What causes a circular rash on the skin? Is it ringworm, Lyme disease, or something else? Learn about the common causes and how to diagnose and treat circular rashes.

Ringworm: The Most Common Cause of Circular Rash

Despite its name, ringworm is a fungal skin infection, not caused by a worm or parasite. The infection gets its name from the circular rash it causes, with a thin raised ring around the edge that may look like a worm. Ringworm can appear on any part of the body and is highly contagious, spreading through close contact.

Ringworm Symptoms

The circular rash may initially measure a few centimeters across and can grow without treatment. It may look like a round, flat patch, with the middle of the rash tending to heal first. On lighter skin, the rash is red or pink, while on darker skin, it is silver or brown. The skin around the rash may be dry or scaly, and the rash can be extremely itchy.

Ringworm Treatment

Treatment for ringworm involves using antifungal creams or gels for 2-4 weeks, even after the symptoms have gone away. It’s also important to keep the skin clean and dry, wash hands after touching the rash, and avoid sharing towels or brushes. Reducing the risk of ringworm involves showering after exercise, changing clothes daily, and taking any pets with symptoms to the vet.

Lyme Disease Rash: The Bull’s-Eye Appearance

After a tick bite, a circular rash may develop at the site, which is an early symptom of Lyme disease. This rash can appear days or weeks after the bite and may have a distinctive bull’s-eye appearance, with a red circle closest to the bite, a lighter ring, and another red ring.

Lyme Disease Symptoms

The rash usually expands over time and can cause pain, burning, or itching, and may be warm to the touch. Tick bites are common in the lower leg, armpit, groin, and back. About half of Lyme disease patients also experience flu-like symptoms before the rash appears.

Lyme Disease Treatment

Receiving treatment early on is crucial for Lyme disease. At the initial stage, a course of antibiotics can cure the disease. It’s important to check the skin for tick bites after being outdoors and remove any ticks immediately, without squeezing them, to ensure the entire tick is removed.

Contact Dermatitis: Allergic Skin Reaction

Contact dermatitis is an allergic skin reaction that can cause the skin to darken or redden, feel itchy or dry, and even swell or blister. The size of the rash depends on how much skin has come into contact with the allergen.

Contact Dermatitis Symptoms

The rash may be circular if the object triggering the reaction is round, such as a nickel watch causing a round rash on the wrist.

Contact Dermatitis Treatment

The most effective treatment is to identify and avoid the allergen or irritant. Using products designed for sensitive skin and checking labels for common allergens can help. Over-the-counter creams can also reduce swelling and irritation.

Hives: Reaction to Triggers

Hives are a reaction to temperature, food, medication, viral infections, and other triggers. They form when the skin swells into welts, which can be red or skin-colored, and may itch or burn. Hives can develop on any part of the body and may appear and disappear quickly, with some forming circular or bug bite-like patches.

Hives Treatment

Antihistamines can reduce swelling and prevent hives if they result from contact with an allergen. Wearing loose clothing, using sunscreen, and dampening the skin with a wet washcloth can also help manage hives caused by hot weather.

Granuloma Annulare: Rare Circular Rash

Granuloma annulare is a rare condition that causes bumps to form a circular or ring-shaped rash, most often on the hands, arms, or feet. In some cases, the rash can spread across the body or smaller patches can join to form larger ones.

Granuloma Annulare Symptoms

The rash caused by granuloma annulare is typically not itchy or painful, but it can be a concern for those affected by its appearance.

Diagnosing the Cause of a Circular Rash

A doctor will diagnose the cause of a circular rash after examining it and asking about symptoms. They may recommend oral medication, a topical cream, or strategies for avoiding triggers, depending on the underlying condition.

In summary, the most common causes of a circular rash on the skin are ringworm, Lyme disease, contact dermatitis, hives, and the rare condition of granuloma annulare. Each of these conditions presents with unique symptoms and requires specific treatment approaches. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for accurately diagnosing and effectively treating circular rashes.

Circular rash: Causes and diagnosis

The most common cause of a circular rash on the skin is ringworm, but other issues — such as Lyme disease and granuloma annulare — can also leave this distinctive mark.

