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.

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.

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

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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)

• 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 worsens despite treatment.

Rashes are areas of irritated or swollen skin. These areas may become itchy, painful, or dry out.

Skin discoloration is a common rash symptom, which can present differently on different skin tones. Rashes may appear red or pink on lighter skin tones, while on darker skin tones they may be purple, gray, or white.

Read the article in Spanish.

Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Picture, and More

A malar rash, also known as a butterfly rash, may have many causes from sunburn to chronic diseases. It can often be cured.

Malar rash is a red or purplish facial rash with a “butterfly” pattern. It covers your cheeks and the bridge of your nose, but usually not the rest of the face. The rash can be flat or raised.

A malar rash can occur with many different diseases and conditions, from sunburn to lupus. It’s most often seen in people with rosacea.

It may be scaly and sometimes itchy, but it doesn’t have bumps or blisters. It may also be painful.

Sunlight triggers this rash. It can appear on other parts of the body that are exposed to the sun if you’re sensitive to sunlight. The rash may come and go, and it can last for days or weeks at a time.

Many conditions may cause a malar rash:

• Rosacea, also called adult acne. Rosacea’s rash is also characterized by pimples and enlarged blood vessels.
• Lupus. A rare condition with a variety of symptoms, it can result in other types of rashes.
• Seborrheic dermatitis. With this condition, the rash could occur on your face and other areas. It also involves scaling of your skin and scalp.
• Photosensitivity. If you’re sensitive to sunlight or get too much sun, you may have a sunburn that looks like a malar rash.
• Erysipelas. Caused by Streptococcus bacteria, this infection can lead to a painful malar rash. It may also involve the ear.
• Cellulitis. This is a type of a bacterial infection affecting the deeper skin layers.
• Lyme disease. In addition to a rash, this disease, resulting from another type of bacterial infection, may also produce flu symptoms, joint pain, and many other problems.
• Bloom syndrome. This inherited chromosomal disorder has multiple additional symptoms, including skin pigmentation changes and mild intellectual disability.
• Dermatomyositis. This connective tissue disorder also causes skin inflammation.
• Homocystinuria. In addition to a malar rash, this genetic disorder may lead to vision problems and intellectual disability.

Rosacea is the most common cause of a malar rash.

It’s also very common in the population. About 16 million Americans are estimated to have rosacea.

Usually the rash is triggered by:

• stress
• spicy food
• hot drinks
• alcohol

With rosacea, you may have:

• redness that spreads to your forehead and chin
• visible broken spider veins on your face
• raised patches of facial skin called plaques
• thickened skin on your nose or chin
• acne breakouts
• red and irritated eyes

The cause of rosacea isn’t known. Scientists are investigating possible factors, including:

• an immune system reaction
• a gut infection
• a skin mite
• the skin protein cathelicidin

About 66 percent of people with lupus develop a skin disease. Malar rash is present in 50 to 60 percent of people with systemic lupus erythematosus, also known as acute cutaneous lupus. Lupus is a somewhat rare condition, likely underdiagnosed due to its complexity.

Other forms of lupus skin disease include:

• discoid lupus, which causes round, disk-shaped sores with raised edges, usually on the scalp and face.
• subacute cutaneous lupus, which appears as red scaly lesions with red edges, or red ring-shaped lesions
• calcinosis, which is a buildup of calcium deposits under the skin that may leak a whitish liquid
• cutaneous vasculitis lesions, which cause small reddish-purple spots or bumps on the skin

A malar rash can have many different causes, and there’s no simple way to tell if your rash is a sign of lupus. Lupus is a complex disease that affects each person differently. Symptoms may start slowly or suddenly. The symptoms also vary widely in severity.

Additional symptoms may include:

• rashes of varying types
• mouth, nose, or scalp sores
• skin sensitivity to light
• arthritis in two or more joints
• lung or heart inflammation
• kidney problems
• neurological problems
• abnormal blood tests
• immune system disorder
• fevers

Having a few of these symptoms doesn’t mean that you have lupus.

Diagnosis of a malar rash can be a challenge because there are many possible causes. Your doctor will take a medical history and review all your symptoms to rule out other possibilities.

If your doctor suspects lupus or a genetic disease, they will order blood and urine tests.

