Itchy rash with red bumps

Red, Itchy Rash? | NIH News in Health

April 2012

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Get the Skinny on Dermatitis

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You’ve probably had a rash at some point or another, whether from poison ivy or the chickenpox or something more unusual. Why does your skin break out in red blotches like that? More important, is there anything you can do about it?

We often think of the skin as a barrier—it keeps the insides of our bodies in, and it keeps the outside world out. But our skin is also filled with special cells of the immune systemThe system that protects your body from invading viruses, bacteria and other microscopic threats.. These cells protect the skin and body against viruses, bacteria and other threats. Whenever these cells detect a suspicious substance, they begin a chain reaction in the skin that leads to inflammationHeat, swelling and redness caused by the body’s protective response to injury or infection. . The medical name for this reaction is dermatitis. But it’s more commonly known as a rash.

There are many different types of dermatitis, and each has a distinct set of treatments. Sometimes the skin’s immune cells react to something that directly touches the skin. Other times, the immune system flares in the skin because of a whole-body infection or illness.

The symptoms of these different types of rashes often overlap. “Itching is a common symptom for all these problems,” says Dr. Stephen I. Katz, director of NIH’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Many rashes are red, painful, and irritated. Some types of rash can also lead to blisters or patches of raw skin. While most rashes clear up fairly quickly, others are long lasting and need to be cared for over long periods of time.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a dry, red, itchy rash that affects up to 1 in 5 infants and young children. It often improves over time, although it can last into adulthood or start later in life. In this condition, the water-tight barrier between skin cells gets weak, which lets moisture out and other things in. That’s why people with atopic dermatitis have to moisturize their skin, and they’re more susceptible to skin infections.

Researchers have recently identified specific genesStretches of DNA, a substance you inherit from your parents, that define characteristics such as how likely you are to get certain diseases. that are involved in maintaining the skin barrier. People with certain versions of these genes are more likely to get atopic dermatitis.

“The skin is the outermost sentinel for fighting off bacteria and noxious agents,” says Katz. “If the barrier is broken somehow, you can become more allergic to things.”

A skin allergy, or allergic contact dermatitis, produces a red, itchy rash that sometimes comes with small blisters or bumps. The rash arises when the skin comes in contact with an allergen, a usually harmless substance that the immune system attacks. Allergens trigger allergic reactions. Allergens can come from certain soaps, creams and even pets.

Your immune system might not react the first time you encounter an allergen. But over time, your immune system can become sensitive to the substance. As a result, your next contact may lead to inflammation and an allergic rash.

“The most common form of dermatitis that is seen anywhere is an allergic contact dermatitis to nickel,” says Katz. “Why? Because of ear piercing.” Many inexpensive earrings are made of nickel, and over time, wearing nickel earrings can cause an allergic reaction to the metal.

Other common causes of allergic dermatitis are poison oak and poison ivy. The stems and leaves of these plants produce a chemical that’s likely to cause allergies. If you touch one of them, wash your skin as soon as possible. The chemical can also remain in clothing for a long time, so it’s important to wash any clothes or shoes—or even pets—that come into contact with these plants.

Mild cases of allergic contact dermatitis usually disappear after a few days or weeks. But if the rash persists, is extremely uncomfortable or occurs on the face, it’s important to see a physician. A doctor can prescribe medications that will tone down the immune reaction in the skin. This eases swelling and itching and will protect your eyes and face.

The immune cells of the skin can also produce rashes when they react to invading germs—like bacteria, fungi and viruses. Bacterial and viral infections within your body can cause your skin to break out in spots as well. The chickenpox virus, for example, can cause itchy spots in children. Years later, in older adults, the same virus may reappear as shingles, bringing a painful rash and high fever. Vaccines can prevent several rash-causing diseases, including chickenpox, shingles and measles.

Certain drugs, including antibiotics like amoxicillin, may also cause itchy skin rashes. If you’re allergic to a drug, a rash can be the first sign of a serious reaction. As with other allergies, a reaction to a drug may not occur the first time you take it. It could show up after several uses. Not all drug rashes are due to an allergy, however. If you break out in itchy spots after starting a new drug prescription, contact your doctor right away.

While most rashes get better with time, some can last a lifetime. Psoriasis, a condition where skin cells build up into thick red patches, tends to run in families. “It’s a complex genetic disease, in that there’s not one gene that causes psoriasis but many,” says Katz. Even though none of these genes alone has a great effect on the disease, knowing which genes are involved can help researchers design potential new treatments. Other long-term diseases that can produce rashes include autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, and some forms of cancer.

