Blotchy red itchy rash

Causes, 68 pictures of symptoms, and treatments

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A rash is defined as a widespread eruption of skin lesions. It is a very broad medical term. Rashes can vary in appearance greatly, and there are many potential causes. Because of the variety, there is also a wide range of treatments.

A rash can be local to just one small part of the body, or it can cover a large area.

Rashes come in many forms, and common causes include contact dermatitis, bodily infections, and allergic reactions to taking medication. They can be dry, moist, bumpy, smooth, cracked, or blistered; they can be painful, itch, and even change color.

Rashes affect millions of people across the world; some rashes may need no treatment and will clear up on their own, some can be treated at home; others might be a sign of something more serious.

There are a number of potential causes of rashes, including allergies, diseases, reactions, and medications. They can also be caused by bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic infections.

One of the most common causes of rashes – contact dermatitis – occurs when the skin has a reaction to something that it has touched. The skin may become red and inflamed, and the rash tends to be weepy and oozy. Common causes include:

• dyes in clothes
• beauty products
• poisonous plants, such as poison ivy and sumac
• chemicals, such as latex or rubber

Certain medications can cause rashes in some people; this may be a side effect or an allergic reaction. Also, some medications, including some antibiotics, cause photosensitivity – they make the individual more susceptible to sunlight. The photosensitivity reaction looks similar to sunburn.

Infections by bacteria, viruses, or fungi can also cause a rash. These rashes will vary depending on the type of infection. For instance, candidiasis, a common fungal infection, causes an itchy rash that generally appears in skin folds.

It is important to see a doctor if an infection is suspected.

An autoimmune condition occurs when an individual’s immune system begins to attack healthy tissue. There are many autoimmune diseases, some of which can produce rashes.For instance, lupus is a condition that affects a number of body systems, including the skin. It produces a butterfly-shaped rash on the face.

Share on PinterestA young girl with chickenpox.

Rashes come in many forms and develop for many reasons.

However, there are some basic measures that can speed up recovery and ease some of the discomfort:

• Use mild soap – not scented. These soaps are sometimes advertised for sensative skin, or for baby skin.
• Avoid washing with hot water – opt for warm.
• Try to allow the rash to breathe. Do not cover with a Band-Aid or bandage.
• Do not rub the rash dry, pat it.
• If the rash is dry, for instance, in eczema, use unscented moisturizers.
• Do not use any cosmetics or lotions that may be causing the rash – for instance, newly purchased items.
• Avoid scratching to lessen the risk of infection.
• Cortisone creams that can be purchased over-the-counter or online may ease itching.
• Calamine can relieve some rashes, e.g. poison ivy, chickenpox, and poison oak.

If the rash causes mild pain, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be useful, but these are not a long-term solution – they will not treat the cause of the rash.

It is important to speak with a doctor before taking any medication. Compare brands before purchasing over-the-counter or online products, to ensure the product is suitable.

If a rash occurs with the following symptoms, it is important to visit a doctor:

• a sore throat
• pain in joints
• if you have had a recent animal or insect bite
• red streaks near the rash
• tender regions near the rash
• a large collection of pus

Although the majority of rashes are not a major cause for concern, anyone experiencing the following symptoms should go to the hospital straight away:

• quickly changing coloration on the skin
• difficulty breathing or feeling like the throat is closing up
• increasing pain or severe pain
• high fever
• confusion
• dizziness
• swelling of the face or extremities
• severe pain in the neck or head
• repeated vomiting or diarrhea

1.

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Many insects can cause a rash through a bite or sting. Although the reaction will vary depending on the person and the animal, symptoms often include:

• redness and rash
• itching
• pain
• swelling – either localized to the site of the bite or sting or more widespread

2. Flea bites

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Fleas are tiny jumping insects that can live in fabrics within the home. They have a very fast breeding cycle and can take over a home very rapidly.

