczema.
• Topical or systemic immunomodulators: Medications like Protopic (tacrolimus), Opzelura (ruxolitinib), and Dupixent (dupilumab) can suppress the immune response.
• Trigger avoidance: Learning what triggers skin rashes and avoiding these triggers can prevent an allergic- or irritant-related rash.

It may be difficult but try to avoid scratching. Scratching a rash worsens symptoms and can lead to irritation or infection.

When To Consult a Healthcare Provider

Most rashes are not life-threatening, but some can signal something more serious. See a dermatologist or go to the emergency room right away if you have a rash that:

• Appears suddenly and spreads quickly: This rash might be due to an allergy to a medication or other substance.
• Covers your body: This could be a sign of an infection or allergic reaction.
• Is accompanied by difficulty breathing or swelling in the mouth or throat: This may be an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, which is a severe reaction, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
• Is accompanied by fever: This likely indicates an infection like measles or shingles.
• Is blistering: Any blisters that turn into open sores can be the result of an allergic reaction or another condition. Blisters can be particularly problematic if they affect the skin around your mouth, eyes, or genitals. 
• Is painful or appears infected: Symptoms of infection include swelling, crusting, warmth, and potentially yellow or green fluid (pus).

Some rashes might take days or perhaps weeks to heal. Always speak with a healthcare provider if your rash isn't improving after a week or so. Reach out sooner if it appears to be infected or getting worse.

A Quick Review

Rashes are patches of skin that are abnormal in color or texture. They can look bumpy, scaly, or swollen, and they're usually itchy or painful. Many things can trigger a rash, including allergies, infections, insect bites, or health conditions.

You can treat many rashes at home with OTC medications and soothing skin care, but keep an eye on them. Reach out to a healthcare provider if the rash is painful or getting worse. Seek immediate medical attention if the rash spreads quickly, shows possible signs of infection, or is accompanied by other symptoms like a fever.