If you notice an itchy or painful rash on your skin, think twice before going to the drugstore and getting some cream if you don’t know the cause. “The creams that you buy can produce problems that make your original problem even worse,” Katz says. Because rashes can be caused by many different things—bacteria, viruses, drugs, allergies, genetic disorders, and even light—it’s important to figure out what kind of dermatitis you have.

“If you have any significant rash, you should see a dermatologist,” says Katz. A dermatologist, or skin doctor, is specially trained to figure out what’s causing a rash and help you get the right treatment.

Your skin is your protection. It’s not just the covering that keeps your body in; it’s also your first line of defense against germs and chemicals. Take care of your skin so your skin can take care of you.

22 Common Skin Rashes, Pictures, Causes & Treatment

A rash is any area of irritated or swollen skin on your body. Rashes are often itchy and painful and can appear differently on different skin tones. While they are often described as red, on darker skin tones they may be purple, gray, or white.

There are many different causes of rashes. Here’s a list of 22 potential causes with pictures.

Warning: graphic images ahead.

Fleabites

Share on PinterestFlea bites of the lower leg causing red bumps and scabbing. Angela Hampton Picture Library / Alamy Stock Photo

usually located in clusters on the lower legs and feet
itchy, small red bumps on lighter skin tones, and more plum-like in color on darker skin tones
symptoms begin immediately after being bitten

Read the full article on fleabites.

Fifth disease

Share on PinterestFifth disease is a viral illness caused by parvovirus, which can cause a ‘slapped cheek’ rash. Kardelen Yang?n Via Wikipedia

symptoms include headache, fatigue, low fever, sore throat, runny nose, diarrhea, and nausea
children are more likely than adults to experience a rash
round, bright red rash on the cheeks, but it may be less noticeable on darker skin tones
usually after the face rash, a lacy-patterned rash may appear on the arms, legs, and upper body and might be more visible after a hot shower or bath

Read the full article on fifth disease.

Rosacea

Share on PinterestWeinkle, A. P., Doktor, V., & Emer, J. (2015). Update on the management of rosacea. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 8, 159177. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S58940

chronic (long-term) skin disease that goes through cycles of fading and relapse
relapses may be triggered by spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, sunlight, stress, and the intestinal bacteria Helicobacter pylori
the four subtypes of rosacea encompass a wide variety of symptoms
common symptoms include facial flushing, raised red bumps, facial redness, skin dryness, and skin sensitivity
on darker skin tones, brown or yellowish-brown bumps may appear, and the rash can have a dusky coloration

Read the full article on rosacea.

Impetigo

Share on PinterestThis image also depicts impetigo on dark skin. Photography courtesy of Grook Da Oger/Wikimedia

most common in children 2 to 5 years old, but can happen at any age
often located in the area around the mouth, chin, and nose
irritating rash and fluid-filled blisters that pop easily and form a honey-colored crust
can also appear brown, purple, or gray on darker skin tones

Read the full article on impetigo.

Ringworm

Share on PinterestRingworm on the face of a child. BSIP SA / Alamy Stock Photo

itchy, circular scaly patches with raised borders
on lighter skin tones, the patches can appear pink or red
on darker skin tones, the patches can appear gray or brown
skin in the middle of the ring appears clearer, and the edges of the ring may spread outward

Read the full article on ringworm.

Contact dermatitis

Share on PinterestContact dermatitis of the arm. vvoe/Shutterstock

appears hours to days after contact with an allergen
has visible borders and typically appears where your skin touched the irritating substance
on lighter skin tones, it can appear red
on darker skin tones, it may be less noticeable
may have blisters that weep, ooze, or become crusty
typically itchy, scaly, or raw

Read the full article on contact dermatitis.

Allergic eczema

Share on PinterestDmitriy SIMAKOV/Getty Images

may resemble a burn
often found on hands and forearms
skin is itchy, scaly, or raw
may have blisters that weep, ooze, or become crusty
on lighter skin tones, it can appear red
on darker skin tones, it can cause darker brown, purple, or gray patches

Read the full article on allergic eczema.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease

Share on PinterestHand-foot-and-mouth disease MidgleyDJ at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

usually affects children under age 5
painful, red blisters in the mouth and on the tongue and gums
flat or raised red spots located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
on darker skin tones, it can be skin-colored or grayish-brown
spots may also appear on the buttocks or genital area

Read the full article on hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Diaper rash

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located on areas that have contact with a diaper
skin looks red, wet, and slightly lighter or darker than typical skin color
may be warm to the touch

Read the full article on diaper rash.