A doctor diagnoses the cause of a rash after examining it and asking about symptoms. They may recommend oral medication, a topical cream, or strategies for avoiding triggers.

In this article, learn more about the issues that can cause this rash and how to treat them.

Despite its name, ringworm is a fungal skin infection — it is not caused by a worm or any other parasite.

The infection got its name because it causes a rash that is usually circular, with a thin raised ring around the edge that may look like a worm.

Symptoms

The circular rash may initially measure a few centimeters across, and it can grow without treatment. It may look like a round, flat patch, and the middle of the rash tends to heal first.

On lighter skin, a ringworm rash is red or pink, and on darker skin, it is silver or brown.

The skin around the rash may be dry or scaly, and the rash can be extremely itchy.

Ringworm can appear on any part of the body, and the rash may not be ring-shaped if it appears on the scalp, soles of the feet, palms, groin, or nails. Athlete’s foot and jock itch are types of ringworm.

Ringworm is infectious and can pass from one person to another through close contact.

How long is ringworm contagious for? Find out here.

Treatment

Treatment involves antifungal cream or gel. A person should:

• Use the medication for 2–4 weeks, even after the symptoms go away.
• Keep the skin as clean and dry as possible.
• Wash the hands after touching the rash to keep it from spreading to other parts of the body.

The risk of developing ringworm is higher in warm, humid weather. To reduce the chances:

• Always shower after exercise.
• Change clothes daily.
• Do not share towels or brushes.
• Take any pet that develops bare patches of fur or other ringworm symptoms to the vet.

Learn about home remedies for ringworm here.

After a tick bite, a circular rash may develop at the site. This is an early symptom of Lyme disease.

Symptoms

The circular rash can appear days or weeks after the bite, and it may have a distinctive bull’s eye appearance.

On lighter skin, a person may see three circles surrounding the bite: a red circle closest to the bite, then a lighter ring, then another red ring. On darker skin, the appearance can be different — check for a raised ring around the bite.

The rash usually expands over time. It can cause pain, burning, or itching, and it may be warm to the touch.

A tick may bite any part of the body, and it may favor exposed or warm areas. These bites are common in the lower leg, armpit, groin, and back.

About half of the people who contract Lyme disease have flu symptoms, which usually appear before the rash.

Treatment

Receiving treatment early on is crucial. At an initial stage, a course of antibiotics can cure Lyme disease.

Check the skin for tick bites after being outdoors. Remove a tick right away, without squeezing it, and be sure to remove the tick entirely.

Learn more about the Lyme disease rash here.

Contact dermatitis is an allergic skin reaction.

Symptoms

The skin will darken or redden and may feel itchy or dry. Contact dermatitis can also cause the skin to swell or blister.

The size of the rash depends on how much skin has come into contact with the allergen.

The rash may be circular if the object triggering the reaction is round. For example, if a person has a nickel allergy, wearing a nickel watch may cause a round rash to form on the wrist.

Treatment

The most effective way to combat contact dermatitis is to identify and avoid contact with the allergen or irritant.

It can help to use products designed for sensitive skin and to check labels of soaps and personal care products carefully for common allergens and irritants.

Over-the-counter creams can help reduce swelling and irritation.

Learn more about contact dermatitis here.

Hives are a reaction to temperature, food, medication, viral infections, and other triggers.

Symptoms

Hives form when the skin swells into welts. These are red or skin-colored bumps or patches that may itch or burn.

Hives can develop on any part of the body, and they may appear and disappear quickly. In some people, hives or patches of hives may be circular and resemble bug bites.

Treatment

Antihistamines can reduce swelling and prevent hives if they result from contact with an allergen.

If hot weather is a trigger for hives, wear loose clothing, and use sunscreen. Also, it may help to dampen the skin with a wet washcloth.

Learn more treatments for hives here.

Granuloma annulare is rare. It causes bumps to form a circular or ring-shaped rash.

The rash most often appears on the hands, arms, or feet. Less commonly, it can spread across the body, or smaller patches can join to form larger ones.

Symptoms

The causes are still unclear, but granuloma annulare can develop after skin damage or a viral infection.

Granuloma annulare causes no symptoms beyond the rash, and it is not contagious.

