25 Different Types of Rashes: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments Explained

Rashes can be itchy, painful and just plain irritating.¹ Whether you're plagued with bumps, blisters or strange discoloration, inflammation in your skin (aka a rash) lets you know something's wrong.¹

Wondering which type of rash you have, where it came from and what you can do about it? Keep reading to learn about the possible causes, symptoms and treatments for 25 different types of rashes.

Note: The right treatment depends on a proper diagnosis, so if you're unsure about your rash, visit a dermatologist.¹

1. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

This skin condition affects about 30% of the U.S. population — mostly children and adolescents.¹ Eczema runs in families and may be triggered by allergens like detergents and pet dander.² Symptoms include dry, red, itchy, flaky skin that weeps clear fluid when scratched.¹ Mild cases of eczema may be treated with over-the-counter topical steroids, but more severe cases may need prescription immunomodulators to calm the immune system.²

2. Chicken Pox (Varicella)

Infection with the varicella virus results in chicken pox² and its telltale rash of itchy, red, fluid-filled blisters all over the body.³ Chicken pox lasts about two weeks² and is contagious until all the blisters have crusted over.³ The chicken pox rash may be treated with calamine lotion, oatmeal baths and antihistamines.² The CDC recommends that children be vaccinated against chicken pox.²

3. Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is the most common rash caused by external factors, including irritants like cleaning products or allergens like nickel-plated jewelry.¹ This itchy rash typically has a distinct border and appears hours to days after exposure.¹ Symptoms include either a shiny and blistered rash (allergic contact dermatitis) or a dry and scaly rash (irritant contact dermatitis).¹ Treatment involves applying over-the-counter or prescription topical cortisone and avoiding the offending substance.⁴

4. Drug Rash

A drug rash is typically red, speckled and itchy, covering a large area of skin.¹ This can be a side effect of a medication or an allergic reaction to it, appearing within an hour or a few days of taking the drug.⁵ Once you stop taking the medication, the rash should clear up within a few days or weeks.⁵ However, if the rash is part of a severe allergic reaction — often accompanied by difficulty breathing — seek emergency care.⁵

5. Fifth Disease

Fifth disease occurs most often in children and is characterized by a “slapped cheek" rash,¹ along with a lacy-patterned rash on the arms, legs and upper body.³ The rash is caused by parvovirus and can last for several weeks, but it typically goes away on its own.¹ While no treatment is necessary, symptoms may be managed with over-the-counter medication.¹

6. Flea Bite Rash

If you get bitten by fleas, you may develop an itchy, hive-like rash.¹ Symptoms start immediately after being bitten.³ Flea bites typically appear in a straight line or a tight cluster of small red bumps on the feet, ankles and lower legs.¹ You can treat a flea bite rash by washing it with antibacterial soap and applying calamine lotion to soothe the irritation.¹ If the bites swell up and feel warm to the touch, seek medical attention.¹

7. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

The hallmark of this disease is the flat red spots that appear on the palms, on the soles of the feet and around the mouth.¹ You may also get painful sores in your mouth.⁶ This highly contagious condition spreads through skin contact, coughing or sneezing, especially in schools.¹ There's no specific medical treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease; most people get better on their own in seven to 10 days.⁶

8. Heat Rash (Miliaria)

Heat rash is a result of blocked sweat glands — the sweat builds up under the skin, causing an itchy rash.⁷ Miliaria rubra (prickly heat) looks like clusters of small red bumps that prickle or sting; miliaria crystalline is characterized by clear, fluid-filled bumps.⁵ Heat rashes aren't serious, and they usually resolve on their own once the skin cools down.⁵ A cool bath or cool compresses may provide relief.⁵

9. Hives (Urticaria)

Hives are raised patches or welts on the skin that look red or discolored.¹ These may be triggered by food or drug allergies, insect bites or extreme cold or heat.⁴ Hives may disappear on their own, or you can try an antihistamine or steroid to reduce itching and swelling.⁴ However, if you experience shortness of breath, tongue swelling or throat tightening, seek immediate medical attention.¹

10. Impetigo

This contagious rash¹ is most common in children ages two to five, but it can happen at any age.³ The rash is often located around the nose, mouth and chin,³ and it's caused by bacteria that enter the body through broken skin.¹ Red blisters swell and burst at the infection site, forming a honey-colored crust.¹ Treatment may include topical or oral antibiotics, helping the rash resolve after a few days.²

11. Intertrigo

This rash is caused by skin-to-skin friction in warm, moist areas of the body, such as the groin, armpits and under the breasts.⁵ Intertrigo causes itchiness and burning, along with a foul odor;⁸ severe cases can lead to oozing sores, cracked skin or bleeding.⁵ Treatment includes applying an ointment like Vaseline® and keeping the area clean and dry.⁵ If you develop an infection, you may need an antifungal medication to clear it up.⁸

12. Lichen Planus

If you have shiny, purplish, flat-topped bumps on your body, you may have lichen planus.⁹ This common itchy rash often appears inside the wrists and ankles, as well as on the legs, back and neck.⁹ It's triggered by an overreaction of the immune system, which may be due to an illness, allergies or stress.¹ While the condition can't be cured, antihistamines or medicated cream may provide relief.⁹