Eczema

Share on PinterestBenislav/Shuttertstock

dry, rough, flaky, inflamed, and irritated skin
affected areas may be red and itchy
hair loss may occur in the area with the rash
on darker skin tones, it can appear as darker brown or gray patches

Read the full article on eczema.

Psoriasis

Share on PinterestPsoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, scaly plaques on the skin. It is immune system mediated, and genetics likely also play a role. Vitek2808/Shutterstock

scaly, silvery, sharply defined skin patches
on darker skin tones, it may look darker than the surrounding skin or it might appear purple
commonly located on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back
may be itchy or asymptomatic

Read the full article on psoriasis.

Chickenpox

Share on PinterestChild with chickenpox Grook da oger, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

clusters of itchy, red, fluid-filled blisters in various stages of healing all over the body
on darker skin tones, it can be red, the same as the natural skin tone, or a little darker; scabs can appear gray
rash is accompanied by fever, body aches, sore throat, and loss of appetite
remains contagious until all blisters have crusted over

Read the full article on chickenpox.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Share on Pinterestbutterfly rash.SLE systemic lupus erythematosus

an autoimmune disease that displays a wide variety of symptoms and affects many body systems and organs
a wide array of skin and mucous membrane symptoms that range from rashes to ulcers
classic butterfly-shaped face rash that crosses from cheek to cheek over the nose
can appear bright red on lighter skin tones
on darker skin tones, it may appear red, brown, or darker than the original skin color
rashes may appear or get worse with sun exposure

Read the full article on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Share on Pinterestchatuphot/Shutterstock

painful rash that may burn, tingle, or itch, even if there are no blisters present
clusters of fluid-filled blisters that break easily and weep fluid
rash emerges in a band-like pattern that appears most commonly on the torso, but may occur on other parts of the body, including the face
may be accompanied by low fever, chills, headache, or fatigue

Read the full article on shingles.

Cellulitis

Share on PinterestCellulitis of the lower legs. TisforThan/Shutterstock

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care is required.

caused by bacteria or fungi entering through a crack or cut in the skin
tends to be red or pink
it may appear less obvious on darker skin tones and can also look brown, gray, or purple
painful, swollen skin with or without oozing that spreads quickly
hot and tender to the touch
might be a sign of serious infection requiring medical attention

Read the full article on cellulitis.

Drug allergy

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This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care is required.

mild to severe itchy, red rash may occur days to weeks after taking a drug
severe drug allergies can be life threatening, and symptoms include rash, blisters, hives, racing heart, swelling, itching, and difficulty breathing
other symptoms include fever, stomach upset, and tiny purple or red dots on the skin

Read the full article on drug allergies.

Scabies

Share on PinterestScabies is an itchy skin infestation with mites. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

symptoms may take 2 to 5 weeks to appear
extremely itchy rash with small bumps that may be scaly
raised, white, or flesh-toned lines

Read the full article on scabies.

Measles

Share on PinterestMeasles on the torso of a child phichet chaiyabin/Shutterstock

symptoms include fever, sore throat, red watery eyes, loss of appetite, cough, and runny nose
depending on skin tone, the rash may be red, skin-colored, or darker than the natural skin color
the rash spreads from the face down the body 3 to 5 days after first symptoms appear
tiny white spots with bluish-white centers on a red background can appear inside the mouth

Read the full article on measles.

Tick bite

Share on PinterestAitor Diago/Getty Images

painless and causes only minor signs and symptoms, such as a change in skin color, swelling, or a sore on the skin
rash, burning sensation, or blisters
difficulty breathing, which requires immediate medical attention
the tick often remains attached to the skin for a long time
bites rarely appear in groups
may look like a target, circular, expanding — 70 to 80 percent of people with Lyme disease will have this rash

Read the full article on tick bites.

Seborrheic eczema

Share on PinterestZay Nyi Nyi/Shutterstock

yellow or white scaly patches that flake off
affected areas may be red — though they may appear faint on darker skin tones —, itchy, greasy, yellowish or white patches
hair loss may occur in the rash area

Read the full article on seborrheic eczema.

Scarlet fever

Share on PinterestChild with scarlet fever rash and rosy cheeks badobadop, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

occurs at the same time as or right after a strep throat infection
rash is made up of tiny bumps that make it feel like “sandpaper”
bright red tongue
people with lighter skin tones can have a bright red rash all over the body (but not on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet)
on people with darker skin tones, it may be more difficult to see the rash, but their skin will have a sandpaper-like texture

Read the full article on scarlet fever.

