Types of Common Rashes

A rash is a general term for a change in the color, or texture of area of your skin. Rashes can have a number of causes, including allergies, irritants, or illness. To help determine the cause of the rash, your health care provider will look at the rash and take into account other symptoms you might be experiencing such as itching or fever. It is important to know where on your body the rash started, where it spread, and when it first appeared. It also is important to know if you have had any exposures or conditions that could cause or contribute to the development of a rash, such as:

• Any known allergies to drugs or other substances

• Started taking a new prescribed or over-the-counter drug, or herb or supplement   

• Travel outside the local area, including rural or wildness areas or out of the country

• Work with chemicals at home or on your job

• In the sun for longer than usual

• Had immunizations or begun any new treatments

• Had a sexually transmitted disease exposure, including risk factors for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

• Have a chronic condition such as diabetes or valvular heart disease

• Any exposure to people who are sick

• Eaten any new foods

• Pets and recreational activities

• Tick or other insect bite

Types of Rashes

The lesions of a rash can be on or a combination of the following types:

• Small, flat, areas that cannot be felt when you brush your hand over them, called macules

• Large (greater than 2 inches), flat, and you can feel them, called plaques

• Small, solid and raised, called papules

• Large, solid and raised, called nodules

• Small blisters, called Vesicles

• Large blisters, called bullae

• Small, raised, pus filled, called pustules

• Areas that have blood; small areas are called petechiae, larger areas are called bruises or purpura.,

The color of a rash is also important.   They can be the same color as the skin, darker or lighter than normal skin color, or a color different from normal skin color; such as red.

The type of rash can give a clue about the cause, but sometimes it is very difficult to determine what causes a rash. For example, rashes that are small flat or raised (or a combination of these) are usually caused by an illnesses that affects the body (usually viral such as measles); but it could be caused by a drug reaction or an allergy. Nodules are usually caused by infections in the skin itself, but they can be due to an allergic reaction or a general illness. Blister type rashes (vesicles or bullae) can be caused by allergic reactions or infections such as chickenpox.

A red rash resembling sunburn can be a symptom of a particularly serious condition, Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome, also called toxic shock syndrome (TSS). This condition was originally related to the use of tampons and the use of the contraceptive sponge and diaphragm birth control methods. Rarely TSS, or a related condition Streptococcal Shock Syndrome (SSS), have been caused by infection of  wounds or surgery incisions by staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria. If a menstruating woman or anyone who has had recent surgery or a wound has symptoms listed below just before or while this type or rash is present, seek  medical help immediately:

• Sudden high fever (102 F or higher), sometimes accompanied by chills

• Fatigue and weakness

• Sudden nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea

• Diffuse red rash resembling a sunburn

• Rash followed in 1 or 2 weeks by peeling of the skin, particularly the skin of the palms or soles

• Bloodshot eyes, redness inside the mouth or throat

• Sudden confusion, seizures, headaches

• Muscle aches

• Rapid drop in blood pressure (causes dizziness and fainting)

• Organ failure (usually kidneys and liver)

Self-Care

If you develop a new type or rash, a rash in a part of your body where you’ve not had one previously, or other symptoms along with a rash, see your health care provider for diagnosis.

Rashes with no other symptoms and those not secondarily infected can usually be treated with the following measures:

• Bathe in lukewarm water once a day for short periods, do not scrub. Pat skin dry; do not rub.

• When bathing, minimize use of soap or use moisturizing or soap-free cleanser. Avoid bath oils and bubble baths.

• Do not use cosmetic products on the rash.

• Keep nails short to reduce damage done to the skin by scratching.

• Dress lightly and wear soft, nonscratchy clothes.

• Apply cold compresses for temporary relief of itching.

• Apply over-the-counter 1-percent hydrocortisone creams as often as directed to relieve itching.

• Protect your skin from contact with harsh chemicals and substances to which you are allergic; use latex gloves (if you have a latex allergy use vinyl, nitrile gloves) and wear protective clothing if possible

• Humidify air in winter.