Specialized tests for lupus look for:

• low white blood cell count, low platelets, or low red blood cells, which indicate anemia
• antinuclear antibodies, which are usually a probable sign of lupus
• levels of antibodies for double-stranded DNA and red blood cells
• levels of other autoimmune antibodies
• levels of proteins that have immune functions
• kidney, liver, or lung damage from inflammation
• heart damage

You may also need a chest X-ray and echocardiogram to look for heart damage. A diagnosis of lupus depends on many test results, not just one marker.

Treatment for malar rash depends on the severity of your rash and the suspected cause. Because sunlight is often a trigger for malar rash in general, the first line of treatment is to limit your sun exposure and use sunscreen rated at SPF 30 or more. If you have to be in the sun. wear a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing in addition to sunscreen. Learn more about choosing a sunscreen.

Other treatments depend on the cause of the rash.

Rosacea

Rosacea malar rash treatment may include antibiotics, special skin creams to heal and repair your skin, and possible laser or light treatments.

Bacterial infection

If you have a bacterial infection, you’ll be prescribed a topical antibiotic. For systemic bacterial infections — that is, infections affecting the entire body — you may need oral or intravenous antibiotics.

Lupus

Lupus malar rash treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe:

• steroidal creams for your rash
• topical immunomodulators, such as tacrolimus ointment (Protopic)
• nonsteroidal drugs to help with inflammation
• antimalarials such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), which has been found to suppress inflammation
• immunosuppressive drugs, in more severe cases, to treat the rash and prevent its recurrence
• thalidomide (Thalomid), which has been found to improve lupus rashes that don’t respond to other treatments

Home remedies

You can take steps to keep your face comfortable while the rash heals.

• Wash your face with a mild, unscented soap.
• Apply small amounts of mild oils, cocoa butter, baking soda, or aloe vera gel to the rash to soothe the skin.

A malar rash may have many causes from sunburn to chronic diseases.

Rashes caused by bacterial infections can be cured. On the other hand, rosacea and lupus are both chronic diseases, for which there currently aren’t any cures. Rashes from these conditions improve with treatment, but can flare up again.

See your doctor if you have a malar rash so that they can determine the underlying cause and start you on the right treatment.

90,000 allergies, infection or insect bites?

Baby Rash: Allergy, Infection, or Insect Bites?

03/22/2020

Insect bites

In late spring, summer and early autumn, children often suffer from insect bites. The skin is covered with bumps and spots. Usually only exposed areas of the body and face are affected. Most often, the rash is accompanied by itching. The general condition and well-being of the child does not change.

What does it look like?

What to do?

Allergy ointments or gels are recommended. If the baby combs the bites, it is necessary to lubricate them with brilliant green to prevent the accumulation of bacterial infection and inflammation.

Allergic rash

Activates after eating new foods – mussels, shrimps, exotic berries and fruits, cow’s milk, eggs. It appears in the form of intensely itchy pink and red spots that tend to coalesce. The state of health may worsen, especially with severe allergies. The baby is lethargic or, on the contrary, overly excited. Sleep and appetite are disturbed, diarrhea and vomiting are possible.

What does it look like?

What to do?

Prescribe a sparing hypoallergenic diet, antihistamines. As an addition – drugs that bind and remove food allergens from the body – enterosorbents. If irritation is caused by contact with detergent or cosmetics, eliminate the allergen.

Prickly heat

Usually manifests itself with the onset of heat. Beige-pink pimples are located very close to each other. Most of the rashes are in the upper chest, on the shoulders and neck. Sometimes tiny blisters may come out. They don’t bother the child.

What does it look like?

What to do?

Ventilate the skin regularly and monitor the room temperature – it should be +20°C. To remove excess moisture, you need to use powder. Reddened skin should not be lubricated with cream. Clothing should be made only from natural materials.

Urticaria

Pale, band-like, intensely itchy swellings. Pink blisters may appear, which become covered with a red bloody crust when combed. The baby sleeps and eats badly. Over time, intradermal edema subsides, and swelling disappears without a trace. Urticaria can be caused by infections, allergies, or physical irritants.

What does it look like?

What to do?

In agreement with the doctor, antihistamines are used.