Treatment

The condition usually disappears without treatment, but it can last for years. Steroid injections or creams may help the body heal.

If any circular rash lasts for a long time, causes significant discomfort, or affects the face or throat, a person should see a doctor.

If ringworm doesn’t go away after 2 weeks of treatment, see a doctor.

If it affects the scalp, however, it is a good idea to consult a doctor or pharmacist right away. Also, anyone who has a weakened immune system should see a doctor if they have ringworm.

If an allergic reaction is severe or the cause is unclear, seek professional guidance.

Always see a doctor about a tick bite, unless the tick was safely removed within 36 hours of the bite.

Seek urgent medical care if a rash:

• covers the entire body
• occurs with a fever
• is painful
• begins to blister
• occurs with difficulty breathing

A doctor, such as a dermatologist, will consider accompanying symptoms and any contact with allergens or irritants when diagnosing a circular rash.

Allergists can test for triggers of skin reactions, which are often pet hair or medication.

They may test the skin, blood, or urine, but they commonly perform patch tests. This involves placing strips containing small amounts of allergens on the back. The doctor then removes the strips after 48 hours to check for an allergic reaction.

Keeping track of foods, drinks, medications, physical activities, and symptoms in a diary can help a person identify what might be triggering a reaction.

The size and shape of a circular rash and the symptoms it accompanies can each point to the cause.

A person can treat mild cases of ringworm, hives, and contact dermatitis with home care and over-the-counter products. However, if a circular rash is severe or may result from a tick bite, see a doctor.

It is also important for a person to receive professional care if they have had an allergic reaction without an obvious cause.

Anyone with a persistent rash or other skin problems may benefit from seeing a dermatologist.

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

e

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.

Plaques on the skin – causes, what diseases it occurs in, diagnosis and methods of treatment

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  Plaques on the skin: the causes of occurrence, in what diseases they occur, diagnosis and methods of treatment.

  Definition
  
  A plaque is a pathological element with clear edges that rises above the skin surface or merges with it, more than 5 mm in size.

  In dermatology, many types of plaques are distinguished – about 70 diseases occur with the formation of these elements, which makes the plaque one of the most common rashes.

  Varieties of plaques
  
  The shape of the plaques are round, oval and irregular in shape. Over time, the shape, surface and appearance of this element may change.

  Due to the occurrence of plaques, they can be both a manifestation of skin diseases and a symptom of diseases of internal organs and systems (autoimmune reactions, liver diseases, oncological processes, allergic reactions).

  Plaques are dry, smooth, red, brown, gray-white, etc.

  Possible causes of plaques

  Dry plaques on the skin in adults can be a manifestation of the following diseases:

  1. Fungal infection of the skin, accompanied by plaques with severe itching.
  2. Allergic reactions are characterized by the appearance on the skin of smooth dry plaques, pink spots, blisters, which are very itchy and cause severe discomfort. They can develop both when the skin comes into contact with the allergen, and when it gets on the mucous membranes (for example, with urticaria, hay fever, food and contact allergies).
  3. Psoriasis is a chronic non-infectious skin disease in which scaly dry plaques form on the elbows, knees, scalp, prone to fusion and accompanied by mild itching.
  4. Dry plaques form on the skin if it is exposed to stress for a long time with the loss of its protective functions.
  5. Diseases of the digestive tract, accompanied by malabsorption syndrome (impaired absorption of vitamins and trace elements in the small intestine), chronic diseases of the liver and other organs, in which substances that are not normally present in the dermis accumulate, also lead to the appearance of dry plaques.
  6. Solar keratoma is a precancerous condition, which is characterized by the presence of many light grayish plaques on the skin.

  The appearance of red plaques on the skin indicates their good blood supply. Possible causes of this condition may be the following nosologies:

  1. Drug toxidermia is an allergic reaction accompanied by the appearance of elements in the form of plaques on the skin. In severe cases, Lyell’s syndrome or Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, may develop.
  2. Dühring’s dermatitis (herpetiformis) is a chronic skin disease with no established etiology, which is characterized by recurrent appearance on the skin of a rash of various morphologies, accompanied by severe skin itching and burning.
  3. Mycosis fungoides is a primary T-cell lymphoma of the skin, a malignant lymphoid lesion, primarily of the skin. Itchy red plaques appear on the skin, resembling eczema. In the initial stages, they respond well to treatment with hormonal ointments, but the disease itself requires more complex therapy.
  4. In children, the appearance of red spots and plaques on the skin is most often associated with an allergic reaction to food.

