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Circular skin rash pictures: Skin lesions: Pictures, treatments, and causes

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Skin lesions: Pictures, treatments, and causes

Some common skin lesions and their treatments include:

Acne

Acne can appear as whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or cysts. It can be harmless for some, but for others it can lead to scarring or low self-esteem.

Acne develops when the pores in the skin are clogged with dead skin cells and the skin’s natural oil, called sebum. Bacteria can also get into the clogged pore, inflaming the lesions.

People with mild acne may find over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to be effective. These products usually produce any results in 4–8 weeks.

If acne is more severe or if OTC products do not work, a person should see a doctor, such as a dermatologist.

Learn more about acne here.

Eczema

Eczema is common and often appears as itchy, red patches of skin. These can form anywhere on the body.

Experts do not know what causes eczema, but it is not contagious.

It is a chronic condition, meaning that there is no cure, but medications and lifestyle changes can manage the symptoms.

The National Eczema Association recommend that people with eczema:

  • avoid anything that seems to make it worse
  • bathe and moisturize every day
  • use the medications recommended or prescribed by their doctors

Learn more about eczema here.

Cold sores

The herpes simplex virus causes a contagious infection. A person may only realize that they have it when they notice cold sores — which look like blisters — forming on or around their lips. The sores may be painful or tingly.

Cold sores tend to reappear from time to time. Stress and exposure to sunlight are among the various factors that can trigger an outbreak of the sores.

Cold sores usually go away on their own in a few weeks.

Some people use OTC creams that contain acyclovir to ease the symptoms and speed the healing process.

However, topical antivirals like these are not always effective. A person may be more likely to see results if they use prescription antiviral medication.

Learn more about cold sores here.

Blisters

When the skin is injured, a watery liquid called serum leaks into the damaged area from the surrounding tissue. This can form a bubble in the skin called a blister.

Burns, rubbing, infections, and allergies are the most common causes of blisters.

These lesions usually go away on their own — and popping or bursting them increases the risk of infection.

Learn more about blisters here.

Hives

Allergic reactions can cause hives, which look like a red, bumpy, itchy rash. Hives usually go away on their own.

If anyone suspects a serious allergic reaction, they should call 911 or otherwise contact emergency services. The warning signs include:

  • trouble breathing
  • swelling or tightness of the throat
  • nausea, with or without vomiting
  • abdominal pain
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • fainting
  • a rapid heartbeat

Learn more about hives here.

Impetigo

An infection of Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria — known colloquially as staph or strep — causes impetigo.

Impetigo is a skin infection that forms red sores surrounded by red skin. The lesions fill with pus and become pimples, which then break open and crust over.

Impetigo is contagious, and it spreads easily. Doctors treat it with antibiotics.

Learn more about impetigo here.

Moles

Moles are circular or oblong patches that are darker than surrounding skin. The three main types of mole are:

  • Congenital: A person is a born with this type of mole, which may be of any size and on any part of the body.
  • Common: Most adults have 10–40 of these typically harmless growths, which tend to appear above the waist, in areas exposed to the sun.
  • Atypical: The skin cancer melanoma can form in atypical moles, which are usually larger than a quarter of an inch in diameter, not round, and more than one color.

People who have atypical moles should monitor them closely, as they can turn into skin cancer. Check for differences in the way that they look or feel and speak to a doctor about any changes.

Learn more about moles here.

Actinic keratosis

Actinic keratosis can develop on skin that has been damaged by the sun. It looks like flesh-colored, brown, pink, or red crusty bumps.

People with actinic keratosis have a high risk of developing skin cancer.

Doctors may recommend surgery, creams, or light therapy as treatments.

Learn more about actinic keratosis here.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis usually forms patches of itchy or scaly skin. The patches tend to appear on the elbows, knees, or scalp, but they can develop on any part of the body.

Scientists do not yet know exactly what causes psoriasis. However, it is an autoimmune condition — it results from a problem with the immune system. There is no cure, but several treatments are available.

