What Are The Different Types of Skin Rashes?

Atopic dermatitis

Skin rashes can occur from a variety of factors, including infections, heat, allergens, immune system disorders and medications. One of the most common skin disorders that causes a rash is atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema.

 Christmas tree rash (pityriasis rosea)

Christmas tree rash is a fine, itchy, scaly rash that usually appears first as a single patch on the chest, abdomen or back. This rash may spread as small patches to other parts of the back, chest and neck. The rash may form a pattern on the back that resembles a Christmas tree.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a rash caused by direct contact with or an allergic reaction to certain substances. Irritant contact dermatitis (A) usually produces a dry, scaly, non-itchy rash. Many substances, such as cleaning products or industrial chemicals, that you come into contact with cause this condition. The irritant will cause a rash on anyone exposed to it, but some people’s skin may be more easily affected.

Drug rash

A rash may occur as a side effect of taking a drug or as an allergic reaction to it. A drug rash may be caused by many different medications, including antibiotics and water pills. Some drugs are more likely to produce a rash if the skin is exposed to sunlight.

Heat rash (miliaria)

Heat rash occurs when the flow of sweat is obstructed, usually due to hot, humid weather or overdressing.

Prickly heat

(A) is a type of heat rash that appears as clusters of small, red bumps that produce a pricking or stinging sensation.

Miliaria crystalline

(B) appears as clear, fluid-filled bumps that generally produce no other signs or symptoms.

Intertrigo

Intertrigo is inflammation caused by skin-to-skin friction, most often in warm, moist areas of the body, such as the groin, between folds of skin on the abdomen, under the breasts, under the arms or between toes. The affected skin may be sensitive or painful, and severe cases can result in oozing sores, cracked skin or bleeding.

Lichen planus

Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that can affect your skin and mucous membranes. On the skin it usually appears as purplish, often itchy, flat-topped bumps (lesions). In your mouth, vagina and other areas covered by a mucous membrane, lichen planus forms lacy white patches.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis (suh-RIE-uh-sis) is the rapid buildup of rough, scaly skin that occurs when the life cycle of skin cells rapidly increases. The extra skin skin cells form thick, silvery scales and red patches that are itchy and sometimes painful.

Ringworm of the body (tinea corporis)

Ringworm of the body is a fungal infection that appears as itchy, red, scaly, slightly raised, rings on the body. The ring grows outward as the infection spreads, and the center area becomes less actively infected.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a long-term skin condition of adults that causes redness in the face and may produce small red or pus-filled bumps.

 Shingles (herpes zoster)

Shingles is a pain rash caused by the chickenpox virus. If you’ve ever had chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in nerve tissue. Years later, the virus may reactivate, causing shingles.

 Swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis)

Swimmer’s itch is a burning or itchy rash caused by an allergic reaction to a waterborne parasite that burrows into the top layer of skin. The parasites soon die, but you’re temporarily left with tiny bumps or blisters.