Chickenpox

Before the rash appears, the child complains of headache and malaise. He may have a runny nose and a slight fever. Sometimes they misdiagnose SARS. At first, only a few spots are noticeable, every day there are more and more of them.

In severe cases, the rash affects the mucous membranes. After a couple of days, the spots turn into tubercles filled with transparent contents. Then they burst, forming crusts. The rash with chickenpox is accompanied by itching.

What does it look like?

What to do?

Treat with brilliant green. Prescribe antiallergic drugs for itching.

Measles

The disease begins like an acute respiratory viral infection: fever, cough, runny nose and inflammation of the eyes.

Rash occurs on the fourth or fifth day of illness, initially only on the face and upper chest. On the second day, the elements of the rash descend on the trunk. On the third – on the legs and arms.

What does it look like?

What to do?

Call a doctor immediately. This infectious disease is fraught with complications.

Rubella

Small pale pink spots spread simultaneously throughout the body, but most abundantly on the face, chest and back. Disappear on their own within a few days.

What to do?

Prescribe bed rest, drink plenty of fluids and antipyretic drugs if the temperature is above 38°C.

In any of these cases, it is better to consult a pediatrician or an allergist-immunologist in order to quickly make an accurate diagnosis and start the right treatment.

Everything you need to know about heat rash

There are many types of rashes that you can develop on your skin. Each type of rash can have different effects. Some of them may cause more discomfort. Some may be more painful and others may even make you worry about them.

Heat rash occurs when the body sweats, for example, in hot weather or when you exercise, and the pores are clogged for various reasons. Since sweat is not removed from the body, heat rash can occur.

Heat rash can affect both adults and children and all racial groups. For example, the mildest type of heat rash, prickly heat, affects about 9% of newborns and 30% of adults exposed to hot weather, such as those living in tropical regions of the world.

Heat rash can sometimes be mistaken for acne.

Heat rash is also known as prickly heat. Depending on how severe the rash is and how affected the sweat ducts are, heat rash can be divided into:

• Miliaria crystallina;
• Miliaria rubra;
• Pustular miliaria;
• Miliaria profunda.

Heat rash is also known as “stinging heat” because people who suffer from heat rash report a stinging sensation when the rash appears. However, heat rash is not always accompanied by a tingling sensation, as not everyone who suffers from it feels like this.

It is important to know that heat rash can affect everyone:

• Any adult who exercises while wearing a mask or in hot weather;
• In any child, as in the first days of his life, the sweat glands are not yet fully developed;
• Any adult who wears a mask for a long time;
• Any pregnant woman, as her body temperature may be higher than normal;
• Any patient who is in bed for a long time.

Heat rash symptoms

Heat rash usually occurs on adjacent areas of the body. Heat rash can also occur as a result of friction between the thighs and jeans, for example, but it can also develop due to elevated body temperature. Most often, people develop a heat rash between the inner thighs or under the arms.

Symptoms depend on the type of heat rash you have. Even though all types of heat rash affect the skin and can cause discomfort, some of them can change it more seriously:

• The mildest type of heat rash is called crystal prickly heat. This type of heat rash only affects the surface of the skin. When a rash appears, clear fluid-filled blisters and bumps appear that burst easily.
• Red prickly heat is the most common type of heat rash. The area of ​​skin affected by miliaria erythematosus is usually itchy and has numerous red bumps. This type of heat rash affects both newborns and adults. As an adult, you may develop prickly heat after a long stay in the tropics or in another place with a hot climate. An attack of prickly heat or heat rash will not occur immediately; some time must elapse between your arrival in a zone with a hot climate and the first signs of skin inflammation. Heat rash usually peaks after a couple of months.
• Pustular prickly heat is the same as prickly heat, except that the papules become pustules as the rash becomes inflamed and eventually filled with pus.
• A serious and less common type of heat rash is prickly heat . Deep prickly heat usually affects people who have been exposed to heat for a long time and people who are overweight. This type of heat rash affects the dermis, located between the epidermis and subcutaneous tissue. Sweating that is not eliminated due to blockage of the sweat ducts seeps into the skin and causes some hard lesions that are the same color as the skin. Some believe that this rash resembles goosebumps. It is very important to know that deep prickly heat is actually rare and common in adults.