OTC creams and ointments can help some people, while others need prescription medication.

Learn more about psoriasis here.

Ringworm

Fungus causes ringworm, a skin infection that can form a circular rash. It can appear on any part of the body, and the rash is usually surrounded by itchy, red, scaly skin and hair loss.

People sometimes call ringworm on the feet athlete’s foot or ringworm on the groin jock itch.

OTC creams, lotions, and powders can treat the infection.

The name for ringworm on the scalp is tinea capitis, and it usually requires prescription antifungal medication. Treatment can take 1–3 months.

Learn more about ringworm here.

If OTC products do not resolve acne, eczema, or psoriasis, a person should contact a doctor, who may prescribe medication in the forms of creams, lotions, or pills.

There are no OTC treatments for impetigo. Anyone who thinks that they or their child has the infection should speak to a doctor.

Ringworm on the scalp requires medical attention. Anyone who suspects that they have this should see a doctor, who can prescribe antifungal medication.

Anyone who notices new moles or changes in existing moles should contact a doctor, who may screen for skin cancer. The same is true for people who have actinic keratosis.

A range of health issues and factors such as shoes or clothes rubbing against the skin can cause lesions.

Some of these lesions, including cold sores and blisters, usually go away on their own within a few weeks. Others, such as eczema and psoriasis, are long-term conditions that need ongoing treatment.

In many cases, doctors can treat lesions that may become cancerous. Anyone with concerns about skin cancer should contact a healthcare provider.

Lupus rash on black skin: Symptoms and treatment

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue in the body. Many people with lupus may experience a malar rash that extends over the face in the shape of a butterfly.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects at least 5 million people worldwide. However, the condition is more common in African American people. Females are also more likely to get lupus than males, and it occurs most often in those aged between 15–45 years.

Lupus can cause many symptoms, including skin rashes, joint swelling, and headaches. Another common symptom is a malar rash, or butterfly rash, on the face. Lupus may also cause sores to appear on the skin.

This article explores the symptoms and prevalence of lupus on black skin, along with causes and treatment options.

Symptoms of lupus may include:

  • malar rash, which appears as a butterfly-shaped red or different color rash across the cheeks and nose, that may feel painful or itchy
  • a raised, scaly rash on the skin
  • sores in the nose or mouth
  • pain and swelling of joints
  • fatigue
  • anemia
  • fever
  • flu-like symptoms
  • chest pain when breathing deeply
  • unexplained hair loss, particularly on the scalp
  • Raynaud’s disease, where toes or fingers change color, such as turning paler or purple, due to cold or stress
  • rash or feeling sick after sun exposure

In some people with lupus, inflammation may affect the blood and organs, which could lead to:

  • heart disease
  • kidney disease
  • lung problems
  • digestive issues

Lupus nephritis

If a person has a kidney issue due to lupus, doctors may refer to it as lupus nephritis. With this condition, people may experience:

  • foamy urine
  • swelling due to fluid retention in the legs, feet, ankles, and sometimes the hands or face
  • high blood pressure

Lupus can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. If people with lupus experience unexplained chest pain, they should seek immediate medical help.

People of all genders, races, and ethnicities can develop lupus. According to the Lupus Foundation of America:

  • lupus is more common in females than males: 9 out of 10 people with the condition are female
  • African American females are three times more likely to develop lupus than white females
  • African American females are more likely to develop more severe cases of lupus, and at a younger age
  • lupus affects 1 in 250 African American females in the United States

The main form of lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus, is more common among people of African heritage.

There is currently no clear reason why lupus commonly affects people of African descent. Researchers believe it may have a link to:

  • genetics
  • hormones
  • environmental factors

Other racial and ethnic groups are also at higher risk for developing lupus. These include:

  • Asian American
  • Hispanic
  • Latinx
  • Native American
  • Pacific Islander

Race and ethnicity can also affect complications of lupus. African Americans, Hispanics, Latinos, and Asian Americans are at higher risk of developing lupus nephritis than white people.