  Brown plaques occur when melanin is deposited in the affected area of ​​the dermis, which causes a brown (dark) color. Possible causes may be the following diseases:

  1. Becker’s nevus – an anomaly in the development of the dermis, when dark plaques with an uneven surface appear on the skin, on which hair can begin to grow over time.
  2. Pigmentary nevus – “birthmark”, may rise above the skin, has a brown or dark color.
  3. Melanoma is the most malignant skin tumor characterized by rapid metastasis. It develops mainly from nevi and moles. If the nature of the surface, the boundaries of the mole change, its size increases, bleeding occurs, you should immediately contact a dermatologist or oncologist to exclude the development of melanoma.
  4. Basal cell skin cancer is more often localized on the head, face, neck, does not metastasize, is characterized by slow growth.
  5. Senile keratoma occurs in elderly people, most likely due to a lack of vitamins, an abundance of animal fats consumed, skin sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation due to a violation of its protective functions. Typical localization – face, neck, open areas of the body.
  6. Seborrheic keratoma is a yellowish plaque on the skin that eventually transforms into a dark brown growth that tends to flake off, itch severely, crack, bleed, and can serve as an entryway for infection.

  Which doctors to contact

  With the formation of plaques on the skin, it is necessary to contact a dermatologist to determine the causes of the appearance of this element of the rash.

  Diagnosis and testing for plaques
  
  For the diagnosis of fungal skin lesions, scraping from the affected area is used for subsequent microscopic examination.

  The development of an allergic reaction requires seeking medical help to identify the allergen, prescribing antihistamines, and sometimes hormonal drugs. In clinical cases of allergy, along with skin tests, analyzes are performed using various sets of common allergens and triggers: a panel for respiratory allergens, for food allergens, and for a combination of both.

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  In psoriasis, seeing a dermatologist and a rheumatologist can help reduce the symptoms of the disease if appropriate therapy is prescribed. For the diagnosis, it is usually sufficient to examine, determine, the skin manifestations of psoriasis are so characteristic, but if necessary, a differential diagnosis is carried out, including a clinical blood test, feces for the presence of worm eggs and protozoa, and a histological examination of the skin.

  Clinical blood test: general analysis, leukoformula, ESR (with microscopy of a blood smear in the presence of pathological changes)

  Synonyms: Complete blood count, UAC. Full blood count, FBC, Complete blood count (CBC) with differential white blood cell count (CBC with diff), Hemogram.
  Brief description of the study CBC: general a…

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  Fecal analysis for helminth eggs (helminth eggs)

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  Protozoa stool test (PRO stool)

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  We recommend that you check the details…

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  Histological examination of biopsy material and material obtained during surgical interventions (endoscopic material; tissues of the female reproductive system; skin, soft tissues; hematopoietic and lymphoid tissue; bone and cartilage tissue)

  Taking biomaterial is paid separately.

  According to the requirements of paragraph 17 of the Rules for conducting pathological and anatomical studies, approved. Order of the Ministry of Health Ro…

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  Diseases of the stomach and intestines can also lead to plaque formation on the skin. To identify the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, it is enough to refer to
  therapist or
  gastroenterologist, conduct
  a number of endoscopic examinations (gastroscopy, and, if necessary, colonoscopy), ultrasound of the abdominal organs, perform some screening blood tests for diseases of the liver, intestines, stomach.

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  Examination of the mucous membrane of the upper gastrointestinal tract with the possibility of performing a biopsy or endoscopic removal of small pathological. ..

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  Comprehensive ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs (liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen)

  Scanning of the internal organs of the abdominal cavity to assess its functional state and the presence of pathology.

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  Liver function tests: screening

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  Diagnosis of celiac disease: intolerance to cereal proteins (gluten)

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  Gastropanel

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  To clarify the diagnosis of keratoma, a skin biopsy is performed and an epithelium scraping is performed, followed by microscopic and histochemical examination.

