Scaly red spots on skin: 22 Common Skin Rashes, Pictures, Causes & Treatment

21.07.202304.07.2023 by alexxlab

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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, 159177. 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

Share on Pinterest

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

Share on Pinterest

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.

Pictures, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Scaling Skin: Pictures, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By JC Jones — Updated on February 6, 2023

You may experience scaling of the skin due to certain health conditions, including allergies and infections.

What Is Scaling Skin?

Scaling skin is the loss of the outer layer of the epidermis in large, scale-like flakes. The skin appears dry and cracked, though skin dryness isn’t always to blame. Scaling skin is also called:

desquamation
dropping of scales
flaking skin
peeling skin
scaly skin

Scaling skin may make a person self-conscious, particularly if it occurs on their hands, feet, face, or other visible areas. The scales can itch and redden, and the condition can affect their quality of life.

Many different conditions can cause scaling skin. Here are 16 possible causes.

Warning: Graphic images ahead.

Actinic keratosis

Typically less than 2 cm, or about the size of a pencil eraser
Thick, scaly, or crusty skin patch
Appears on parts of the body that receive a lot of sun exposure (hands, arms, face, scalp, and neck)
Usually pink in color but can have a brown, tan, or gray base

Read full article on actinic keratosis.

Allergic reaction

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

Rashes occur when your immune system reacts to allergens on the skin
Itchy, raised welts that appear minutes to hours after skin contact with an allergen
Red, itchy, scaly rash that may appear hours to days after skin contact with an allergen
Severe and sudden allergic reactions may cause swelling and difficulty breathing that require emergency attention

Read full article on allergic reaction.

Athlete’s foot

Itching, stinging, and burning between the toes or on the soles of feet
Blisters on the feet that itch
Discolored, thick, and crumbly toenails
Raw skin on the feet

Read full article on athlete’s foot.

Ringworm

Circular-shaped scaly rashes with raised border
Skin in the middle of the ring appears clear and healthy, and the edges of the ring may spread outward
Itchy

Read full article on ringworm.

Contact dermatitis

Appears hours to days after contact with an allergen
Rash has visible borders and appears where your skin touched the irritating substance
Skin is itchy, red, scaly, or raw
Blisters that weep, ooze, or become crusty

Read full article on contact dermatitis.

Allergic eczema

May resemble a burn
Often found on hands and forearms
Skin is itchy, red, scaly, or raw
Blisters that weep, ooze, or become crusty

Read full article on allergic eczema.

Eczema

Yellow or white scaly patches that flake off
Affected areas may be red, itchy, greasy, or oily
Hair loss may occur in the area with the rash

Read full article on eczema.

Psoriasis

Scaly, silvery, sharply defined skin patches
Commonly located on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back
May be itchy or asymptomatic

Read full article on psoriasis.

Toxic shock syndrome

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

This rare but serious medical condition occurs when the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus gets into the bloodstream and produces toxins.
The bacterial toxins get recognized by the immune system as superantigens, causing the immune system to have a very strong reaction to them.
Sudden fever, low blood pressure, chills, muscle aches, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and confusion may occur.
Another symptom is skin rash that resembles a sunburn and can be seen all over the body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Read full article on toxic shock syndrome.

Ichthyosis vulgaris

This inherited or acquired skin condition occurs when the skin doesn’t shed its dead skin cells.
Dry, dead skin cells accumulate in patches on the surface of the skin in a pattern similar to a fish’s scales.
Patches of dry skin typically appear on the elbows and lower legs.
Symptoms may include flaky scalp, itchy skin, polygon-shaped scales on the skin, scales that are brown, gray, or white, and severely dry skin.

Read full article on ichthyosis vulgaris.

Seborrheic eczema

Yellow or white scaly patches that flake off
Affected areas may be red, itchy, greasy, or oily
Hair loss may occur in the area with the rash

Read full article on seborrheic eczema.

Drug allergy

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

Mild, itchy, red rash may occur days to weeks after taking a drug
Severe drug allergies can be life-threatening and symptoms include hives, racing heart, swelling, itching, and difficulty breathing
Other symptoms include fever, stomach upset, and tiny purple or red dots on the skin

Read full article on drug allergy.