As well as race, ethnicity, and gender, risk factors for lupus may include a history of lupus in the family, or another autoimmune condition.

There is no known cause for lupus. However, possible causes may include genetics, environmental factors, and immune system factors. Stress, certain medications, and sunlight can also trigger lupus symptoms, known as flares. However, lupus is not contagious.

There are four different types of lupus:

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus: This is the most common type of lupus.
  • Cutaneous lupus: This type of lupus only affects the skin. The most common type to affect black skin is discoid lupus, which presents as a rash, usually on the face, neck, and scalp.
  • Drug-induced lupus: This occurs when certain medications cause symptoms similar to lupus.
  • Neonatal lupus: A rare condition that affects infants.

Diagnosing lupus can be difficult, as there is no specific test for the disease, while many of its symptoms overlap with other conditions. A doctor will use a combination of laboratory tests and symptom assessments to diagnose the condition.

These tests may include:

  • Blood and urine tests: Antinuclear antibody tests can indicate if a person’s immune system is likely to make autoantibodies of lupus. Roughly 97% of people with lupus show positive test results for these autoantibodies.
  • Tissue biopsy: A doctor may take a sample of skin or kidney tissue to check for signs of autoimmune disease.
  • Physical exam: To check for rashes or other physical symptoms of lupus.
  • Medical and family history: To keep track of any symptoms and investigate any family history of autoimmune disease.

There is a set criteria list of 11 symptoms and test results for diagnosing lupus. If people meet four or more out of the 11, they may have the condition.

As different lupus symptoms can develop over time, it can be beneficial to keep track of any health issues that people experience over the years. It is also important to know if any relatives have had lupus or autoimmune disease.

There is currently no cure for lupus, although people can work with their healthcare team to develop a treatment plan to help manage the condition.

Treatments can help keep symptoms in check, prevent the immune system from attacking healthy tissue, and protect against organ damage.

These strategies may be a combination of medications, lifestyle and dietary changes, and alternative therapies.

Medications

Medications for lupus can include:

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs: These include ibuprofen to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling in joints and muscles.
  • Corticosteroids: These may help reduce swelling, tenderness, and pain. They could also calm the immune system.
  • Antimalarials drugs: These drugs may help treat:
    • joint pain
    • skin rashes
    • fatigue
    • lung inflammation
  • Immunosuppressants: In severe cases, doctors may suggest these to help manage inflammation and an overactive immune system.
  • Anticoagulants: Many people with lupus may be at risk for blood clots. Therefore, doctors may recommend these drugs to prevent a stroke or heart attack.

People can discuss the potential side effects of any medication with their doctor. Healthcare professionals will carefully monitor a person taking lupus medication to check for any serious adverse effects.

Lifestyle and diet changes

Lifestyle and dietary changes may include:

  • Protection from sun exposure: People with lupus should try to wear sunscreen all year round, cover up, and stay out of the sun at peak times. Lupus can cause the skin to become more sensitive to the sun and trigger flare-ups.
  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet: Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and foods low in salt, sugar, and fat may help manage symptoms.
  • Regular exercise: Moderate, low-impact exercise can help maintain strength and energy levels.
  • Rest: Excessive activity may trigger a lupus flare, so alternate active periods with rest and get quality sleep.
  • Avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke: Cigarette smoke chemicals can worsen lupus symptoms.

People can contact their doctor if they have a temperature above 99.6°F (37.5°C). A high temperature could indicate a lupus flare or infection.

Lupus can also cause depression, so it is important that people reach out to a healthcare professional if they are experiencing mental health issues. Connecting with a support network may help people manage their condition and positively affect health.

Alternative therapies

Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, tai chi, and massage therapy, may help alongside other treatments to relieve pain and ease stress. However, more research is necessary to confirm their effectiveness.