Symptoms that may be associated with heat rash and indicate a potential hazard:

• Fever and chills;
• Severe pain, swelling, redness, or even warmth in the affected area of ​​the skin;
• Pus dripping from affected skin;
• Swollen lymph nodes in the groin, armpits or neck;
• Skin inflammation and irritation does not disappear after a couple of days of self-care and cooling.

Heat rash on the skin

Common symptoms of heat rash include red bumps on the affected area of ​​the skin. In addition to the skin being visibly inflamed, the affected person may also feel itchy or even tingly.

The bumps are associated with the most common type of heat rash, medically known as prickly heat, which also affects children and adults.

Heat rash bumps usually result from increased skin temperature due to exposure to very warm climates or increased friction between skin and clothing or any other material.

Heat rash bumps will disappear if the skin is allowed to cool or if the friction between the affected area and clothing is reduced.

Heat rash with blisters

Heat rash with blisters is a skin disease associated with crystal prickly heat. Heat rash blisters are filled with fluid and break easily.

Blisters are caused by intense friction between the skin and other materials such as clothing or shoes.

Fluid collects in the blisters and protects the tissues underneath. The fluid that fills the blister is called serum. The affected tissue will be clean, and all conditions for healing will be created in it.

Heat rash on the face

Heat rash, or prickly heat, as it is called in medicine, is a skin reaction resulting from excessive sweating. This irritation usually occurs when pieces of clothing or other materials block the pores and sweat remains inside the skin. For example, heat rash on the face can be stimulated by wearing masks or scarves.

Sweat glands that do not expel sweat become inflamed and irritate the surrounding skin. Therefore, the skin will turn red and possibly begin to itch.

It is important to know that heat rash is not dangerous, but can be really annoying. Because you have pores all over your body, heat rash can appear on any part of your body, even your face.

Heat rash on the face usually looks like a cluster of red bumps. Heat rash marks on the face can sometimes even be filled with fluid, like blisters. In very rare cases, heat rash papules can transform into pustules. This means that the red and itchy patches are filled with pus.

Four types of heat rash can appear on your face:

• Miliaria crystallina;
• Miliaria rubra;
• Pustular miliaria;
• Miliaria profunda.

Each type of heat rash affects the skin of the face in a different way, namely:

• Crystal prickly heat is represented by very tiny blisters around which there is no inflammation.
• Red prickly heat is accompanied by clusters of red bumps, which usually cause itching.
• Pustular prickly heat is similar to prickly heat, but the bumps are filled with pus.
• Deep prickly heat occurs in the lower layers of the skin, resulting in large bumps on the upper layer of the skin that take longer to heal.

Heat rash usually occurs in areas covered by clothing. The sweat glands can become blocked by clothing or other skin coverings you wear, and so they become inflamed.

Heat rash usually results from wearing tight clothing, such as sportswear. In order for a heat rash to appear on the face, it is necessary to wear masks or other types of protective clothing for a long time.

The ideal conditions for developing facial heat rash are when you wear a mask or other face covering while exercising or in a warm climate. Sweat gets blocked in the sweat ducts and gets stuck.

In addition, heat rash can occur at any time and in any weather as a result of rubbing against a mask or other fabric you wear, such as a scarf.

It is important that the inflamed area does not disturb. You must leave the place cool and dry.

If you must wear a mask, make sure you wash it thoroughly after use, and if it is a disposable mask, be sure to discard it after use. In addition, it is better to have more clean masks and change them throughout the day to avoid getting saliva, mucus or other substances from the mask on the skin. It is also very important to ensure that the mask does not rub the skin.

If the heat rash on the face does not go away after a couple of days, a doctor should be consulted. If a heat rash becomes infected, it can lead to scarring and can adversely affect your appearance.

If you go to see a doctor, he will carefully examine the affected areas of the skin. Then he will ask you when the irritation occurred, what you were doing before the inflammation, and what you were wearing. Based on the answers you give him and the analysis done by your doctor, he will be able to tell if you have a heat rash or not.

Heat rash on the neck

Heat rash on the neck is usually an attack of crystal prickly heat. This happens for the same reasons as a heat rash on the face, as the mask or scarf you are wearing can cover your neck and cause rubbing against the skin of your neck. In addition, it can interfere with the sweating process and cause inflammation and irritation of the skin.