• flea bites on humans often appear as red spots
• the skin can become irritated and painful
• secondary infections can be caused by scratching

3. Fifth disease

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Also known as erythema infectiosum and slapped cheek syndrome, fifth disease is caused by the parvovirus B19. One of the symptoms is a rash, which appears in three stages:

• A blotchy red rash on the cheeks with groups of red papules.
• After 4 days, a net of red marks may appear on the arms and trunk.
• In the third stage, the rash only appears after exposure to sunlight or heat.

4. Impetigo

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Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that most commonly affects children. The first sign is normally a patch of red, itchy skin. There are two types of impetigo:

• Non-bullous impetigo – red sores appear around the mouth and nose.
• Bullous impetigo – less common, generally affects children under 2. Medium to large blisters appear on the trunk, arms, and legs.

5. Shingles

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Shingles is an infection of an individual nerve. It is caused by the same virus as chickenpox – the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms include:

• A rash similar to chickenpox in a band around the infected nerve.
• Blisters can merge producing a solid red band.
• Rash is often painful.

6. Scabies

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Scabies is a skin condition caused by a microscopic mite. It is very contagious and spreads easily through person-to-person contact. Symptoms include:

• Intense itching – often worse at night.
• Rash – appears in lines as the mite burrows. Blisters are sometimes present.
• Sores – may appear where the rash has been scratched.

7. Eczema

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Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions. It often first develops in childhood. Symptoms depend on the type of eczema and on the age of the individual but they often include:

• dry scaly patches on the skin
• intensely itchy rash
• cracked and rough skin

8. Hay fever

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Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an allergic response to pollen. Symptoms can be similar to those of a common cold, such as:

• runny nose
• watery eyes
• sneezing

Hay fever can also cause a rash, similar to hives. These will appear as itchy red patches or eruptions on the skin.

9. Scarlet fever

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Scarlet fever is a disease caused by a toxin released by a bacteria – Streptococcus pyogenes – the same bacteria that is responsible for Strep throat. Symptoms include a sore throat, rash, and fever. The rash has the following characteristics:

• red blotches
• blotches turn to fine pink-red rash like sunburn
• skin feels rough

10. Rheumatic fever

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Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory reaction to a streptococcal infection, such as Strep throat. It most commonly affects children aged 5-15. Symptoms include:

• small painless bumps under skin
• red skin rash
• swollen tonsils

11. Mono (mononucleosis)

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Mono, or mononucleosis, is caused by a virus. It is rarely serious, but symptoms can include:

• a pink, measle-like rash
• body aches
• high fevers

12. Ringworm

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Ringworm, despite its name, is caused by a fungus. The fungal infection affects the top layer of the skin, scalp, and nails. Symptoms vary depending on the site of the infection, but can include:

• itchy, red rash in rings – sometimes slightly raised
• small patches of scaly skin
• hair near patches breaks away

13. Measles

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Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by the rubeola virus. Symptoms include:

• a reddish-brown rash
• small grayish-white spots with bluish-white centers in the mouth
• dry cough

14. Yeast infection (candidiasis)

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Candidiasis is a common fungal infection of the genitals. It affects both sexes, but more commonly, women. Symptoms include:

• rash
• pain and soreness in the genital area
• itching, burning, and irritation

15. Stasis dermatitis

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Stasis dermatitis is also known as varicose eczema. It develops due to poor circulation and most commonly affects the lower legs. Symptoms include:

• varicose veins covered in itchy, dry skin
• red, swollen, painful skin, which may weep or crust over
• heavy, aching legs after standing for some time

16. German measles

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Also known as rubella, German measles are an infection caused by the rubella virus. Symptoms include:

• rash – less bright than measles, often begins on the face
• inflamed, red eyes
• stuffy nose

17. Sepsis

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Sepsis, often called blood poisoning, is a medical emergency. It is the result of a wide scale immune response to an infection. Symptoms vary, but can include:

• a rash that does not fade under pressure
• fever
• increased heart rate

18. West Nile virus

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West Nile virus is an infection spread by mosquitos. Often, there are no symptoms, but if they do occur, they can include:

• raised and/or flat, pink skin rash on the trunk, arms, or legs
• excessive sweating
• vomiting

19.