If people are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, they can talk with their doctor. Healthcare professionals consider lupus pregnancies as high risk, and people will need to follow a plan to ensure they and their baby stay safe.

Lupus is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue. This can result in a range of mild to severe symptoms, which can include skin rashes.

Gender, race, and ethnicity may play a role in who is more likely to have lupus. The condition more commonly affects females and people of African heritage. Possible reasons for this include genetics, hormones, and environmental factors.

Although there is currently no cure for lupus, a combination of treatments can help control symptoms and improve quality of life. People can see their doctor for diagnosis and a treatment plan to help manage the condition.

Rash on the body | causes, symptoms, types of skin rashes, treatment

Human skin is an indicator of the state of his body. Various rashes on the skin of the abdomen, chest, face, arms and legs appear depending on diseases of the internal organs, being symptoms of allergies, viral or infectious infections. A rash is a change in the condition of the skin on different parts of the human body, which differ in location, rate of appearance, stage of development, filling, color and texture.

Rashes can cause various discomforts. It happens that the rash has an unclear origin and appears for non-specific reasons, so you should consult a doctor in a timely manner to prevent complications and infection of other people if the disease is contagious.

Prices

Primary appointment (examination, consultation) with an allergist-immunologist 1500 ₽
Repeated appointment (examination, consultation) with an allergist-immunologist 1350 ₽
Appointment with a dermatovenereologist (primary) 1500 ₽

See all prices

Contents

  • Types of skin rashes
  • Allergic rash
  • Rash in infectious diseases
  • Skin rash
  • Treatment

Types of skin rashes

The rash can be either primary or secondary. The primary is observed on a healthy body. If the primary satiety has not been treated, then a secondary rash appears on the same places in the dermis.

Primary skin rashes

Due to various diseases, the following types of primary rash are formed:

  1. Papule (nodule) – a bulge of a different consistency, without content, which passes without a trace. It is often in the shape of a cone or circle. Papules merging with each other, are quite large. They are divided into 3 groups by size: the smallest from 1 to 3 mm, medium, large – from 1 to 4 cm. Papules differ in the presence of an inflammatory process.
  2. Knot – a protruding part of the skin that does not have a cavity with dimensions up to 10 cm. It can be both inflammatory and non-inflammatory rash, after resolution, a scar remains.
  3. Tubercle is a raised skin lesion about 1 cm in size, without internal filling. The bumps may change color. They leave scars behind.
  4. Pustule – Vesicle with pus covered with a thin film on top. The skin around the pustule is inflamed. Types of pustules:
  • Conflicts are non-follicular ulcers on the surface of the skin that look like blisters with pus. The skin around is reddish due to inflammation. When the conflicts pass, the resulting crust disappears, and the pigmentation still lasts for some time.
  • Ecthymas are non-follicular deep pustules with a purulent bottom, after which scars form on the skin.
  • Superficial follicular pustules sizes from 1 to 5 mm are partially located in the follicle, affecting only the papillary layer. By resolution, there are no scars, no pigmentation, no scars.
  • Deep follicular pustules occupy not only the entire follicle, but also all layers of the dermis, so after treatment they leave scars. They have varieties such as boils and carbuncles.
  • Blister – a reddish, sometimes whitish in the center, convex and cavityless rash element that occurs against the background of a limited and acute edema of the papillary dermis. At the base, it can be both rounded and irregular in shape. After a few days, the blister disappears without leaving a trace. The causes of its occurrence are allergies, urticaria, toxicoderma, bites.
  • Vesicle is a rash element up to 0.5 cm in size, which has a lid, bottom and space with serous or serous-hemorrhagic contents. Vesicles are found on all parts of the body. When they are opened, erosion can form instead of them. The reasons for their appearance are the presence of eczema, chickenpox, herpes, shingles, allergies.
  • Bladder is a blister-like change that is larger than 0.5 cm. The spot may be reddish or bluish in color. The skin may be pale or inflamed. From pressure, the reddened spot, which has an excessive rush of blood, disappears. These include dermatitis, roseola of secondary syphilis, typhus, vitiligo, etc.
  • Roseola – spots with a diameter of 1 to 5 mm, characteristic of infectious diseases (for example, for patients with typhoid fever). With roseola, uneven spots can blur the borders. A distinctive feature is blanching of the skin when pressed and the absence of a bulge.
  • Erythema is a bright skin manifestation with an indefinite contour and bulge, which often manifests itself in the background of intolerance to UV rays, certain fruits or medicines. Nodular or exudative erythema is a symptom of the development of rheumatism and the presence of infections.
  • Purpura – hemorrhages that may be small. They appear as a result of diseases: leukemia, hemophilia, Werlhof’s disease, etc.

