A skin rash is a change in the skin in the form of red spots, nodules, or blisters due to irritation or inflammation. The area of the skin where the rash appears may also feel itchy or burn.
Skin rashes can be caused by insect bites, disease, allergic reactions, or side effects of medications and skin care products. Some skin rashes appear suddenly, others appear gradually over a few days.
Most types of skin rash go away on their own without treatment within a few days. However, there are also types of skin rashes that require intensive treatment to completely disappear.
Types of Skin Rashes
Skin rashes have various characteristics, depending on the cause of the skin rash. Below are a number of diseases that cause skin rashes that often occur in adults and children, along with the characteristics of each.
Skin rash in adults
Some diseases in adults that cause symptoms in the form of skin rashes are:
1. Herpes zoster
Herpes zoster (shingles or shingles) is a skin disease caused by a viral infection. The herpes zoster rash causes pain, stinging, itching, or tingling. The rash tends to appear only on one side of the body in a pattern that looks lined.
The appearance of a rash on herpes zoster or skin herpes will be followed by red nodules filled with fluid. Over time, the nodule will develop into blisters that break easily and leave crusty sores on the skin's surface.
2. Genital herpes (herpes simplex)
Herpes simplex is a contagious infection that is transmitted through sexual intercourse, either through the vagina (vaginal), mouth (oral), or rectum (anal). The rash in herpes simplex appears in the mouth or groin area. The rash appears in the form of blisters that break easily and leave scabs.
3. Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin. The rash can appear on the skin of the body, scalp, groin, or on the nails. The ringworm rash is thick at the edges and scaly in the center. The rash can be itchy or sore, and cause the skin to blister or peel. This rash can also spread to other parts of the body.
4. Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is inflammation of the skin due to exposure to allergens (allergens) or irritating substances (irritants), such as dust, pollution, or cosmetic products. The contact dermatitis rash is rough and itchy to the touch. The rash can also bulge and ooze pus when it bursts, leaving a crust-like scar.
A contact dermatitis rash appears minutes or hours after the skin is exposed to the allergen or irritant. Usually, this rash lasts for 2 weeks to 1 month.
Skin rash in children
The following are some examples of skin rashes that often occur in children:
1. Diaper rash
Diaper rash is irritation or inflammation of the skin, buttocks, thighs and groin, due to using a diaper for too long. Diaper rash is characterized by skin that appears red and warm to the touch.
Diaper rash may be accompanied by red bumps and scaly and peeling skin. In diaper rash caused by infection, the rash can develop into blisters or pus-filled bumps that break easily.
2. Measles
Measles is a type of infectious disease caused by a viral infection. The measles rash begins as small red spots on the face or neck, then coalesce to form a large rash and spreads all over the body. In some patients, the measles rash can be itchy.
3. Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a disease caused by a virus Varicella zoster. Chickenpox is characterized by a prominent red rash all over the body. Over time, these itchy rashes develop into fluid-filled blisters that break easily. The blisters then become scabs which will heal in a few days.
4. Singapore Flu
Singapore Flu or hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a viral infection that is transmitted to children. The rash in Singapore flu is sometimes in the form of blisters filled with fluid. This rash appears on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and inside the mouth.
When to go to the doctor
Most skin rashes are harmless. However, some skin rashes can be a sign of a serious illness. Therefore, you need to see a doctor if a rash appears on your skin, especially if you are unsure what the cause is. The goal is to prevent complications or transmission.
An inspection must be carried out immediately if:
- The rash appears suddenly and spreads quickly.
- Skin rashes appear all over the body.
- The rash develops into blisters or open sores.
- Skin rash with fever.
- There are signs of infection in the rash, such as pain, swelling, or a greenish-yellow discharge.
As previously explained, the causes of skin rashes vary widely, as well as the complications that can accompany them. The method of treatment and prevention also depends on the type of skin rash itself. If the skin rash that appears is itchy, you can use itching medicine.
Do not delay to see a doctor if a rash appears on the skin, especially if symptoms appear to watch out for. The doctor will provide the right treatment, according to the type of skin rash you are experiencing.