What are the most common types of skin rashes. How can you identify different rashes. What causes various skin rashes. How are different skin rashes treated.

Understanding Skin Rashes: An Overview

Skin rashes are a common medical concern that can affect people of all ages. They manifest as areas of irritated or swollen skin, often accompanied by itching, pain, or discomfort. While rashes are frequently described as red, their appearance can vary significantly depending on skin tone. On darker skin, rashes may present as purple, gray, or white patches.

The causes of rashes are diverse, ranging from minor irritants to serious medical conditions. Identifying the specific type of rash is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment. This article explores 22 common skin rashes, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Insect Bites and Infestations: Fleabites and Their Characteristics

Fleabites are a common cause of skin rashes, particularly in areas with pets or wildlife. These bites typically appear as:

• Small, red bumps on lighter skin tones
• Plum-colored spots on darker skin tones
• Clusters on the lower legs and feet
• Intensely itchy areas

Symptoms of fleabites usually begin immediately after the bite occurs. To treat fleabites, it’s essential to address the source of the infestation and manage the symptoms. Over-the-counter antihistamines and anti-itch creams can provide relief, while keeping the affected area clean can prevent secondary infections.

Viral Rashes: Fifth Disease and Its Distinctive Patterns

Fifth disease, caused by parvovirus B19, is a viral illness that often affects children. Its most recognizable symptom is a distinctive rash, but it’s accompanied by other signs:

• Headache and fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Sore throat and runny nose
• Diarrhea and nausea
• ‘Slapped cheek’ appearance on the face
• Lacy-patterned rash on the body

The facial rash of fifth disease appears as a bright red coloration on lighter skin tones, while it may be less noticeable on darker skin. The body rash often becomes more visible after exposure to heat, such as after a hot shower.

Treatment for fifth disease is primarily supportive, focusing on symptom relief. The condition typically resolves on its own within a few weeks.

Chronic Skin Conditions: Rosacea and Its Subtypes

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by recurring cycles of flare-ups and remission. It primarily affects the face and can manifest in various ways:

• Facial flushing and redness
• Raised red bumps resembling acne
• Skin dryness and sensitivity
• Visible blood vessels

On darker skin tones, rosacea may appear as brown or yellowish-brown bumps with a dusky coloration. The condition has four subtypes, each with distinct characteristics and symptoms.

Rosacea triggers can include spicy foods, alcohol, sunlight, stress, and even certain bacteria. Management typically involves identifying and avoiding triggers, using gentle skincare products, and medical treatments prescribed by a dermatologist.

Bacterial Skin Infections: Impetigo in Children and Adults

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that commonly affects children but can occur at any age. Its distinctive features include:

• Red, irritated rash (may appear brown, purple, or gray on darker skin)
• Fluid-filled blisters that easily rupture
• Honey-colored crusts forming over broken blisters
• Frequent occurrence around the mouth, chin, and nose

Impetigo is typically treated with topical or oral antibiotics, depending on the severity and extent of the infection. Proper hygiene practices are crucial in preventing the spread of impetigo to others.

Fungal Infections: Ringworm and Its Circular Pattern

Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by a worm but by a fungal infection. It’s characterized by:

• Circular, scaly patches with raised borders
• Pink or red coloration on lighter skin tones
• Gray or brown appearance on darker skin tones
• Clearer skin in the center of the ring
• Itching and potential spreading of the rash

Ringworm can affect various parts of the body, including the scalp, feet (athlete’s foot), and groin area (jock itch). Treatment typically involves antifungal medications, either topical or oral, depending on the location and severity of the infection.

Allergic Reactions: Contact Dermatitis and Allergic Eczema

Contact dermatitis and allergic eczema are skin reactions triggered by exposure to irritants or allergens. These conditions share some similarities but have distinct characteristics:

Contact Dermatitis:

• Appears hours to days after exposure to an irritant
• Has visible borders corresponding to the area of contact
• Can be red on lighter skin tones, less noticeable on darker skin
• May present with blisters, oozing, or crusting

Allergic Eczema:

• May resemble a burn
• Often found on hands and forearms
• Skin is itchy, scaly, or raw
• Can appear red on lighter skin tones
• May cause darker brown, purple, or gray patches on darker skin tones

Both conditions are treated by identifying and avoiding the triggering substance, using topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and moisturizing the affected area to promote healing.