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Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tick. The symptoms include an erythema migrans rash that often appears in the early stages of the disease.

• The rash begins as a small red area that may be warm to the touch but not itchy.
• The center loses color, giving it a bull’s-eye appearance.
• The rash does not necessarily appear at the site of the tick bite.

20. Cellulitis

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Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deep layer of skin – the dermis. It normally occurs when bacteria enter through a break in the skin. Symptoms include:

• Skin sores or rash that starts suddenly and grows quickly.
• Warm skin around the redness.
• Fever and fatigue.

21. MRSA

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MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) is a contagious bacterial infection that is resistant to a range of antibiotics. This makes it difficult to treat. Symptoms include:

• rash
• swelling and tenderness in the affected part of the body
• wounds that do not heal

Photo credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

22. Chickenpox

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Chickenpox is an infection by the varicella zoster virus. It is unpleasant, but most people recover within a couple of weeks. Symptoms include:

• An itchy rash of small red spots first appears on the face and trunk, and then spreads across the body.
• Spots then develop blisters on top.
• After 48 hours, the blisters cloud and start to dry out.

23. Lupus

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Lupus is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Symptoms vary widely from person to person, but can include:

• Butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and the bridge of the nose.
• Flaky red spots or a purple, scaly rash on the face, neck, or arms.
• Skin sensitivity to the sun.

24. Toxic shock syndrome

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Toxic shock syndrome is a rare condition sparked by a bacterial infection. It develops quickly and can be life-threatening. All people who have toxic shock syndrome have fever and a rash with the following characteristics:

• looks similar to sunburn and covers most of the body
• flat not raised
• turns white when pressed

25. Acute HIV infection

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During the first stages of HIV, levels of the virus in the blood are very high because the immune system has not yet started tackling the infection. Early symptoms include a rash with the following features:

• mostly affects the upper part of the body
• flat or barely raised small red dots
• not generally itchy

26. Hand, foot, and mouth

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Hand, foot, and mouth is a childhood illness resulting from a viral infection. Symptoms include:

• Rash – flat, non-itchy red blisters on the hands and soles of the feet.
• Loss of appetite.
• Ulcers on the throat, tongue, and mouth.

Image credit: KlatschmohnAcker

27. Acrodermatitis

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Acrodermatitis, a type of pustular psoriasis, is also known as Gianotti-Crosti syndrome. It is associated with viral infections. Symptoms include:

• itchy purple or red blisters
• swollen lymph nodes
• bloated abdomen

28. Hookworm

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Hookworm is a common intestinal parasite. It can cause a range of complications. Symptoms include:

• Skin rash in one particular area that is red, itchy, and raised.
• Breathing complications.
• Extreme tiredness.

29. Kawasaki disease

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Kawasaki’s disease is a rare syndrome that affects children. It is characterized by an inflammation of the walls of the arteries throughout the body. Symptoms include:

• A rash on the legs, arms, and torso and between the genitals and anus.
• A rash on the soles of the feet and palms of the hand, sometimes with peeling skin.
• Swollen, chapped, and dry lips.

30. Syphilis

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Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection. The disease is treatable, but will not go away on its own. Symptoms vary depending on the stage of the disease and include:

• Initially – painless, firm, and round syphilitic sores (chancres).
• Later – non-itchy red/brown rash that starts on the trunk and spreads across the body.
• Oral, anal, and genital wart-like sores.

31. Typhoid

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Typhoid is caused by a bacterial infection. It is spread quickly by contact with the feces of an infected person. If untreated, 25 percent of cases end in death. Symptoms can include:

• Rash – rose-colored spots, especially on the neck and abdomen.
• Fever – up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.