    • Secondary rashes

    They are caused by the lack of treatment of primary lesions, as a rule, due to not timely access to a doctor, or the lack of results of self-treatment. Morphological elements of secondary rashes include:

    • Hyperpigmentation, depigmentation, when the skin becomes either darker or discolored.
    • Superficial or deep scars and abrasions that remain after scratching or are part of the resolution of dermatological diseases such as neurodermatitis, eczema, etc.

    Common types of secondary skin manifestations:

    1. eschar – formation on the skin after bursting of vesicles, pustules and sores in the form of a crust, the color of which depends on the content.
    2. plaques – skin lesions more than 5 mm, rising above the level of the skin, which are formed as a result of the connection of several papules. Their boundaries depend on the disease, for example, in psoriasis they are clear.
    3. erosion – changes resulting from the opening of the vesicle and abscess and affecting only the upper layers of the skin of the face, genitals, hands. They indicate an inflammatory process, do not leave scars.
    4. ulcers – recurrent defects with violation of the integrity of the skin, which capture all layers – to the subcutaneous fat. Characterized by a long course, difficult healing. Treatment leaves scars. Typically, in people with diabetes, they affect the legs.
    5. scales – peeling of the dying upper layer of the skin in the form of particles. Separating horny plates, depending on the disease, are of different colors: white, gray, brown, yellow. For example, as a result of seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, lichen, psoriasis, white scales form.
    6. lichenification – indurated and dry areas of the skin of a pinkish tint, with increased pattern and pigmentation. Against the background of ulcers, eczema and neurodermatitis, as a result of scratching, the skin becomes covered with abrasions and crusts, which are formed due to the drying of the weeping surface departments in place of bursting vesicles, pustules.

    Allergic rash

    Rash appears on the skin due to an allergy that releases histamine. Thanks to the work of immune cells, trying to remove a foreign object from the body, blood vessels dilate, inflamed skin swells.

    1. Urticaria – allergic rash with severe itching, red swollen spots on the abdomen, chest, limbs, less often on the face, which quickly appear and change shape and location.
    2. Contact dermatitis manifests itself at the site of close contact with the allergen and is accompanied by additional symptoms such as lacrimation, runny nose, headache, palpitations, convulsions, nausea.
    3. Dermatitis is observed against the background of the direct effect of the allergen on the skin, digestive system, respiratory tract.

    List of main allergens:

    • pet hair;
    • pollen from flowering plants;
    • medicines (antibiotics, sulfa drugs, hormonal pills, vitamins, etc.)
    • food products and additives;
    • cosmetics, whether decorative or caring;
    • dust and smoke smell;
    • various metals and artificial fabrics.

