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What is body rash? Is it normal to have a rash on the skin? When should you see a doctor? How does it go? What’s good? You can find the answers to all these questions and much more below.
What is body rash?
A rash on the body is an inflammatory reaction of the skin. Rashes can be caused by a wide variety of mild to serious diseases, disorders, and conditions. Rashes can affect a small area of skin or the entire body and can occur in all age groups and populations.
Rashes on the body vary greatly in appearance, size, and severity, depending on the underlying cause. Rashes may be red, white, purple, or silver in color and raised, bumpy, or smooth-textured. They may appear as dots or circles, or they may appear over a wide area. In addition, skin cells may flake or shed with rashes.
Because the possible causes of a rash are so diverse, it is very important to correctly diagnose the underlying disease, disorder or condition. If you have any concerns about this, it is important to consult your doctor.
A purple rash may indicate a serious, potentially life-threatening condition such as meningitis or allergic purpura. An allergy-related rash with shortness of breath, wheezing , or swelling of the face, mouth, or throat is also a sign of a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If you or a loved one has any of these symptoms, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention.
Rash on the body: Symptoms
The rash may be accompanied by other symptoms depending on the underlying disease, disorder, or condition. Other symptoms may affect the digestive system, respiratory system, nervous system, reproductive system, cardiovascular system, immune system or covering system (skin and related tissues).
Skin symptoms that may occur with the rash
A rash may occur with other symptoms affecting the skin, including:
- bubbling
- Combustion
- inflammation
- Irritation
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling
Other symptoms that may occur along with the rash
A rash may occur along with other symptoms related to other body systems, including:
- Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, sore throat, headache , cough, aches and pains)
- joint pains
- Neuralgia (pain in one or more nerves)
- Numbness or burning in the lower legs and feet
- eye redness
- Sneezing and runny nose
- Nausea and vomiting
Serious symptoms that may indicate a life-threatening condition
In some cases, a rash may occur along with other symptoms that may indicate a serious or life-threatening condition, such as anaphylaxis, which should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting.
Symptoms that may indicate a serious or life-threatening condition include:
- Chest pain or tightness in the chest
- Fainting or change in consciousness
- High fever
- rapid heart rate
- Severe headache
- stiff neck
- swelling of the mouth, lips, or throat
- Wheezing or shortness of breath when breathing
Rash on the body: Causes
Body rashes can be caused by a wide variety of diseases and conditions, including infection, inflammation, allergic reaction, parasites, insect bites, and autoimmune diseases.
Infectious causes of rashes
The rash may be caused by an infection, including:
- bacterial infection
- chicken pox
- fungal infection
- Pale
- Lyme disease
- Measles
- Meningitis
- Ringworm
- shingles
- staph infection
- strep infection
- viral infections
Allergic causes of rashes
The rash may be caused by an allergic reaction, including:
- allergens such as animal dander
- atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- drug reaction
- Dust or mold allergy
- Eczema
- food allergy
- Hives (urticaria)
- poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac
- skin allergies
Autoimmune causes of rashes
The rash can be caused by an autoimmune disease , including :
- Psoriasis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (butterfly disease)
- vasculitis
Parasites, insects and arachnids that cause rashes
The rash can be caused by parasites, insects or arachnids such as:
- bed bug
- fleas
- Head lice or pubic lice
- mosquitoes
- ticks
Other causes of rashes
The rash can also be caused by problems with body systems other than the skin, including:
- acne (pimples)
- anxiety disorder , worry
- Erythema multiforme
- Erythema nodezum
- methamphetamine abuse
- Stress
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
Life-threatening causes of rashes
In some cases, the rash may also be accompanied by a serious or life-threatening condition that needs immediate evaluation in an emergency setting. These include:
- allergic purpura
- Anafilaksi
- Meningitis
- severe allergic reaction
Rash on the body: Check with the doctor
Most of the time, body rashes are not serious and the problem will resolve on its own with home treatment. However, it can be difficult to tell the difference between rashes as they can look very similar. Therefore, there are times when seeing a doctor to determine the underlying cause is the safest option.
