If your skin breaks out in bumps or patches you may have a rash. These patches can look red on white skin and grey on black or brown skin.
If the rash appeared quickly and you do not feel well, you may have an infection.
If you have a rash but feel well, it is probably an allergic reaction to something. The most common type of allergic reaction is urticaria (hives).
It can also mean your skin has come into contact with something that has caused a reaction.
Urgent advice: Go to your GP or nearest emergency department if you have a rash and:
- a severe headache
- vomiting
- high temperature
- a stiff neck
- sensitivity to light
These are signs of meningitis.
Types of rashes
These can include hives, heat rashes or long term skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Hives
A hives rash can come in patches in many shapes and sizes.
Many things can trigger hives. These include:
- nettles
- insect bites and stings
- medicines
- exercise or heat
- certain foods
- latex
Heat rash
A heat rash is uncomfortable, but usually harmless. It usually gets better on its own after a few days.
The symptoms of a heat rash are:
- small, raised spots
- an itchy, prickly feeling
- mild swelling
The rash often looks red, but this may be less obvious on brown or black skin. It can appear anywhere on the body.
It can appear anywhere on the body and spread, but it cannot be passed on to other people.
Rashes in children
A rash on your child’s skin can be caused by a number of things.
These include:
Photos of rashes
Check your or your child's rash against these common rashes.
Rashes common in children
Some rashes are common in children. They include:
Slapped cheek syndrome
Chickenpox
Measles
Impetigo
Eczema
Skin conditions with a rash
Some skin conditions where you will have a rash include:
Scabies
Contact dermatitis
Pityriasis rosea
Rashes which last for more than 2 weeks
Psoriasis
Acne
Rosacea
Eczema
Rashes caused by infections
If you feel ill and you have a rash, it is more likely that you have an infection.
Common infections with a rash include:
Chickenpox
Chickenpox starts with red spots. They can appear anywhere on the body.
Shingles
The shingles rash appears as red blotches on your skin, on one side of your body only. A rash on both the left and right of your body is unlikely to be shingles.
Measles
The measles rash appears around 2 to 4 days after the first symptoms.
Hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease symptoms
Scarlet fever
Rashes caused by fungal infections
Some rashes are caused by fungal infections such as:
Pityriasis versicolor
Pityriasis versicolor symptoms
Ringworm
Rashes caused by bacteria
Bacteria can also cause rashes such as:
Impetigo
Impetigo is a skin infection that is very contagious but not usually serious.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that's treated with antibiotics. It can be serious if it's not treated.
Treatment for rashes
Antibiotics do not help most rashes.
Hives are usually treated with antihistamine tablets. Ask your pharmacist for advice. You can also take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you have any pain.
Put on an emollient and wash with a non-fragranced and soap-free cleanser.
Non-urgent advice: Go to your GP if:
- you have a rash and do not feel well
They can check if an infection is causing the problem. Some infections caused by viruses may need treatment.
