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  • Writer's pictureShruti GOCHHWAL

Skin Rash? What Might Be The Reason Behind It

Rash refers to a change in the texture and colour of your skin rash causes. It leads to an eruption of numerous bumps or red patches on the surface of the skin. The appearance of red patches on skin or skin rashes that itch varies greatly from person to person.

The rash can be concentrated on one corner of the body. It can also spread over a large area. They can be temporary or long-lasting. Some of the rashes can be painful. Others can be painless. No matter how the rash appears, its presence certainly indicates one or the other type of skin diseases. Numerous types of skin diseases begin with a rash on the skin. You need to ascertain the rash’s cause to find out if your suffering from a possible skin condition or any other condition.

What Are Common Causes of Skin Rashes?

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Woman suffering from a skin rash., Credits: Pixabay


Bacterial, fungal or viral infection causes a rash. It can also be caused by an underlying disease. On the other hand, some medications and drugs can also make your body react in the form of a red rash. Most commonly, it is associated with an allergic reaction. Scaling, blistering, and formation of ulcers on the skin are often accompanied by rashes. The rash can also be itchy and prickly.

Let’s look at the most common causes behind rashes on your skin.

  1. Reaction to medication

  2. Bacterial, fungal, and viral infections

  3. Insect bites

  4. Shingles and hives

  5. Excema and psoriasis

  6. Autoimmune disease like lupus

Reaction to Medication

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packs of medicines, Credits: Pixabay


Your body can react to several medications that may cause a rash that resembles a sunburn. Allergic skin reactions to medications usually appear one or two weeks after you start its course. Some medications cause photosensitivity. You develop a susceptibility to sunlight. If you go out in the sun, your skin may develop a rash.

Bacterial, Fungal, and Viral Infections

Foot with fungal infection

Foot with fungal infection, Credits: Pixabay


Candidiasis is the most common infection that causes skin rashes that itch. Athlete’s foot and ringworm are other fungal infections that cause skin disorders that may lead one to experience itchy, scaly, and red skin. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that causes the skin of the legs to become painful and red. Herpes is a common viral illness that causes the skin to burn and itching. It is followed by the formation of painful sores on the skin.

Insect Bites

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Woman suffering from a red skin rash, Credits: Pixabay


Insects stings or bites can cause redness and rashes on the skin. They are accompanied by pain, itching, and sometimes swelling of the skin. Flee bites can make the skin irritated and red.

Shingles and Hives

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Patient with rashes on a skin part, Credits: Pixabay


Skin disease like Shingles is characterized by red patches on skin with small itching bumps on it. The person may experience fatigue and mild fever before the onset of this skin disease. It is common in those people who have had a vaccine for chickenpox.

Another disease that causes itchy, rapidly spreading rashes is Hives. It can be caused due to a severe allergic reaction to food or medication. If the rash on the skin is accompanied by breathing difficulties and extremely low blood pressure, a medical practitioner should immediately be consulted.

Eczema and Psoriases

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Doctor holding a hand with a skin rash., Credits: Pixabay


Skin rashes and scaly patches on the skin due to eczema are exceedingly common. There are various types of this skin condition. The most chronic and inflammatory type is known as dermatitis. It is characterized by a prominent and intensely itchy red rash, bumps, blisters, and skin swelling.

Patches of red and inflamed skin also occur in psoriasis, a common skin condition among people. The skin becomes itchy and painful, and if scratched or rubbed, can even bleed. Many topical treatments like creams and ointments are prescribed by the doctor to reduce the severity of its symptoms.

Autoimmune Disease Like Lupus

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Woman suffering from butterfly rash., Credits: Pixabay


Your skin rash can also be the result of an autoimmune disease like lupus erythematosus. This kind of rash is called a butterfly-shaped rash as it spreads across the cheeks and the nose bridge. Red spots and purple rashes also appear on the face, arms, and neck. You can also feel muscle and joint pain. The symptoms of fever and fatigue also accompany its rash.

Ways to Manage Skin Rashes

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Person applying ointment on the affected area, Credits: Pixabay


Skin rashes can be very uncomfortable to live with. Not all rashes require extensive medical treatment. You can follow the ways given below to get relief from some kinds of skin rashes.

  1. Wash your skin with warm-lukewarm water. Do not use very cold or very hot water.

  2. Moisturize your skin if you’re affected by eczema. Make sure the moisturizer is unscented.

  3. Apply topical remedies like aloe vera gel, coconut oil, olive oil if you have extremely dry skin from the rash.

  4. Don’t use harsh cleansers on your skin.

  5. Don’t use excessive chemicals on the skin in the form of cosmetics.

Thus, we see that a normal-looking skin rash can be due to any one of the countless causes. It is best not to self-medicate and seek a doctor’s advice if you notice a rash and also if your troubled by severe itching and burning sensation on your skin.

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