    Rashes in infectious diseases

    When infected with a virus, infectious rashes can occur in both adults and children. In some cases, they are placed only in some places, and sometimes they cover the body completely:

    1. Chicken pox begins with round pink rashes that are found on the whole body, even on the scalp, on mucous membranes, and sometimes on the palms and feet. Subsequently, itchy blisters with liquid inside form in this place. After 2-3 days they dry up and crusts appear. At the same time, manifestations of different stages coexist on the body. Smallpox can last from 5 to 10 days.
    2. In case of rubella , at first a red small rash with a diameter of up to 10 mm in a round shape appears on the neck and on the skin of the face, then the rash spreads to the body. As a rule, pimples pass in 2 – 4 days. It happens that the disease drags on for a week, and then the rashes disappear, leaving no traces of pigmentation.
    3. measles is characterized by a purple rash that becomes visible on the second day. They may appear in sequence. They first affect the neck, face, area behind the ears, and after a day they already spread to the body. The rash then covers the entire body, including the palms and soles, including the fingers. The elements of the rash tend to connect. In the future, they gradually subside. Within a week and a half, the skin affected by the rash remains in color, like age spots.
    4. With scarlet fever small red rashes stand out on the skin. Numerous spots cover the entire body, but are especially intense in the folds of the skin, on the lower abdomen, in the groin, on the back and on the sides of the body. Sometimes the skin turns blue. A characteristic feature is the absence of rashes in the region of the nasolabial triangle formed by the corners of the mouth and the bridge of the nose. Within 3 to 7 days, the rash disappears without leaving pigmentation. However, then the skin peels off, and leaves the arms and legs in layers.
    5. Herpes – blisters with fluid rounded on the lips or body. During the healing process, yellow or dark crusts first remain on the skin, which disappear with time.
    6. Herpes zoster – vesicles up to 5 mm in size on one side of the body. As a rule, it is in patients with chickenpox. Accompanied by pain, severe itching. After them, depressions, scars or age spots remain.
    7. With syphilis the rash is located on the chest, in the groin and appears with secondary syphilis. For the first time, red rashes are plentiful and symmetrical, subsequent ones are unsaturated.
    8. Candidiasis is accompanied by blisters that burst, leaving cracks with whitish content and erosion in the folds of the body due to friction.
    9. For scabies , the characteristic appearance is scabies, papules, vesicles, blisters that are visible to the naked eye.
    10. With ostiofolliculitis skin changes in the form of purulent pustules with a pink border appear on the folds, on the face, on the head in the hair. Then crusts form on the skin, and then they fall off – age spots.

    Intoxication of the body, which is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, occurs with enterovirus infection, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. However, it is impossible to make a diagnosis on your own, because the symptoms are mild, and rashes are often absent. Seriousness is indicated by skin manifestations along with other pathological symptoms.
    For example, the initial symptoms of blood poisoning are similar to the flu – high fever, vomiting. A distinctive feature is hemorrhagic petechial hemorrhages due to rupture of superficial capillaries. This is a sign of deadly meningococcal sepsis, which develops rapidly, so an ambulance is called immediately.

    Rash in skin diseases

    Eruptions can cause the following skin diseases:

    • acne (acne) – manifests itself in the form of ulcers on the nose, forehead, cheeks and chin;
    • psoriasis ;
    • fungal diseases ;
    • scabies caused by microscopic parasites.

    In young children, reddening of the skin may be caused by insect bites or prickly heat, a typical reaction to overheating.

    These are not all diseases that are accompanied by a skin rash.

    Treatment

    Do not try to determine the cause of the rash yourself, as you can be mistaken. In the case of skin rashes, it is necessary to seek advice from a dermatologist, pediatrician or general practitioner. If you have allergies, you need to see an allergist, an immunologist. With self-administration of antihistamines, there is no complex treatment, therefore, acute allergic reactions may occur in the future. Often the rash has a non-specific appearance, so it should be treated by a qualified specialist based on diagnostic tests and clinical test results.

    Make an appointment

    If you have any rash, you can make an appointment with a dermatovenereologist for a detailed diagnosis. Treatment in our medical center is carried out by experienced specialists, doctors of the highest category, who use modern methods to prevent allergic and chronic diseases. Registration is available online or by phone.

    Physicians

    Who treat rashes and various skin eruptions

    Vitalieva Ekaterina Eduardovna
    allergist-immunologist