Kawasaki disease

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This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care is required.

usually affects children under age 5
red cracked lips, swollen tongue (strawberry tongue), high fever, swollen red palms and soles of the feet, swollen lymph nodes, bloodshot eyes
can be harder to recognize on darker skin tones
may cause severe heart problems

Read the full article on Kawasaki disease.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is one of the most common causes of rashes. This type of rash occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with a foreign substance that causes an adverse reaction, leading to a rash. The resulting rash may be itchy, red, or inflamed.

Possible causes of contact dermatitis include:

beauty products
soaps
laundry detergent
dyes in clothing
chemicals in rubber, elastic, or latex
poisonous plants, such as poison oak, poison ivy, or poison sumac

Medications

Taking medications may also cause rashes. They can form as a result of:

an allergic reaction to the medication
a side effect of the medication
photosensitivity from the medication

Other causes

Other possible causes of rashes include the following:

A rash can sometimes develop in the area of a bug bite, such as a fleabite. Tick bites are of particular concern because they can transmit disease.
Atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, is a rash that may be more common in people with asthma or allergies. The rash is often reddish, though it can be skin-colored or darker on people with darker skin tones. It can be itchy with a scaly texture.
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that can cause a scaly, itchy, red, or purplish rash to form along the scalp, elbows, and joints.
Seborrheic eczema is a type of eczema that most often affects the scalp and causes redness, scaly patches, and dandruff. It can also occur on the ears, brows, or nose. When babies have it, it’s known as cradle cap.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that can trigger a rash on the cheeks and nose. This rash is known as a “butterfly,” or malar, rash.
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition of unknown cause. There are several types of rosacea, but all are characterized by redness and rash on the face.
Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a distinctive ring-shaped rash. The same fungus that causes ringworm on the body and the scalp also causes jock itch and athlete’s foot.
Diaper rash is a common skin irritation in infants and toddlers. It can be associated with prolonged exposure to a wet diaper.
Scabies is an infestation by tiny mites that live on and burrow into your skin. It causes a bumpy, itchy rash.
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin. It usually appears as a red, swollen area that is painful and tender to the touch. If left untreated, the infection causing the cellulitis can spread and become life threatening.

Causes of rashes in children

Children are particularly prone to rashes that develop as a result of illnesses:

Chickenpox is caused by a virus, and the rash is characterized by small itchy bumps and blisters that form all over the body.
Measles is a viral respiratory infection that causes a widespread rash consisting of itchy, red bumps.
Scarlet fever is an infection due to group A Streptococcus bacteria that produces a toxin, causing a bright red or skin-tone-colored, sandpaper-like rash.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral infection that can cause red lesions on the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet.
Fifth disease is a viral infection that causes a red, flat rash on the torso, arms, and legs.
Kawasaki disease is a rare but serious illness that triggers a rash and fever in the early stages and can lead to heart complications.
Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection that causes an itchy, crusty rash and yellow, fluid-filled sores on the affected area, such as the face, neck, or hands.

You can treat most contact rashes, but it depends on the cause. Follow these guidelines to help ease discomfort and speed up the healing process:

Use mild, gentle cleansers instead of scented bar soaps.
Use warm water instead of hot water for washing your skin and hair.
Pat the rash dry instead of rubbing it.
Let the rash breathe. If it’s possible, avoid covering it with clothing.
Stop using new cosmetics or lotions that may have triggered the rash.
Apply unscented moisturizing lotion to areas affected by eczema.
Avoid scratching the rash because doing so can make it worse and could lead to infection.
Apply an over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone cream to the affected area if the rash is very itchy and causing discomfort. Calamine lotion can also help relieve rashes from chickenpox, poison ivy, or poison oak.
Take an oatmeal bath. This can soothe the itchiness associated with rashes from eczema or psoriasis. Here’s how to make an oatmeal bath.
Wash your hair and scalp regularly with dandruff shampoo if you have dandruff along with a rash. Medicated dandruff shampoo is commonly available at drugstores, but your doctor can prescribe stronger types if you need them.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

Talk with a healthcare professional, who may recommend OTC medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to treat mild pain associated with the rash.

Avoid taking these medications for an extended period because they can have side effects. Ask a healthcare professional how long it’s safe for you to take them. You may not be able to take them if you have liver or kidney disease or a history of stomach ulcers.

Call a healthcare professional if the rash doesn’t go away with home remedies. You should also contact them if you’re experiencing other symptoms in addition to your rash and you suspect you have an illness.