Image credit: Charles N. Farmer, CDC/ Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, 1964

32. Dengue fever

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Dengue fever, also called breakbone fever, is transmitted by mosquitos. The condition ranges from mild to severe. Symptoms can include:

• Initially a flat, red rash appears over most of the body.
• Later, a secondary rash appears, similar to measles.
• Severe joint and muscle aches.

Image credit: calliopejen, 2009

33. Ebola

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Ebola is a serious viral disease; it spreads rapidly through families and friends and can often be fatal. Often, a rash is one of the symptoms:

• Initially, a short-lived mild rash may be present.
• Rashes begin to peel and look like sunburn.
• Later in the disease, the rash may turn to abscesses.

34. SARS

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Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a contagious and sometimes fatal respiratory illness. Symptoms can include:

• skin rash
• chills
• stiff muscles

35. Contact dermatitis

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Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes in contact with an irritant; it is relatively common, and can be unpleasant. Symptoms include:

• red, flaky rash that stings
• blistered skin
• burning sensation
• cracked skin

36. Fungal infection

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Although some fungi live naturally on the human body, sometimes, they can overtake. Symptoms depend on where the infection strikes, but can include:

• a red rash with a circular shape and raised edges
• cracking, flaking, or dry peeling of the skin in the infected area
• chafing, irritation, itching, or burning in the infected area

37. Drug allergy

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Certain people have allergic reactions to prescribed drugs. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the medication as if it were a pathogen. Symptoms vary depending on the individual and the drug, but can include:

• Rash, including hives
• Itchy skin or eyes
• Swelling

38. Atypical pneumonia

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Also called walking pneumonia, atypical pneumonia is less severe than the typical form. Symptoms can include:

• rashes (uncommon)
• weakness and fatigue
• chest pain, especially when breathing deeply

39. Erysipelas

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Erysipelas is a skin infection. It is a form of cellulitis, however, unlike cellulitis, it only affects the upper layers of the skin, rather than deeper tissue. The skin in a particular area becomes:

• swollen, red, and shiny
• tender and warm to the touch
• red streaks above the affected area

Image credit: CDC/Dr. Thomas F. Sellers/Emory University

40. Reye’s syndrome

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Reye’s syndrome is rare and most commonly occurs in children. It can cause serious damage to the body’s organs, particularly the brain and liver (image opposite shows fat accumulation in liver cells). Early symptoms include:

• Rash on the palms of the hands and feet.
• Repeated, heavy vomiting.
• Lethargy, confusion, and headaches.

41. Addisonian crisis

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Addisonian crisis – also known as an adrenal crisis and acute adrenal insufficiency – is a rare and potentially fatal condition where the adrenal glands stop working correctly. Symptoms include:

• skin reactions, including rashes
• low blood pressure
• fever, chills, and sweating

42. Chemical burns

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Chemical burns are relatively common; they can occur when a person comes in direct contact with a chemical or its fumes. Symptoms vary but can include:

• skin that appears black or dead
• irritation, burning, or redness in the affected area
• numbness and pain

43.

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Colorado tick fever, also known as mountain tick fever and American tick fever is a viral infection that develops after a bite from a Rocky Mountain wood tick. Symptoms can include:

• a flat or pimply rash
• skin or muscle pain
• fever

44. Accidental poisoning by soap products

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Some soap products contain strong chemicals. If they are ingested or inhaled, they can cause serious damage. Symptoms can include:

• chemical burns on the skin
• swelling of the throat, lips, and tongue
• difficulty breathing

45. Adult-onset Still’s disease

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Adult-onset Still’s disease is a rare inflammatory disorder that usually affects people in their 30s. Symptoms include:

• A pink rash, mostly affecting the chest and thighs, which tends to fade quickly.
• Joint and muscle pain, commonly affecting the knees, wrists, and ankles.
• Enlarged spleen, liver, or lymph nodes.

46. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

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Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common form of arthritis in children; it used to be called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms vary depending on the subtype, but can include:

• fleeting rashes
• a scaly psoriasis-like rash
• spiking fever

47. Histoplasmosis

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Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection of the lungs. Sometimes, it presents no symptoms, but in other cases, it produces pneumonia-like symptoms; these include:

• rash
• chest pain
• red bumps on lower legs

48. Dermatomyositis

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Dermatomyositis is a medical condition that causes muscle weakness and rashes. The rash may be red and patchy or bluish-purple in color; it appears in a number of places, including:

• shoulders and upper back
• knuckles
• palms and fingers
• around the eyes

49.

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People being treated for certain cancers may sometimes undergo a stem cell transplant; in some cases, the donor cells attack the recipient’s healthy cells instead of the cancer cells. Symptoms can include:

• Rashes affecting the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, ears, or face.
• Other skin changes, such as drying, scaling, scarring, hardening, and darkening.
• Hair loss.

50. Icthyosis vulgaris

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Ichthyosis vulgaris is a hereditary skin condition that often begins in childhood. It is caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for the protein filaggrin; features include:

• The skin’s surface becomes dry, thick, and scaly.
• The dryness is often accompanied by fine, white, or skin-colored scales.
• It commonly affects the elbows, shins, face, scalp, and torso.

51. Pemphigoid

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Pemphigoid is a group of rare autoimmune conditions that primarily cause rashes and skin blistering; there are three main types:

• Bullous pemphigoid – blistering on the lower torso, groin, armpits, inner thighs, soles, and palms.
• Cicatricial pemphigoid – mostly affects mucous membranes.
• Pemphigoid gestationis – develops during pregnancy and mostly affects the upper body.

52. Sarcoidosis

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Sarcoidosis is a condition involving the growth of persistent or inappropriate granulomas or clumps of inflammatory cells. Symptoms include:

• Erythema nodosum – a raised red rash on the lower extremities.
• Nodules or growths under the skin, especially around scar tissue.
• Skin discoloration.

53. Phenylketonuria

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Phenylketonuria is a genetic condition that affects how phenylalanine is broken down by the body. It affects around 1 in 10,000 babies in the U.S. If left untreated, phenylalanine builds up, causing:

• skin rashes, such as eczema
• lighter skin and eyes due to abnormal levels of melanin
• seizures

54. Porphyria

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Porphyria refers to a group of genetic disorders that can affect the nervous system or the skin; symptoms are varied but can include:

• redness and swelling on the skin
• burning pain on the skin
• changes in skin pigmentation

55.

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Dermatitis neglecta is a skin disorder that arises when an individual does not clean themselves sufficiently. It can look similar to other allergic conditions. Symptoms include patches of scaly skin that are collections of:

• sweat and moisture
• dirt
• bacteria and other germs

Image credit: Dr. Piotr Brzezinski Ph.D.

56. Heliotrope rash

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Heliotrope rash is often the first noticeable symptom of an inflammatory muscle disease called dermatomyositis. The rash often includes:

• raised and bumpy skin
• red patches
• skin looks dry and irritated

Image credit: Elizabeth M. Dugan, Adam M. Huber, Frederick W. Miller, Lisa G. Rider, 2010.

57. Uric acid skin rash

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A person may develop a rash when high levels of uric acid in the blood cause crystals to form and accumulate in and around a joint. This can also lead to gout. Symptoms include:

• A dotted rash on the surface of the skin
• Redness, tenderness, and swelling of the joints
• Prolonged joint pain for weeks following the reaction

Image credit: WNT.

1. Amoxicillin reaction

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Some people are allergic to the antibiotic amoxicillin. If a person experiences any of the following symptoms they should stop taking it and report to their doctor:

• skin rash
• blotchy skin
• itchiness

Image credit: Skoch4, 2008.

2. Erythema ab igne (hot bottle rash)

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Erythema ab igne is caused by overexposure to heat. Regularly using hot water bottles, or other forms of heat, to relieve pain from muscle or joint damage may lead to developing this skin condition.