  Histological examination of biopsy material and material obtained during surgical interventions (endoscopic material; tissues of the female reproductive system; skin, soft tissues; hematopoietic and lymphoid tissue; bone and cartilage tissue)

  Taking biomaterial is paid separately.

  According to the requirements of paragraph 17 of the Rules for conducting pathological and anatomical studies, approved. Order of the Ministry of Health Ro…

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  Examination of scrapings and impressions of tumors and tumor-like formations

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  If atypical cells are detected in scrapings or biopsies, immediately contact
  oncologist.

  If xanthoma appears on the skin, it is recommended to consult a cardiologist, take blood tests for lipid profile and blood glucose levels, and screen for diabetes.

  Lipid profile screening

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  Glucose (in the blood) (Glucose)

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  Diabetes management: advanced

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  What should I do if plaques appear on the skin?
  
  Any newly appeared neoplasms should be shown to a dermatologist. Their cosmetic removal without prior consultation with a specialist is fraught with serious consequences.

  In addition, there are symptoms that require immediate medical attention:

  • change in the shape of the plaque – the edges have become uneven;
  • change in the surface of the plaque – cracks, ulcerations appeared;
  • change in the size of the plaque – it began to grow rapidly above the surface of the skin or actively spread through it;
  • discoloration of the plaque – in cases of malignancy, an uneven color of the formation is usually observed with areas of darker and lighter shades;
  • the appearance of bleeding – both contact and spontaneous;
  • enlargement of regional (nearby) lymph nodes.

  Plaque treatment
  
  When plaques of an allergic nature appear on the skin, antihistamines are prescribed, in cases of a severe course of the disease, glucocorticosteroids. In addition, it is important to follow a hypoallergenic diet.

  Mycotic plaques require antifungal drugs, both local (ointments, creams) and systemic (tablets). Taking these drugs is associated with a high risk of side effects, and therefore it is possible only after consulting a doctor, accurate verification of the diagnosis and confirmation of the etiology of the disease.

  Treatment of psoriasis is multi-stage and complex, it involves constant monitoring by a rheumatologist, taking cytostatics and other drugs, using ointments and shampoos to improve skin condition, using antihistamines to reduce itching, including physiotherapy and a hypoallergenic diet in the treatment regimen.

  When confirming the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, properly selected therapy can stop the appearance of new plaques on the skin, as well as prevent the development of complications of the underlying disease.

  Sources:

  1. Clinical guidelines. Dermatitis herpetiformis // Russian Society of Dermatovenerologists and Cosmetologists. 2016.
  2. Clinical guidelines. Urticaria in children // Union of Pediatricians of Russia; Russian Association of Allergists and Clinical Immunologists. 2018.
  3. Clinical guidelines. Toxidermia // Russian Society of Dermatovenerologists and Cosmetologists. 2016.
  4. Clinical guidelines. Familial hypercholesterolemia // National Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis. 2018.

  IMPORTANT!

  The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
  For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes over time, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

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  reasons for the appearance of spots on the legs, head, hands

  Publication: 09/13/2022
  Change: 04/12/2023

  Many doctors consider the skin to be an indicator of health, as it signals the onset of pathological processes within the body. Therefore, even such a common symptom as red spots indicates various diseases. Possible causes include skin diseases, allergic reactions, infectious pathologies or autoimmune processes. However, in some cases, red spots on the skin can be a cosmetic defect, which is why it is so important to understand the causes of the appearance and choose the right method of treatment.

  Author:

  Ibraev Anatoly Tomasovich

  Head of the Department of Cosmetology and Laser Technologies. Dermatologist-cosmetologist
  Work experience: 16 years

  Important!

  The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For staging
  correct diagnosis and treatment should always consult a doctor.