If you don’t already have a physician, you can use the Healthline FindCare tool to find a professional near you.

Go to the hospital immediately if you experience a rash along with any of the following symptoms:

increasing pain or discoloration in the rash area
tightness or itchiness in the throat
difficulty breathing
swelling of the face or limbs
fever of 100. 4°F (38°C) or higher
confusion
dizziness
severe head or neck pain
repeated vomiting or diarrhea

Contact a healthcare professional if you have a rash as well as other systemic symptoms, including:

joint pain
a sore throat
red streaks or tender areas near the rash
a recent tick bite or animal bite

Your healthcare professional will perform a physical exam and inspect your rash. Expect to answer questions about your:

rash
medical history
diet
recent use of products or medications
hygiene

Your healthcare professional may also:

take your temperature
order tests, such as an allergy test or complete blood count
perform a skin biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of skin tissue for analysis
refer you to a specialist, such as a dermatologist, for further evaluation

Your healthcare professional may also prescribe medication or medicated lotion to relieve your rash. Most people can treat their rashes effectively with medical treatments and home care.

Follow these tips if you have a rash:

Use home remedies to soothe mild contact rashes.
Identify potential triggers for the rash and avoid them as much as possible.
Call a healthcare professional if the rash doesn’t go away with home treatments. You should also contact them if you’re experiencing other symptoms in addition to your rash and you suspect you have an illness.
Carefully follow any treatments your doctor prescribes. Speak with a healthcare professional if your rash persists or gets worse despite treatment.

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Read the article in Spanish.

Acute urticaria - allergic skin reaction

Urticaria appears as raised, well-circumscribed areas of erythema (redness) and swelling of the skin, which is very itchy. The intensity of itching can vary from mild to severe. Red spots on the skin can take any shape: be linear, round or oval, arcuate

Urticaria can appear anywhere on the body, while itchy spots can change shape, migrate, disappear and reappear within short periods of time. However, recognizing this condition is quite simple - urticaria has one characteristic symptom: the center of the spots turns pale when pressed . At the same time, this does not mean that urticaria cannot be confused with any other of the many dermatological diseases that are similar in symptoms. So, it happens that only an experienced doctor can make a diagnosis.

Differential diagnosis of urticaria:

allergic contact dermatitis atopic dermatitis (eczema) erythema multiforme scabies Schonlein-Henoch disease (a form of allergic vasculitis) mastocytosis lichen pink.

Symptoms of urticaria can last from a few minutes to several months or even years (then we are talking about chronic urticaria). Usually spots with clear edges appear on the skin unexpectedly and disappear just as suddenly. If these symptoms last less than six weeks, urticaria is classified as acute.

Acute generalized urticaria

Acute generalized urticaria stands out separately, which is distinguished by a larger area of spots on the body. In some cases, itchy patches or rashes can cover the entire body. Another specific point: the cause of acute generalized urticaria often cannot be established. According to some sources, the cause of this condition is not determined in more than 60% of cases.

Known/common triggers of acute generalized urticaria

Infections (eg, upper respiratory infections, pharyngitis, gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, fungal infections such as dermatophytosis, malaria, amoebiasis, hepatitis, mononucleosis, HIV, parasitic infections, such as ascariasis or trichinosis Foods (most commonly shellfish, fish, eggs, cheese, chocolate, nuts, berries, tomatoes) Drugs: penicillins, sulfonamides, salicylates, NSAIDs, codeine, antihistamines Environmental factors (eg , pollen, chemicals, dust, mold), and exposure to cold or heat Exposure to latex Emotional stress Physical overexertion

How acute urticaria develops

Upon contact with a trigger (irritant), the body reacts by releasing large amounts of the inflammatory mediator histamine, as well as a number of other pro-inflammatory molecules (cytokines). In the case of urticaria, they accumulate under the surface of the skin, affect the permeability of the vessels, which begin to leak fluid. The fluid accumulates in the skin and causes rashes, itching, redness, and other unpleasant symptoms.

In some cases, the trigger for urticaria is obvious, such as peanuts or shrimp. Acute hives can be caused by an allergic reaction to food, medicine, cosmetics, or soap, as well as infections, insect bites, or environmental factors (such as heat, cold, pressure, exercise, sunlight) and stress.

Many cases of urticaria require long-term investigation, as this condition can provoke many different causes, so medical supervision is indispensable. Your doctor may order a variety of skin tests to look for a trigger. They should only be performed under strict medical supervision in a clinic with the proper equipment, as many cases of allergic reactions carry the risk of anaphylaxis.

Rash in a child on body, legs, back

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