Image credit: James Heilman, MD, 2010.

3. Ketoconazole shampoo reaction

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Applying ketoconazole shampoo to the scalp can help reduce skin conditions such as dandruff and psoriasis. If a person has an allergic reaction to ketoconazole their symptoms may include:

• enflamed rash covering the area that came into contact with the shampoo
• itchiness

Image credit: Niels Olson, 2010.

4. Beard dye reaction

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Some people are allergic to chemicals found in beard or hair coloring dye. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• dry, flaky skin
• redness
• itchiness

Image credit: Yngve Roennike, 2016.

5. Infant milk rash

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Breastfed babies may develop a rash if they are allergic to a food group that their mother is consuming. Symptoms of a food allergy can include:

• hives
• itchiness
• coughing
• diarrhea

6. Urticaria (nettle rash)

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A person with urticaria will likely develop a raised, itchy rash that is usually triggered by an allergen. Common symptoms of urticaria include:

• pink wheals (swellings) on the skin
• redness
• extreme itchiness

7.

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A person with a grass allergy may develop hay fever symptoms when coming into contact with grass. It is also common to experience:

• small red dots on the skin
• hives
• itchiness

Image credit: Carolyn, 2009.

8. Poison ivy reaction

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Coming into contact with poison ivy plant oil can lead to a person developing contact dermatitis. Symptoms of this include:

• small bumps or blisters on the skin
• redness
• itchiness

Image credit: CDC/ Richard S. Hibbits, 1971.

9. Smallpox vaccination reaction

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Following a vaccination, some people may develop the following symptoms:

• small bumps
• redness
• itchiness
• fever

Image credit: CDC/ Arthur E. Kaye, 1969.

10. Hyposensitization therapy reaction

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Hyposensitization therapy is used to treat allergic disease. While receiving the course of injections, a person may experience the following symptoms:

• redness
• itchiness

Image credit: Bionerd, 2008.

11. Euproctis chrysorrhoea (brown-tail moth) reaction

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A person may develop a rash after touching a brown-tail moth. This is caused by a reaction to the toxins found in the moth’s hairs. Symptoms include:

• red, blotchy skin
• raised bumps

Image credit: B kimmel, 2010.

Armpit rash: Causes, treatment, and prevention

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A rash occurs when an area of skin, such as the armpit, looks unusual or feels uncomfortable for more than a few hours.

In most cases, a rash is a temporary symptom that is usually treatable with over-the-counter (OTC) medications and home remedies.

However, some rashes, such as long-lasting, returning, or severe rashes, may be a sign of underlying health conditions that require medical attention and treatment.

In this article, we examine different types of armpit rash and explain the treatment options for each one.

There are many different causes of armpit rash. The most common ones are listed below:

Chafing

When skin rubs hard against itself or clothing for too long, irritation is likely to occur. Areas of the body where the skin folds over itself or rubs against itself frequently, such as the armpit, are especially prone to chafing.

Chafing rashes are usually:

• red
• raw, or with the top layer of skin rubbed off
• stinging and burning
• in streak formations, often with a lighter center streak
• swollen, cracked, and bleeding or crusted if severe

Many people experience underarm chafing while exercising or wearing clothing that does not fit them properly.

Many people also experience chafing during the spring and summer months because they sweat more in the heat and moist skin is quicker to irritate.

Heat rash

Heat can mix with sweat on the skin and cause an irritation rash commonly called heat rash.

In most cases, heat rash causes itchy patches of bumps that are:

• tiny
• prickly
• red
• slightly raised

Many people develop heat rash in their armpits during the warmer months or while in hot climates because the armpits contain lots of sweat glands.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin or body comes into contact with an allergen or irritant, sparking an immune response. This allergic reaction usually develops within a few hours of exposure to allergens or irritants.

