Skin rash

Overview

A skin rash can have various causes. It is characterised by many reddish spots on the skin, which are often accompanied by blisters, bumps, swelling or surface irregularities. Treatment is dictated by the cause, but cooling, ointments and creams can provide initial relief.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

• Redness
• Itching
• Pain
• Burning

Other symptoms

• General signs of illness can also occur
  • Fever
  • Sore throat or painful limbs
  • Cough
  • Stomach ache
  • Nausea and vomiting
• In later stages, scales, crusts, scabs, boils and finally scars can occur

Causes and treatment

Causes

• Infection by all kinds of pathogens (viruses, bacteria, parasites, worms and fungi)
• Allergic reaction (e.g. to medication, cosmetics, food or animal hair)
• Poison (e.g. nettle or ants)
• Drugs (opiates, cocaine)
• Insect bites and parasite infestation of the skin
• With autoimmune diseases, the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissue (e.g. skin)

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Careful examination of the rash (e.g. with the help of a magnifying glass)
• Swabs, taking of a tissue sample
• Blood test (inflammatory markers)
• Allergy tests

Possible therapies

• Treatment of an underlying disease (e.g. infection)
• Ointments and creams (e.g. with cortisone)
• Anti-itching and anti-inflammatory medication

What can I do myself?

• If an allergy has been diagnosed, the trigger should be avoided
• Cooling compresses to relieve itching

When to see a doctor?

• If a rash appears for the first time and the cause is unclear
• If experiencing disorientation, shortness of breath, bleeding skin or high fever
• If the rash starts during or after a visit to the tropics
• Rashes suffered by babies and small children

Synonyms

Skin rash, Exanthem