  Types of red spots on the skin

  A macula or macula is a localized discoloration of the skin that is either inflammatory or non-inflammatory in nature:

  • Inflammatory (vascular) formations appear as a result of the expansion of the blood vessels of the papillary dermis. In this case, bright red or red-cyanotic rashes appear, which may lighten with time. Spots of small diameter (up to 20-25 mm) are called roseola, in other cases we are talking about erythema. If all skin integuments are included in the pathological process, erythroderma occurs.
  • As a result of hemorrhages, hemorrhagic spots appear. Initially they have a purple-red tint, but over time they turn yellow and disappear. The appearance of such formations is preceded by tissue injury.
  • Non-inflammatory spots are the result of hemorrhage, disturbances in the content of melanin in cells or the introduction of dyes into the skin. In some cases (for example, with vasodilation) they can also have a red or red-cyanotic tint.

  A cosmetic defect in the form of red spots occurs in people of any gender and age, often spots are found even in infants. At the same time, such rashes have a different appearance: they differ not only in shape, size and quantity, but also in shade. Conditionally red spots are divided into the following groups:

  • flat and convex;
  • swollen (inflamed) and not inflamed;
  • smooth and rough;
  • wet and dry;
  • with a clear outline and blurry;
  • dark purple or reddish (pink).

  The localization of spots also differs. In rare cases, they appear on almost all parts of the body. More often you can find an option when the rashes are concentrated on a separate area: face, neck, arms, back, genitals.

  Symptoms and causes

  We have already noted that there are a huge number of possible reasons for the appearance of such formations. More often we are talking about the development of skin or infectious diseases, but sometimes spots are the result of mental disorders or other malfunctions in the body. The following factors can provoke the appearance of rashes:0013

  • Diseases of the heart or blood vessels.
  • Allergic reactions.
  • Autoimmune pathologies.
  • Dermatological diseases.
  • Dysfunction of internal organs.
  • Parasitic and bacterial infections.
  • Some insect bites.
  • Oncological diseases.
  • Malnutrition, disturbances in the digestive tract.
  • Poor ecological situation in the place of residence.
  • Frequent stress and anxiety.

  Because there are many causes for red rashes, symptoms will vary from case to case. Spots can be all over the body or only in certain areas, itching, burning or peeling are additionally manifested, but sometimes they may not be. It is impossible to talk about the presence of a single clinical picture, so a separate diagnosis will be required.

  If we talk about the most common conditions that provoke the appearance of red spots, then it is worth highlighting the following pathologies:

  Allergy . The external manifestation of this problem is itchy reddish spots of various sizes and shapes. Their appearance is accompanied by swelling and peeling of the skin. Some patients experience general malaise, weakness, chills. As a rule, symptoms appear immediately after contact with the allergen: they can be certain products, cosmetics, medicines, plants. In rare cases, the appearance of rashes is associated with exposure to low temperatures.

  Allergies often show up as pink patches where skin contacts clothing, which may indicate the use of inappropriate detergent or personal care products.

  Rubella . Red small spots on the skin can be the result of rubella measles. They occur throughout the body, but the maximum localization is noted on the back, face and neck. As a rule, the formations disappear within a few days, but only with treatment.

  Scarlet fever . This infectious disease is caused by group A streptococcus. One of the symptoms of the disease is small spots all over the body, the size of which does not exceed a few millimeters. Rashes appear after the onset of a sore throat, more often located on the lower abdomen or in the groin area. The skin appears reddened and inflamed.

  Pityriasis rosea Gibert . This pathology is most often encountered by patients with weakened immunity. For this reason, the risk of disease in spring and autumn increases significantly. Lichen may appear as pink, reddish or crimson spots up to 5 cm in diameter. Outwardly, such formations resemble plaques. First, one spot appears, after 5–7 days, others, smaller in size, are found near it. At the same time, peeling of the skin may appear, less often – swelling of the tissues is observed.

  Erythema . This condition is characterized by reddening of the skin, which occurs after the activation of blood circulation and the expansion of capillaries. As a rule, this is the result of heavy physical exertion or excitement. Often, redness is observed on the face after massage, peeling or masks. The spots are relatively large, but do not require treatment, as they quickly disappear on their own.

  Less common is persistent erythema, characterized by extensive areas of redness resembling bruising or bruising. Such a problem can lead to the development of rosacea, therefore, it requires an examination and consultation with a dermatologist.