13. Lupus

This chronic autoimmune disease causes inflammation throughout the body, including sores, scaly lesions and a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose.¹ A lupus rash usually gets worse with sun exposure.¹ While the rash doesn't leave scarring, it can cause discoloration after it disappears.¹ Lifestyle changes and topical treatments can help the rash fade.¹

14. Measles

Measles is a contagious viral disease that's spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes.¹ If you get measles, you'll notice a red-spotted rash that spreads from your face down to your feet,¹ as well as a tiny, bluish-white spot on a bright red background inside your cheek.¹⁰ While there's no specific treatment for measles, comfort measures can relieve symptoms, and healthcare providers can help prevent complications.¹⁰

15. Pityriasis Rosea

This rash has a Christmas tree pattern, with oblong, scaly patches that develop in streaks on the chest.¹ Pityriasis rosea may be an immune response after an upper respiratory infection.¹ The rash can last between three and five months, but it resolves on its own.² If you're one of the one quarter of people who find this condition itchy, topical steroids and antihistamines may offer relief.²

16. Poison Ivy Rash

If you've been traipsing through poison ivy, you'll likely get an intensely itchy rash caused by the urushiol oil in the plant.¹ The rash looks like red, hive-like patches accompanied by swelling and blisters.¹ It's important to rinse the affected area with water only, as soap can spread the plant oil around.¹ Prescription steroids (topical or oral) usually clear up the rash in about seven to 10 days.¹

17. Psoriasis

This chronic skin condition causes patches of thickened skin with scaly, silvery flakes.¹ You'll typically find these patches around the elbows, knees and scalp.¹ Psoriasis is caused by overactivity of the immune system; it's not contagious.¹ Mild psoriasis may be treated with a topical cream like hydrocortisone, and moderate to severe psoriasis may be treated with immunomodulators.²

18. Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

This common, contagious skin infection is caused by a fungus¹ and typically spreads by skin-to-skin contact.⁵ Symptoms include an itchy, circular rash, which may be red, cracked and swollen.¹ As the infection spreads, the ring grows outward and may develop into overlapping circles.⁵ The same fungus can also cause jock itch (tinea cruris) and athlete's foot (tinea pedis).⁵ Treatment for ringworm typically includes topical antifungal medications.⁵

19. Rosacea

This chronic skin condition causes facial flushing, typically in response to factors that increase blood flow to the surface of the skin.⁵ Symptoms may also include thick facial skin,² visible blood vessels² and acne-like bumps.⁵ Though the cause of rosacea is unknown,² common triggers include spicy foods, alcohol and stress.⁵ It's helpful to identify the cause of your flare-ups so you can avoid triggers.⁵ While there is no cure for rosacea,⁵ severe cases may be treated with antibiotics, lasers or surgery.²

20. Scabies

Scabies is an itchy, splotchy rash that may look like pimples.¹ This highly contagious rash is caused by an infestation of mites, which spreads through skin-to-skin contact.¹ It's essential to treat scabies with topical medication prescribed by a doctor.¹¹ The rash and itch may get worse during the first few days of treatment, but the skin should heal within four weeks.¹¹

21. Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever may coincide with (or follow) a strep throat infection.³ Symptoms include a bright red, blotchy rash that feels like sandpaper.¹ Typically, the rash first appears on the groin, neck and armpits, but it can spread to the entire body.¹ Treatment usually includes a course of oral antibiotics.¹

22. Seborrheic Dermatitis

This rash, which affects up to 70% of infants and about 12% of the general population,⁴ is characterized by itchy, scaly, flaky patches of skin on the scalp, face or chest.¹ This can happen when the body overreacts to yeast on oily parts of the skin.¹ Seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription dandruff shampoo.⁴ If the rash is on the face or body, it may be treated with a topical corticosteroid or antifungal medication.⁴

23. Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

If you've had chicken pox, the varicella virus stays dormant in the nerve cells and may be reactivated years later, causing shingles.² This painful, blistering rash typically lasts two to three weeks² and may burn, tingle or itch.³ Treatments include pain medications, steroids, antiviral drugs and antihistamines.² Early treatment may help shorten the infection and decrease the chance of pain and itching after the rash clears up.⁵ There is no cure for shingles, but the shingles vaccine may reduce the risk of complications.²

24. Swimmer's Itch (Cercarial Dermatitis)

If you develop an itchy rash after swimming in a lake, ocean or other body of water, it could be swimmer's itch.⁷ Waterborne parasites can burrow into your skin, leaving you with tiny bumps or blisters.⁵ The rash isn't serious and typically clears up on its own in seven to 10 days.⁵ In the meantime, you can ease the itchiness with soothing lotions, antihistamines or lukewarm baths with Epsom salts.⁵

25. Tick Bite Rash

If you're bitten by a tick, you may get a bull's-eye rash — a large, itchy red rash that looks like a target.¹ The rash usually appears within three to 14 days of the tick bite and can signal the early stages of Lyme disease.¹² Even if the rash disappears on its own, it's important to see a doctor to help determine your risk of having Lyme disease and get appropriate treatment.¹²

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Author Bio

Robyn Tellefsen is a freelance writer and editor with more than 20 years of experience covering health and wellness, finance and more. Her work has appeared on sites such as LoopNet, Beachside Rehab, First Horizon Bank, SoFi, A Place for Mom, American Express, Chase and more.