Skin rashes can be red, inflamed, bumpy as well as dry, itchy or painful. The main cause is dermatitis, which is when your skin reacts to allergens or irritants. Bacteria, viruses, allergens and conditions including eczema, hives, and psoriasis can be the source of skin rashes. A variety of treatments can relieve your symptoms and get rid of the rash. Show
OverviewWhat is a skin rash?A skin rash occurs when skin becomes red, inflamed and bumpy. Some skin rashes are dry and itchy. Some are painful. Many things can bring on a skin rash, including viruses, bacteria, allergens and skin conditions like eczema. How common are skin rashes?Almost everyone develops at least one skin rash during their lifetime. It’s extremely common to sometimes feel itchy or have red, bumpy skin for a little while. Who might get a skin rash?Everyone — from infants to senior citizens — can get skin rashes. Infants are prone to diaper rash and cradle cap. Children are prone to atopic dermatitis and catch rash-inducing viruses, such as fifth disease. And older kids or adults can develop contact dermatitis as skin becomes sensitive to allergens or irritants over time. What are the types of skin rashes?There are many different types of skin rashes, including:
Symptoms and CausesWhat causes a skin rash?Many things can cause skin rashes, including:
What are the symptoms of a skin rash?Skin rash symptoms vary depending on the type and cause. Rashes can develop in one area of the body or all over. A skin rash may be:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is a skin rash diagnosed?Because so many things can cause a skin rash, diagnosis can be tricky. Your healthcare provider will examine the rash, assess your symptoms and take a medical history. You may undergo tests, such as:
Management and TreatmentHow is a skin rash managed or treated?Treatment for skin rashes depends on the cause. It can take several weeks for the rash to go away. Skin rash treatments include:
What are the complications of a skin rash?They’re bothersome and unsightly, but skin rashes usually respond well to treatment. They rarely cause serious problems. Potential issues include:
PreventionHow can I prevent a skin rash?You might lower your chances of developing a skin rash if you:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat is the prognosis (outlook) for people with a skin rash?Depending on the cause, some skin rashes go away with treatment. Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis cause chronic, recurring skin rashes that need ongoing care. Treatments can soothe pain, inflammation and itching. Living WithWhen should I call the doctor?You should call your healthcare provider immediately and seek emergency care if the skin rash:
What questions should I ask my doctor?If you have a skin rash, talk to your healthcare provider. You may want to ask:
Summary How much a skin rash affects your life depends largely on what’s causing it. It’s hard to avoid viruses and bacteria, but you can avoid allergens and irritants that you know bother you. Whatever the cause, most rashes are annoying but treatable. Some skin conditions, like psoriasis, are lifelong and need more care. Your healthcare provider can identify what’s causing the skin rash. Talk to your provider about how to minimize exposure to rash-causing triggers. Your provider can customize a treatment plan to address your specific symptoms and rash type. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/23/2020. References
Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Related Institutes & ServicesDermatology & Plastic Surgery InstituteOur expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic Children'sCleveland Clinic Children's is dedicated to the medical, surgical and rehabilitative care of infants, children and adolescents. Related Institutes & ServicesDermatology & Plastic Surgery InstituteOur expert physicians and surgeons provide a full range of dermatologic, reconstructive and aesthetic treatments options at Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic Children'sCleveland Clinic Children's is dedicated to the medical, surgical and rehabilitative care of infants, children and adolescents. More health news + infoShow More
Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest Snapchat ActionsAppointments & AccessAccepted InsuranceEvents CalendarFinancial AssistanceGive to Cleveland ClinicPay Your Bill OnlineRefer a PatientPhone DirectoryVirtual Second OpinionsVirtual VisitsBlog, News & AppsConsult QDHealth EssentialsNewsroomMyClevelandClinicMyChartAbout Cleveland Clinic100 Years of Cleveland ClinicAbout UsLocationsQuality & Patient SafetyOffice of Diversity & InclusionPatient ExperienceResearch & InnovationsCommunity CommitmentCareersFor EmployeesResources for Medical ProfessionalsSite Information & PoliciesSend Us FeedbackSite MapAbout this WebsiteCopyright, Reprint & LicensingWebsite Terms of UsePrivacy PolicyNotice of Privacy PracticesNon-Discrimination Notice9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 | 800.223.2273 | © 2022 Cleveland Clinic. All Rights Reserved. Can internal issues cause rashes?Autoimmune conditions may cause a rash because they trigger inflammation in skin cells. These diseases are often characterized by chronic inflammation in your internal organs, your skin, and everywhere in between.
What underlying health conditions cause rashes?The causes range from allergic reactions to food or medication, to environmental exposure or as a result of chronic illnesses, autoimmune conditions or infection. Severe inflammatory conditions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome also cause rashes that cover over 50% of the skin's surface.
Does some internal health issues cause skin symptoms?Internal diseases can manifest in a myriad of skin dermatoses ranging from single disorders such as calciphylaxis, cryoglobulinemia, amyopathic dermatomyositis, and Raynaud phenomenon, to spectrum disorders such as the neutrophilic dermatoses and morphea.
Can digestive problems cause rashes?Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the large intestine, but it can also cause skin issues. These can include painful rashes. Skin issues affect about 15 percent of all people with different types of IBD.
|