  Urticaria . A fairly common cause of skin rashes, which is often characterized by a long course. Under the urticaria understand a whole group of diseases that lead to the formation of angioedema and blisters. Urticaria can result from medications, certain foods, and supplements. In rare cases, pathology occurs as a result of infections.

  Chicken pox . Chickenpox is infectious and can be dangerous to health. This pathology is complicated by pustular lesions, stomatitis and conjunctivitis, in rare cases, damage to internal organs and the brain occurs.

  Chicken pox is one of the common causes of red spots on the skin. As a rule, the rashes are small, localized throughout the body. Further, bubbles up to 5 mm in diameter are formed, which after 2–3 days become covered with a dry crust. Both spots and vesicles can be present on the skin at the same time.

  Ringworm . This is a pathology of fungal origin, which is known in dermatology under the term “microsporia”. The causative agent of pathology is a fungus of the genus Microsporum, which parasitizes in the stratum corneum of the epidermis. It is because of it that the skin is covered with rounded spots that have a non-uniform color: the center is lighter, while the edges of the formation may have a bright red tint. As a rule, rashes are found on the head, arms and legs.

  Pityriasis versicolor . Another type of infectious disease that leads to damage to the upper layers of the skin. However, this form of the disease is not contagious and rarely leads to serious consequences, but it is characterized by fairly large lesions. Pathology occurs as a result of some autoimmune disorders, excessive sweating, hormonal problems, etc.

  Eczema . This inflammatory skin disease has an allergic nature, but the causes and prerequisites for its development are still not fully understood. Often the disease is called “weeping lichen” due to the presence of characteristic symptoms.

  Initially, inflamed areas appear on the skin in the form of red spots, which gradually merge into a separate affected area. After that, characteristic nodules with a bright red color and clear boundaries are formed. Bubbles quickly open, which leads to the appearance of point erosions, which are replaced by crusts and peeling.

  Photodermatitis . The reason for the development of such a pathology is the increased sensitivity of the epidermis to ultraviolet radiation. As a result, persistent redness of the skin appears, which can be accompanied by itching, burning, and even blisters. Often there are large red spots on the skin. It should be noted that the symptoms of the condition are very similar to a number of dermatological diseases (for example, in many patients, photodermatitis has all the signs of systemic lupus erythematosus), which complicates the diagnostic process.

  Important!

  The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For staging
  correct diagnosis and treatment should always consult a doctor.

  Psoriasis . One of the most common dermatological diseases is psoriasis. Pathology has an autoimmune origin, the causes of its development can be infectious, psychosomatic, hereditary or mixed.

  Characteristic raised spots with a smooth surface appear on the skin. After a few days, they become covered with white scales, itching occurs. Many patients note dryness and flaking of the skin, and cracks and blisters are also found in advanced cases.

  Atopic dermatitis . This chronic inflammatory disease is confused with eczema, although there are a number of differences between the pathologies. AtD is characterized by the appearance of red spots with peeling on various parts of the body. Most often, rashes are localized on the bend of the elbow and knee joints, neck and face.

  As a rule, pathology occurs in childhood and its appearance is facilitated by a whole range of factors (both external and genetic). In half of the cases, atopic dermatitis disappears over time, in the remaining patients it persists and recurs throughout life.

  Helminthiases . One of the causes of red rashes is exposure to toxic substances that are released during the life of parasites. The size and location of the formations vary depending on the degree of intoxication of the body. As a rule, a rash appears first, which is accompanied by itching and skin irritation. In the future, purulent boils may appear.

  Fungal mycosis . A fairly serious disease, a malignant lymphoid lesion, which is characterized by the appearance of red dry plaques (that is, large-sized elements that rise above the surface of the skin). Outwardly, the formations resemble eczema, but have a rounded shape and clear boundaries.

  Hyperhidrosis . An unobvious cause of red round spots on the skin is hyperhidrosis. This is a functional disorder of sweating, characterized by the release of an increased amount of sweat. As a result of this, redness appears in the armpits and in other areas that are affected by the pathology.

  Emotional experiences . As a result of psychological disorders and excitement, characteristic redness periodically appears on the neck and face. This problem is the result of depression, emotional overload, chronic lack of sleep. In rare cases, the problem is accompanied by itching, swelling and peeling.