Childhood Rashes: Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease and Diaper Rash

Children are susceptible to various specific rashes, including hand, foot, and mouth disease and diaper rash.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease:

• Primarily affects children under 5 years old
• Causes painful, red blisters in the mouth
• Produces flat or raised spots on hands and feet
• Can appear skin-colored or grayish-brown on darker skin tones
• May also affect the buttocks or genital area

Treatment for hand, foot, and mouth disease is mainly supportive, focusing on pain relief and hydration. The condition typically resolves on its own within a week to 10 days.

Diaper Rash:

• Occurs in areas in contact with diapers
• Skin appears red and wet on lighter skin tones
• May be slightly lighter or darker than typical skin color
• Often feels warm to the touch

Managing diaper rash involves frequent diaper changes, gentle cleaning, and the use of barrier creams. In severe cases, antifungal or mild steroid creams may be necessary.

Chronic Inflammatory Skin Conditions: Eczema and Its Variants

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can affect people of all ages. Its characteristics include:

• Dry, rough, and flaky skin
• Inflamed and irritated areas
• Intense itching
• Potential hair loss in affected areas
• Red patches on lighter skin tones
• Darker brown or gray patches on darker skin tones

Management of eczema typically involves a combination of moisturizing, avoiding triggers, and using topical anti-inflammatory medications. In severe cases, systemic treatments may be necessary.

Identifying and Treating Less Common Rashes

While the rashes discussed above are among the most common, there are numerous other types of skin rashes that can occur. These may include:

• Psoriasis: A chronic autoimmune condition causing scaly, itchy patches
• Hives: Raised, itchy welts that can appear suddenly due to allergic reactions
• Shingles: A painful, blistering rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus
• Pityriasis rosea: A temporary rash that often starts with a “herald patch” followed by smaller spots

Identifying these less common rashes often requires professional medical evaluation. Treatment approaches vary depending on the specific condition and its severity.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Rash

While many rashes can be managed at home, certain situations warrant immediate medical attention. Seek professional help if:

• The rash is accompanied by fever, dizziness, or difficulty breathing
• The rash covers a large portion of your body
• The rash appears suddenly and spreads rapidly
• The rash is painful or shows signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus)
• Home remedies do not improve the rash within a few days

A healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the cause of the rash and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Prevention and General Care for Skin Rashes

While not all rashes are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and maintain healthy skin:

• Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing
• Avoid known allergens and irritants
• Use gentle, fragrance-free skincare products
• Keep skin moisturized, especially if prone to eczema
• Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure
• Manage stress, as it can exacerbate certain skin conditions
• Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated

By understanding common skin rashes, their causes, and appropriate care strategies, you can better manage these conditions and promote overall skin health. Remember that persistent or severe rashes should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

22 Common Skin Rashes, Pictures, Causes & Treatment

Rashes have a variety of causes, from bites to chickenpox to serious conditions like drug allergies. Seek medical attention if home remedies do not help or if you also have symptoms such as fever or dizziness.

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, 159–177. 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.

Rash on Hands and Feet: Common Causes and Treatment

A rash on your limbs can result from a bacterial or fungal infection. It may also occur due to a health condition or medication. You may also experience other symptoms, including itchiness.

Rashes are earmarked by a change in the color and texture of your skin. They may have blisters, and they may itch or hurt. Rashes that break out on your hands and feet have a wide range of underlying causes.

We’ll explore some of the common conditions that cause rashes to occur on the hands and feet. We’ll also look at treatment options you can try at home, or under a doctor’s care.

Rashes on the hands and feet can be caused by environmental factors, such as irritants or allergens. They may also be the result of medical conditions or infections.

Some common causes of rashes on hands and feet include:

Hand, foot, and mouth diseas

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Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious infection caused by several viruses, including the coxsackie virus. Anyone can get hand, foot, and mouth disease, although it most commonly occurs in babies and children.

