Skin that is swollen, red, itchy, crusty and even blistered can look frightening, especially when you’re unsure of what the rash and its cause may be. “Any visible skin condition over a significant portion of the body can be defined as a rash,” says Dr. Robert Brodell, professor of internal medicine in the dermatology department at Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown, Ohio. While dermatologists study for years to learn how to properly ID all of the different types of rashes, knowing the signs of some of the most common skin conditions can go a long way in easing your fears…as well as the itch.
“Any rash that lasts more than a few days and is not responding to moisturizing lotions and OTC antihistamines is worthy of finding the precise cause,” Brodell says. “The more it itches, blisters and gets pussy, the more urgent is the need for help. Also, fever chills and systemic symptoms require prompt attention.”
Check out these images of five common rashes (provided by the American Academy of Dermatology) then read our dermatologist’s tips for spotting each.
American Academy of Dermatology
Contact Dermatitis
This rash, mild cases of which may cause skin to look red or break out in small bumps, usually starts within 48 hours of coming into contact with an irritating substance. Usually, contact dermatitis is not serious, but it can cause skin to be seriously itchy. Soaps, detergents, perfumes, jewelry and latex are all substances known to cause irritant contact dermatitis.
American Academy of Dermatology
Poison Ivy
About 50 to 75 percent of people who come into contact with poison ivy, oak or sumac plants will develop an itchy red rash with swelling, bumps and blisters. “This is a type of ‘allergic contact dermatitis’…that is, the person is allergic to the wax on the poison ivy plant,” explains Brodell. Often, the rash appears in straight lines caused by the way the plant (or other contaminated surface) sweeps against the skin.
Psoriasis
American Academy of Dermatology
Eczema
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema often appears on the face, neck and in “bending” areas like the elbows and backs of the knees. The rash can look different from person to person, but common symptoms include itching, redness of the skin, scaling or crusting and sometimes infections in places where the skin has broken open. While it’s still unknown what exactly causes eczema, there are many possible triggers, including stress, allergens and irritants.
American Academy of Dermatology
Scabies
“A widespread rash most notable in the folds of skin and finger webs is likely to be a rash from scabies,” says Brodell. Scabies are mites, very small bugs, and the females burrow into the surface of the skin to lay their eggs. These mites are common in large community settings, including daycare centers, college dorms and nursing homes, so people from a wide range of age groups can be affected with the rashes these burrowing bugs leave behind. Scabies won’t respond to OTC treatment...it requires a medicine called permethrin to kill scabies mites, which needs to be prescribed by a physician.
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What's That Rash?
Skin that is swollen, red, itchy, crusty and even blistered can look frightening, especially when you’re unsure of what the rash and its cause may be. “Any visible skin condition over a significant portion of the body can be defined as a rash,” says Dr. Robert Brodell, professor of internal medicine in the dermatology department at Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown, Ohio. While dermatologists study for years to learn how to properly ID all of the different types of rashes, knowing the signs of some of the most common skin conditions can go a long way in easing your fears…as well as the itch.
“Any rash that lasts more than a few days and is not responding to moisturizing lotions and OTC antihistamines is worthy of finding the precise cause,” Brodell says. “The more it itches, blisters and gets pussy, the more urgent is the need for help. Also, fever chills and systemic symptoms require prompt attention.”
Check out these images of five common rashes (provided by the American Academy of Dermatology) then read our dermatologist’s tips for spotting each.