For example, it is recommended to see a doctor if:
- If it covers your whole body
- Has a different and alarming appearance
- If you have joint pain, sore throat and lymph node swelling
- If caused by a tick bite
- If it started suddenly
- Is spreading or getting worse quickly
In the following cases, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention:
- If you have shortness of breath, wheezing when breathing, a feeling of tightness in the throat, swelling of the face, mouth or tongue
- You have a blistering rash that worsens as your skin peels off
- If you have a fever or chills
- If you have blisters near your eyes, in many areas of your mouth, or on your genitals
- If you have more than one purple or red spot and it looks bruised
Rash on the body: Diagnosis
To diagnose the underlying cause of the rash, your doctor will take your medical history, perform an examination, and possibly order tests.
Questions to diagnose the cause of the rash
Questions your doctor may ask about your symptoms include:
- Describe the rash. Where? How does it look?
- Did the rash develop suddenly or slowly? Is it constant or does it come and go?
- Does the rash occur with a particular activity, such as eating?
- What other symptoms are you experiencing?
- If anything, what makes your symptoms better or worse?
- Do you use new soaps, detergents or personal products? If so, when did you start?
- Have you had recent contact with unusual, new substances or environments, such as poison ivy, new medications, and foods?
- Have you had any insect or animal bites recently?
- What medication or supplements are you using?
Tests to diagnose the cause of the rash
During the physical exam, your doctor will look at and possibly mark your skin from head to toe if needed. The exam will also check your heart, lungs, stomach and ears, nose and throat. Your doctor may also perform a neurological evaluation. Often times, your doctor can pinpoint the problem by examining the rash and listening to your answers.
Sometimes tests may be necessary, including:
- Allergy testing, which usually includes skin testing but may also require blood tests
- blood tests, including complete blood count
- Skin scrapings or skin biopsy to examine the skin microscopically
It is not always possible to diagnose an underlying cause or condition. If the problem persists and your doctor can’t identify a cause, getting a second opinion may give you more information and answers.
Body rash: Treatment
Treatment for a rash on the body depends on the severity of the rash and the underlying cause. The aim is to correct the underlying problem and increase your comfort. For example, when medication(s) is the cause of your rash, switching to another medication is an option.
To help relieve the rash and stop itching, doctors may prescribe medications that include:
- Antibiotics or antifungals, which may be needed if the rash is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection
- Antihistamines for allergy-induced redness and itching
- Corticosteroids, including both topical and oral medications
- Other over-the-counter medications such as cooling gels, anti-itch lotions, and skin anesthetics
Things that are good for a rash
In addition to medical treatments, you can also try the following various remedies for treating rash at home:
- Applying a daily moisturizer for sensitive skin after a bath or shower
- avoiding irritants, allergens, harsh soaps, cleaners, and detergents
- Bathing or showering with cold or lukewarm water instead of hot water, which can dry and irritate the skin
- Using bath products containing oatmeal
- wearing loose, light clothing in hot weather
- Humidifying the air in your home
- placing cold compresses on itchy skin and applying calamine lotion
- Using sunscreen and insect repellent when outside
Alternative treatments for rash
There are several alternative treatments that can help with skin conditions such as acne (pimples), dermatitis, rashes and itching. However, only some of them have been evaluated for scientific usefulness. Two common alternative treatments for a rash that will work are aloe vera and acupuncture.
Many skin care products contain aloe vera. It has a variety of uses on the skin and has promising results for psoriasis, burns, skin damage from radiation, and skin pigmentation changes. The gel form of aloe vera can help relieve itching and redness from rashes.
Related article: What are the skin benefits of aloe vera?
Acupuncture also shows promising results, particularly for the management of skin conditions such as rash and itching from atopic dermatitis. Acupressure also seems promising in relieving the itching problem. Instead of using skin-penetrating needles, acupressure uses fingertips or small balls to apply pressure. In one study, acupressure was observed to improve itching and overall skin condition in people with eczema.
Rash on the body: possible complications
In some cases, a rash on the body, especially if it is severe and leads to deterioration of the skin, can cause complications such as:
- Bacterial or fungal infection of the skin
- Cellulitis (infection of the skin and surrounding tissues caused by a growing bacterial or fungal infection)
- Open wounds and lesions
- permanent change in skin texture or scarring
- Permanent skin discoloration