Contact dermatitis rashes are usually:

• itchy
• red
• blistered
• dry

There are many different causes of contact dermatitis. Some of the most common include:

• chemicals found in cleaning detergents and personal care products
• food or environmental allergens
• medicines
• insect stings or bites

Hair removal processes

Many people develop patches of tiny, red, painful bumps after shaving the underarms. These bumps are usually present in and around the hair follicles.

Eczema

Eczema is a non-contagious, chronic condition characterized by skin inflammation. It occurs most commonly in areas of the body where there are folds in the skin.

Around 30 percent of the American population, mostly young children and adolescents, have eczema.

Eczema patches are usually:

• red
• itchy
• dry
• cracked
• prone to releasing clear fluid when scratched

Eczema rashes tend to last for more than a week. An armpit rash may occur alongside similar patches on other parts of the body, such as the elbows, back of the knees, and neck.

People with eczema may experience flare-ups during certain times of the year or when they are ill or experiencing stress.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of eczema that develops around oil-producing glands. It causes symptoms that are different to those of eczema.

Seborrheic dermatitis rashes are usually:

• red
• greasy looking
• swollen
• itchy and burning

The skin may also develop white or yellow flakes.

A type of yeast called Candida commonly causes fungal infections. Candida usually triggers a rash that is:

• itchy
• swollen
• scaly
• red

Ringworm

Ringworm is a prevalent type of fungal infection that causes a red or silver ring-like rash.

Ringworm rashes may also be:

• blistered or scabbed
• swollen
• dry
• scaly
• itchy

Share on PinterestCoconut oil may help treat armpit rashes.

Most rashes that occur as a result of allergic reactions or general skin irritation respond well to home care. People with these types of rash can try the following remedies:

• Keeping the area cool and dry by wearing loose clothing and taking lukewarm showers.
• Staying out of the sun as much as possible and away from humid environments.
• Tapping or patting itchy skin gently instead of scratching it.
• Taking a lukewarm bath with added oatmeal, vinegar, salt, or baking soda.
• Applying unscented, glycerol-based moisturizers for dry, scaly rashes several times a day.
• Avoiding long periods of time in the water, including long showers or baths.

Some natural therapies and supplements may also help reduce or treat most armpit rashes, but it is worth noting that there is little scientific evidence supporting their use.

Alternative home remedies for treating armpit rashes include:

• coconut oil
• topical vitamin B-12
• sunflower oil
• cardiospernum, a type of vine available in ointment form
• biofeedback
• hypnosis
• meditation
• acupressure, which involves applying pressure to specific points on the body
• massage

Several of the conditions that cause armpit rashes require treatment using OTC medications.

OTC remedies for allergic reactions and other skin irritations include:

• Applying OTC hydrocortisone creams (0.5–1.0 percent) several times a day for a few days.
• Taking antihistamine medications. Some of these contain ingredients that cause drowsiness, which may make it easier to sleep and thus discourage scratching.
• Using OTC calamine lotions or creams.
• Applying OTC antifungal creams, gels, or sprays to the area daily for 2 weeks, where Candida or ringworm infections are the cause of the rash.

Armpit rashes that appear as a result of chronic skin conditions often require medical treatment. However, in most cases, a doctor will recommend trying a mixture of OTC and at-home remedies before prescription medications.

Prescription treatment options for people with eczema include:

• topical steroid creams
• topical PDE4 inhibitors or calcineurin inhibitors
• phototherapy, using ultraviolet light to boost vitamin D production
• biologic medications that contain engineered versions of human immune proteins

People may choose to use only personal care and cleaning products that have the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance.

Treatment options for people with seborrheic dermatitis include:

• applying OTC antifungal creams
• washing the area with products containing zinc pyrithione
• softening scaly patches every few days with exfoliating products
• using topical corticosteroids, prescription-grade antifungal creams, or nonsteroidal creams during flare-ups, according to directions

Share on PinterestFragrance-free personal care products can help prevent underarm rashes.

Understanding what causes armpit rashes may help to minimize their severity.