This condition causes a rash on the hands and feet, as well as sores in the mouth and on the tongue. You may experience fever and a sore throat with this condition.

The hand and foot rash caused by this condition sometimes causes blistering to occur, and may be painful, but not itchy. In some instances, it may appear on the buttocks, as well.

Granuloma annulare

Granuloma annulare is a chronic, degenerative skin condition with an unknown cause. There are five recognized types:

• localized granuloma annulare
• generalized or disseminated granuloma annulare
• subcutaneous granuloma annulare
• perforating granuloma annulare
• linear granuloma

The most common type, localized granuloma annulare, causes rings of flesh-toned, red, or yellow nodules to form on the feet, hands and fingers.

These nodules are small and hard, but do not typically itch. The rings usually clear up on their own without treatment, within a few months to two years. They may, however, come back.

Granuloma annulare is more common in women than in men, and tends to occur during young adulthood.

Dyshidrotic eczema (dyshidrosis, pompholyx)

This very itchy, common form of eczema causes deep-set blisters on the palms of hands, edges of fingers, soles and sides of feet, and toes. The blisters can become large and painful, and may last for several weeks.

Dyshidrotic eczema outbreaks often coincide with seasonal allergies, during spring and summer. It’s more common in women than in men. This condition is not curable, but its symptoms can be successfully treated. It’s not contagious.

Impetigo

This very contagious, bacterial skin infection begins with an oozing rash of red sores around the mouth and nose that can be spread to the hands and feet via touch. When the sores burst, they develop brownish-yellow crusts.

The rash can be itchy, and painful. Impetigo most commonly occurs in infants and children. Itching and soreness are other symptoms.

Hand-foot syndrome (acral erythema or palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia)

This condition is a side effect of certain chemotherapy drugs used for cancer treatment. It’s earmarked by pain, swelling, and redness in either or both the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It can also cause tingling, burning, and blisters. In severe cases, deeply cracked skin and extreme pain may occur.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is caused by a contagious fungal infection. It usually starts between the toes, and spreads to the entire foot. This condition is earmarked by a scaly, red rash that itches.

In some instances, athlete’s foot can spread to the hands. This is more likely to happen if you pick at or scratch the rash on your feet.

Athlete’s foot is caused by keeping very sweaty feet trapped in shoes. It can also be transmitted on locker room and shower floors.

Many hand and foot rashes can be treated at home, but some require medical treatment, based on their underlying cause and severity.

There are a number of over-the-counter and at-home rash treatments that may help alleviate itching and pain, plus reduce the appearance of the rash. You may have the best success by combining several.

Home treatments include:

• topical application of over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream
• topical application of anti-itch medications containing pramoxine
• topical application of lidocaine, or other types of pain medication
• cold compresses
• oral antihistamines
• oral pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• cool oatmeal baths
• applying unscented moisturizing cream
• avoiding triggers, such as pollen

If you have dyshidrotic eczema: Avoid cobalt and nickel in food and in everyday items. Foods that contain cobalt include clams, fish, and leafy green vegetables. Foods that contain nickel include chocolate, soy beans, and oatmeal.

If you have impetigo: Cleaning and soaking the blisters and removing the crusts every few days may help. Cover the area with an antibiotic cream and loose dressing after treating.

If your rash does not clear up, your doctor may recommend the following:

• corticosteroid injections
• liquid nitrogen, applied directly to the rash to freeze the area and remove lesions
• oral medication to reduce immune system reactions
• light therapy using a laser
• blister draining
• antibiotics, if infection occurs

Any rash that’s painful, accompanied by fever, or looks infected should be seen by a doctor. You should also seek medical attention for a rash that doesn’t clear up easily with treatments you use at home.

Your doctor may be able to diagnose the rash visually after taking an oral history. In some instances, you may also expect diagnostic tests, such as:

• skin culture
• allergy tests
• skin lesion biopsy

If your child has a rash that does not clear up within one or two days, they should be seen by their pediatrician. This will help determine the cause of the rash, and provide relief for their symptoms.

If your child has sores in their mouth or throat that prohibit them from drinking, they should also be seen by their doctor, to avoid complications such as dehydration.