Heat rash in groin and heat rash on inner thigh

The groin and inner thigh are two areas of the body prone to heat rash. Usually, these areas of the body are covered with tight clothing such as tight pants or underpants. Friction between the skin of the groin or inner thigh and these garments can easily cause inflammation and irritation.

To reduce inflammation, it is best to wear looser pants and shorts for a day or two. If there is no friction between the clothing and the inflamed area, there will be enough space on the skin for normal breathing and healing.

Heat rash on legs

Heat rash can usually occur anywhere on the body, as it is the result of unexcreted sweating.

Heat rash can also affect the skin of the legs. The usual symptoms of this skin inflammation consist of red bumps and itching. The area affected by heat rash on the legs consists of reddened skin with small blisters. It is likely that if you have a heat rash on your legs, the inflammation occurred after wearing tight pants and there was not enough room for air to circulate.

Heat rash in a child

Babies are prone to rash in the first days of their lives. Most often, a rash appears on the neck, as well as in the skin folds of the armpits, elbows or thighs.

Heat rash also affects infants. When overheated, they develop a smooth pink rash.

The main symptoms of heat rash in infants are tiny pink bumps on the neck, chest, or upper back. The rash can also cause itching and small water blisters. Heat rash affects infants during very warm and humid weather or after exposure to the sun.

Babies are prone to heat rash mainly because their sweat ducts are not yet fully developed, so sweating can be difficult. In addition, babies may develop heat rash due to ointments, as they can directly block the sweat glands.

A heat rash on the forehead of a child may be caused by various oils or ointments applied to the child’s head. Heat rash on a child’s face may be the result of the child’s face touching another person’s face, such as his or her mother’s face, to which a cream or lotion has recently been applied. A heat rash on the neck can be the result of using menthol ointments to stop a cough.

Diagnosis of heat rash

Heat rash usually resolves within a few days. In some cases, heat rash may not go away as quickly as you would like. In such cases, heat rash can become infected and even lead to scarring. Therefore, if you notice that you have a persistent heat rash, you should contact your doctor.

Seeing a doctor should be fairly quick, as a heat rash can mask a more dangerous condition. Heat rash itself is not a dangerous skin condition and should be easily diagnosed and treated.

Since there are no specific tests that can confirm heat rash, your doctor will take a close look at the affected area of ​​your skin and ask you about the activities you were doing prior to the onset of irritation and how you were dressed at the time. In most cases, a doctor will easily detect a heat rash.

Heat rash treatment

Usually any heat rash should disappear within a few days. To make the disease go away easily, do not touch this area and make sure it is dry and not exposed to heat.

Because neither type of heat rash is dangerous, you can take care of it from the comfort of your home.

The best thing you can do to treat heat rash at home:

• Take a bath or shower with warm water. Try rinsing the affected area with cool water and letting it air dry.
• Gently apply a cold compress to the irritated area to reduce or even relieve pain and itching.
• Avoid high temperatures. If it is very hot outside, you can try to stay indoors, preferably in a room that is well circulated with a fan or cooled by an air conditioner, until your symptoms go away or you feel better.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing such as tight jeans or sportswear. Loose clothing will give your skin the space it needs to breathe properly and eliminate perspiration to heal.
• Keep hydrated during hot weather.
• Avoid applying greasy creams and any other products containing oil over the rash. These foods may even make the irritation worse, as they can further block the sweat glands.

In very rare cases, you will need over-the-counter medications to help relieve your heat rash symptoms. If you find yourself in a situation where you need medication to treat a heat attack, you should consult your pharmacist or doctor. A doctor will usually recommend calamine lotion or antihistamine creams to relieve itching and soothe the rash.

Prevention of heat rash

If you find that you have a heat rash, it is very important to find out the cause. Avoiding factors that cause skin irritation and inflammation can easily make your life more comfortable.

In general, avoid exposure to heat and tight clothing. If you really need to do something under the hot sun, it’s highly recommended to take a cool shower afterwards. Loose clothing can also prevent clogged sweat glands.

Conclusion

Heat rash is an inflammation of the skin that is most often stimulated by exposure to heat or friction from tight clothing.