A rash is simply a change in the skin that affects its color, appearance, or texture. There are many different causes of a rash that may involve an immune system response, toxins, irritants, diseases, infections, environmental factors, or a combination of these.
Some of the more common rashes include:
- Acne: A skin condition caused when hair follicles are blocked with oil and skin cells
- Cellulitis: A common and potentially serious bacterial skin infection
- Chickenpox: A highly contagious viral infection that causes an itchy, blister-like rash
- Contact dermatitis: A rash caused by contact with certain substances
- Diaper rash: A common rash in babies that cause bright red skin on the buttocks
- Drug allergy: An abnormal immune reaction to a medication
- Eczema: An inflammatory skin condition that causes a dry, itchy, scaly rash
- Erythema multiforme: A skin disorder characterized by bullseye-shaped lesions
- Heat rash: A rash caused by the blockage of sweat ducts
- Herpes: A viral skin infection that can cause a blistering rash and skin ulcer
- Hives: An abnormal immune response that causes red, itchy welts
- Impetigo: A highly contagious skin infection that causes red sores on the face
- Insect bites: Including tick, flea, spider, and mosquito bites
- Lupus erythematosus: A skin reaction caused by an autoimmune disease
- Measles: A very contagious respiratory infection that causes a whole-body rash
- Psoriasis: An immune-related skin disease that causes red, itchy, scaly patches
- Ringworm: A fungal skin infection that causes a circular rash
- Rosacea: A skin condition that causes flushing and visible blood vessels on the face
- Scabies: A contagious, intensely itchy rash caused by tiny, burrowing mites
- Seborrheic dermatitis: A skin condition of the scalp that causes dryness and dandruff
- Shingles: A painful, blistering rash caused by the reaction of the chickenpox virus
There are numerous other skin rashes, both common and uncommon, that people of all ages can experience. This list of 21 skin rashes only represents a small proportion.