  Diagnostic methods

  In the event that a red spot appears on the skin that does not go away within a few days or changes its shape / appearance, it is better to seek the advice of a dermatologist. Such a measure will not be superfluous, as it will identify the causes of rashes and exclude serious pathologies. The presence of the following symptoms should alert:

  • Itching or burning.
  • Peeling of the skin.
  • Increased size or number of spots.
  • Soreness on pressure.
  • Swelling, weeping.
  • The beginning of the inflammatory process.

  To determine the nature and characteristics of the formations, the doctor performs an examination using a dermatoscope. Of key importance is the collection of anamnesis, clarification of symptoms, identification of concomitant diseases. After the examination, the specialist appoints the patient a number of additional studies, among which may be:

  • Complete blood count.
  • Urinalysis.
  • Microscopic examination of skin scrapings.
  • Ultrasound of internal organs.
  • ECG, etc.

  If necessary, the patient is assigned a consultation with other specialists: for example, a therapist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, etc. As a result of such an examination, it will be possible to identify comorbidities and determine which diseases provoked red spots on the skin.

  Differential diagnosis is important at this stage, since sometimes rashes in various pathologies can be identical. That is why it is required to exclude the presence of other diseases and allergic reactions.

  Already during the examination, the doctor may suspect the presence of a particular pathology. The existing symptoms and the appearance of the spots are taken into account. For example:

  • Red rashes that look like mosquito bites but without itching or pain are often the result of stress or anxiety. In rare cases, this may be a manifestation of an allergy or pink lichen Zhibera.
  • Spots associated with soreness or itching may indicate the presence of autoimmune diseases, urticaria or psoriasis.
  • A rash that looks like a burn is often a manifestation of atopic dermatitis. They may be accompanied by itching (especially at night).
  • Red sores or plaques along the hairline may be a symptom of seborrheic dermatitis.
  • Small spots all over the body indicate the presence of measles, chickenpox or lichen. Also, such symptoms occur in some patients with coronavirus.
  • Red rough spots on the skin of the hands indicate a lack of certain vitamins and microelements in the body. In most cases, you can compensate for their lack by changing the diet.

  Methods of treatment

  Treatment of the problem is individual, since when drawing up the scheme, the doctor takes into account the patient’s health status, identified pathologies and the presence of symptoms. An integrated approach is always used for the treatment of spots, which includes various conservative methods:

  • Medical therapy.
  • Local therapy (treatment of the skin).
  • Physiotherapy procedures.

  Radical removal procedures are required in rare cases. During treatment, the patient may need to adjust the diet and avoid interaction with allergens. At the same time, in most cases, the use of traditional medicine is unacceptable, since they aggravate the course of the disease and lead to the development of a chronic process.

  Different groups of drugs are used for drug therapy. Most often it is:

  • Antihistamines . With a severe allergic reaction or exacerbation of eczema.
  • Antibiotics . To combat the infectious nature of different types of red spots on the skin.
  • Glucocorticosteroids . Hormonal agents to relieve inflammation.
  • Tranquilizers . Used to relieve severe itching.
  • Diuretics . Drugs to eliminate puffiness.
  • Enterosorbents . To remove the products of intoxication from the intestines.
  • B vitamins . They are used to normalize the functioning of the nervous system.

  As for radical methods of treatment, they include electrocoagulation, laser removal and cryosurgery (exposure to liquid nitrogen). Such procedures are used in cases where conservative treatment did not bring relief to the patient or cosmetic defects remained after the therapy.

  If we talk about the prevention of red spots, then there are no universal recommendations, since it is always necessary to take into account the cause of the pathology. In order to reduce the likelihood of rashes, it is best to exclude contact with stray animals, refuse products that cause allergies, and regularly undergo preventive examinations with doctors. This will allow early detection of any disturbances in the functioning of the immune system and prevent possible diseases of the internal organs.

  Literature

  • Karavaeva TA, Korolkova TN Psychological mechanisms and psychosomatic correlations in various dermatoses // Clinical dermatology and venereology. – 2018. – V. 17, No. 5. – S. 7–16.
  • Kubanova AA Analysis of the incidence of diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue in the Russian Federation for the period 2003–2016.