Since conditions such as hand, foot, and mouth disease and impetigo are contagious, make sure to wash your hands after caring for your child.

If you’re a cancer patient experiencing hand-foot syndrome, let your doctor know. Your doctor may be able to change the dosage or type of medication you’re taking.

Rashes on the hands and feet can be caused by a wide range of conditions. These types of rashes sometimes clear up on their own, or they are treated easily at home.

Depending on their underlying conditions, some rashes will respond better to treatments performed or prescribed by a doctor. See your healthcare provider for any rash that’s accompanied by fever or pain.

treatment of a rash on the hands in a clinic, a dermatologist’s consultation in Moscow

Almost everyone had to deal with such a nuisance as a rash on their hands. In some cases, the appearance of a rash can be confusing. But not always a rash on the hands is dangerous. Sometimes it is enough to lubricate the skin of the hands with an emollient cream so that the rash goes away and the itching subsides. In other cases, the cause of the rash may be much more serious and require serious professional intervention.

For the first time, most people experience a rash on their hands during early childhood. Perhaps many remember how, not listening to their mother, they did not wear gloves or mittens in cold weather. As a result, they developed a red rash on the delicate skin of their hands, which itched and hurt. The people called this rash “chicks”, the medical name is simple dermatitis. And everyone knows that if you hold your hands warm, dry for several minutes, lubricate them with baby cream, then you can quickly get rid of this ailment.

Contact dermatitis

This kind of rash on the hands appears under the influence of prolonged contact with aggressive chemicals or other irritating factors. Contact dermatitis often appears in perfectly healthy people. Sometimes contact dermatitis can appear against the background of other untreated forms of dermatitis. In the summer, contact dermatitis can be caused by exposure to plant pollen.

• Under the influence of harmful irritating factors, watery rashes appear on the skin of the hands, which are accompanied by intense itching.
• Over time, these watery blisters begin to burst and painful sores remain in their place.
• Patient feels severe pain when trying to bend fingers.

To avoid the development of contact dermatitis, it is necessary to protect the skin of the hands from contact with aggressive agents. When performing various work, it is necessary to use rubber gloves. After contact, the hands must be thoroughly washed under running water with a neutral detergent and lubricated with a nourishing emollient cream.

Why a rash can appear

Most often, a rash on the hands acts as a symptom of atopic or contact dermatitis. However, in addition to such common causes, a rash can be caused by a number of skin diseases, and sometimes act as one of the symptoms of systemic disorders.

Often rashes on the hands can appear in response to the introduction of new unusual foods, seafood, tropical fruits into the diet. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight in the presence of particularly sensitive skin can also provoke the development of solar dermatitis. Rashes can appear even with a cold or non-compliance with elementary hygiene requirements.

More serious causes of rashes can be viral infections or bacterial infection, eczema or neurodermatitis, various lichen.

Whatever the cause of the rash, it is best to deal with it under the supervision of specialists. When contacting our clinic, an experienced dermatologist will determine the cause and prescribe the most effective methods of treatment. In some cases, a serious examination may be required for the patient to have serious systemic ailments, manifested, including skin rashes.

Treatment of rash on hands

A rash on the hands is best treated by a specialist who will determine its exact cause and prescribe treatment based on the results of thorough examinations.

• Careful hand hygiene is essential in any treatment regimen.
• If the disease is caused by an infectious agent, the doctor of our clinic will prescribe an antimicrobial ointment such as Miramistin or another antiseptic for skin treatment.
• In case of severe inflammatory or allergic process, ointments containing steroid hormones can be used. This can only be done with a doctor’s prescription.
• When ulcers appear on the skin, special therapeutic lotions are prescribed.

Inside you can take antihistamines. If the disease is systemic, attention should be paid to the treatment of the underlying process.

You can get a consultation with a dermatologist at one of the clinics of the Doctor Plus network of medical centers. Call by phone (495) 125-49-50 and our operators will answer all your questions.

This article is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a physician.

Useful information on the topic:

Rash on child’s arms

Rash on the hands of adults

Rash on the arms of a pregnant woman

Treatment of rash on hands

Small rash on hands

Rash in a child on the body, legs, back

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