General tips for preventing underarm rashes include:

• identifying and avoiding allergens where possible
• using unscented and fragrance-free personal care products
• bathing regularly in lukewarm water but not for extended periods
• using anti-chafing powders when in warm weather or exercising
• wearing clothing and undergarments that fit properly
• washing clothing, bedding, and towels frequently
• washing the hands or body after being around soil, animals, and plants
• avoiding sharing towels, combs, or clothing with other people
• wearing loose clothing made of natural fibers in warm weather
• ensuring pets and farm animals have all their recommended vaccinations

With proper care, most armpit rashes do not cause any complications.

Without this care, however, scarring and infection may develop. Scarring from armpit rashes usually occurs when people scratch their rash too much or allow an infection to develop.

Chronic or severe rashes, or those that do not go away with basic treatment, tend to come with a broader range of complications.

For example, there is a long list of allergic conditions that relate to eczema, including asthma and allergic contact dermatitis. Also, severe or untreated fungal and bacterial infections can lead to life-threatening complications, including sepsis and organ failure.

People with a severe or chronic rash should always talk to a doctor as soon as possible to determine its cause and potential treatment options.

People with rashes that appear without an apparent cause or do not go away with primary treatment should also speak with a doctor.

Certain types of rashes are the result of serious medical conditions that require emergency treatment, such as severe infection or allergic reactions. These rashes are quite rare though.

Seek emergency medical care for rashes that:

• cover the entire body or most of it
• are accompanied by blisters or fever
• develop suddenly and spread rapidly
• are painful or swollen
• bleed, ooze, or release pus
• are around the genitals, mouth, or eyes
• accompany nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
• are unresponsive to OTC or at-home remedies
• sit in areas of thickened, crusty, or scabbed skin
• are in the midst of painful, tender, swollen, or red skin
• occur alongside cold hands and feet
• appear when the body is shaking
• are present alongside a stiff neck
• accompany confusion or dizziness

Rash in a child on the body, legs, back

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Allergic rash - urticaria | Symptoms

Medications, contrast agents (used in imaging studies such as computed tomography)
Signs: Allergic rash that begins within 48 hours after using the drug.

Emotional and physical stimuli (stress and anxiety, cold, exercise, skin pressure, warmth, sunlight, sweating)
Signs: Allergic rash, which usually begins within seconds or minutes after contact with an irritant; an allergic rash that starts within 4 to 6 hours and affects only the area of ​​skin where pressure has been applied, or an allergic rash that only affects the area of ​​skin exposed to sunlight.

Food (food allergens)
Signs: Allergic rash that starts within minutes or hours of consumption.

Infections (bacterial, parasitic, viral)
Signs: Fever, chills, and fatigue. Specific infection symptoms, particularly for parasitic infections, recent travel to a developing country.

Insect bites or burns
Signs: Allergic rash that starts within seconds or minutes of an insect bite or burn.

Serum sickness
Signs: Allergic rash that begins within 7 to 10 days after an injection of a blood product (as in a transfusion), a drug derived from the blood of animals (used to treat venomous snake and spider bites). May be accompanied by fever, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and abdominal pain.

Contact allergens (latex, animal saliva or dander, dust, pollen or mold)
Signs: An allergic rash that begins within minutes or hours of contact.

Transfusion reactions
Signs: Allergic rash that usually starts within minutes of a blood product transfusion.

Systemic lupus erythematosus
Signs: Various symptoms depending on the autoimmune disease. With systemic lupus erythematosus, symptoms may include fever, fatigue, headache, joint pain and swelling, pain when breathing, and mouth ulcers.

Sjögren's syndrome
Signs: Dry eyes and dry mouth.

Urticarial vasculitis
Signs: An allergic rash that may be painful but not itchy. Usually lasts more than 24 hours. Does not whiten (brighten) when pressure is applied. May be accompanied by the formation of small blisters and red-violet spots (purpura).

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