Stasis dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis develops in areas of the body that have poor blood flow, most commonly in the feet and lower legs
It causes swelling in the ankles and lower legs that gets better with elevation
Symptoms include a mottled, darkened appearance of the skin and varicose veins
It can cause dry, crusty, itchy skin that may become red and sore and have a shiny appearance
It may also cause open sores that weep fluid and crust over

Read full article on stasis dermatitis.

Stasis ulcer

Symptom of advanced stasis dermatitis
Develop in areas of the body that have poor blood flow, most commonly in the feet and lower legs
Painful, irregularly shaped, shallow wounds with crusting and weeping
Poor healing

Read full article on stasis ulcer.

Hypoparathyroidism

This rare condition occurs when the parathyroid glands in the neck don’t produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH).
Having too little PTH causes low levels of calcium and high levels of phosphorus in the body.
Symptoms include muscle aches or cramps, tingling, burning, or numbness in the fingertips, toes, and lips, and muscle spasms, especially around the mouth.
Other symptoms include patchy hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails, fatigue, anxiety or depression, and seizures.

Read full article on hypoparathyroidism.

Kawasaki disease

This condition is considered a medical emergency. Urgent care may be required.

Usually affects children under age 5
Red, swollen tongue (strawberry tongue), high fever, swollen, red palms and soles of the feet, swollen lymph nodes, bloodshot eyes
Usually gets better on its own, but may cause severe heart problems

Read full article on Kawasaki disease.

Several skin disorders and physical conditions can lead to scaling skin. Scaling skin is usually a symptom of an underlying issue. Related conditions and diagnoses may include:

actinic keratosis (a condition that starts with scaling skin but can progress to growths and skin cancer)
allergic eczema
athlete’s foot
contact dermatitis
hypoparathyroidism
ichthyosis vulgaris
ringworm
psoriasis
eczema
Kawasaki disease
seborrheic eczema
allergic reaction
drug allergy
stasis dermatitis and ulcers
toxic shock syndrome

When you initially recognize scaling skin, you may simply apply lotion and not give it much thought. After all, it’s very common for skin to sometimes scale during periods of cold, dry weather or after prolonged sun exposure. However, if your scaling skin doesn’t improve, spreads, or worsens, you may want to see your healthcare provider.

Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and your symptoms. If you can pinpoint when the symptoms first appeared, it may help your healthcare provider determine a cause. Whether or not your skin itches or if anything provides relief could also help in diagnosing the problem.

The diagnosis is made based on the appearance of your skin, your history of exposure to any irritating or allergenic substances, and any accompanying symptoms.

Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and the cause of the scaling skin. In cases of allergic reactions, discontinuing use or contact with the allergen can solve your problem. You should still see an allergist to confirm what is triggering the scales.

Many times, skin conditions that lead to scaling can be treated with a simple topical cream. Oral medications are sometimes needed to address issues that are more than skin deep, however. Depending on the diagnosis, your healthcare provider may refer you to a dermatologist for specialized treatment.

Rarely is scaling skin a symptom of a medical emergency. However, sometimes it’s the sign of an allergic reaction, which can prove fatal if ignored. If scaling skin is accompanied by the following signs, seek medical attention immediately:

severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, itching)
nausea and vomiting
severe weakness
high fever
sudden and severe blistering

Last medically reviewed on November 29, 2017

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Itchy, scaly skin? Living with psoriasis. (2010).
newsinhealth.nih.gov/issue/Aug2010/Feature2
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014). Dry skin: Symptoms and causes.
mayoclinic.com/health/dry-skin/DS00560
Sinni-McKeehen B. (1997). Scaling skin disorders.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9166605
What is ichthyosis? (n. d.).
firstskinfoundation.org/content.cfm/Ichthyosis/What-is-Ichthyosis/page_id/952

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Feb 6, 2023

Written By

JC Jones

Edited By

Heather Hobbs

Nov 29, 2017

Medically Reviewed By

Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN

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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By JC Jones — Updated on February 6, 2023

Plaques on the skin – causes, diseases, diagnosis and 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.
1. Dry plaques form on the skin if it is exposed to stress for a long time with the loss of its protective functions.
2. 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.
3. 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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
1. 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, food allergens, and 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.
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Fecal analysis for helminth eggs (helminth eggs)
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Fecal analysis for protozoa (PRO stool)
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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 clause 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.
Gastroscopy
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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Colonoscopy
Endoscopic examination of the colon to look for abnormalities, perform biopsies, and remove small polyps and tumors.
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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 protein (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.
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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-bluish 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.