Skin rashes can be itchy, unsightly and irritating.
In this article we will demonstrate 10 common skin rashes (with photos). Let us start with a very common skin rash.
1. Acne
Over 80% of the people are affected by acne, a skin condition that is very visible among teenagers and adults under the age of 30 years
There are several types of acne, from mild to severe. Mild types include blackheads and whiteheads, which are called ‘non-inflammatory acne’
Moderate to severe inflammatory pimples include pink pimples that are relatively small and painful. It is a mixture of papules and pustules (swelling with pus at the top and a red base)
Acne is considered severe if there are nodules, cysts or scars. Cysts and nodules are large, painful and penetrate deep into the skin
Acne is due to blocked skin follicles, leading to oil, bacteria and dead skin build-up in your pores.
2. Eczema
There are many types of eczema (also called ‘dermatitis’, which means skin inflammation)
Classical atopic eczema
Dry, rough, red, flaky, inflamed and itchy skin
Often affects the inside of the elbow, back of knees, and hands
Hair loss may occur in the area with the rash.
Contact dermatitis
May resemble a burn; often found on hands and forearms
Skin is itchy, scaly, or raw; may have blisters that weep, ooze, or become crusty
Appears hours to days after contact with an allergen
Has visible borders and typically appears where your skin touched the irritating substance.
Seborrheic eczema
Yellow or white scaly patches that flake off
Affected areas may be red – though they may appear faint on darker skin tones
Hair loss may occur in the rash area.
Nappy rash
Located on areas that have contact with a nappy
Skin looks red, wet, and slightly lighter or darker than typical skin colour
May be warm to the touch.
3. Fifth disease
Parvovirus infection is a common and highly contagious childhood illness
Sometimes called ‘slapped-cheek disease’ because of the distinctive face rash that develops. Parvovirus infection has also been known as ‘fifth disease’; because, historically, it was fifth in a list of common childhood illnesses characterised by a rash
Symptoms include headache, fatigue, low fever, sore throat, runny nose, diarrhoea, and nausea
Children are more likely than adults to experience a rash
Usually after the face rash, a lacy-patterned rash may appear on the arms, legs, and upper body and might be more visible after a hot shower or bath.
4. Fleabites
Usually located in clusters on lower legs and feet
Itchy, small red bumps
Symptoms begin immediately after being bitten.
5. Hand, foot, and mouth disease
Caused by viruses that are part of the enterovirus family,
Usually affects children under age 5 years
Painful, red blisters in the mouth and on the tongue and gums
Flat or raised red spots located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
May also appear on the buttocks or genital area.
6. Impetigo
A bacterial infection typically due to either Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes
Most common in children 2 to 5 years olds but can happen at any age
Often located in the area around the mouth, chin, and nose
Irritating rash and fluid-filled blisters that pop easily and form a honey-coloured crust.
7. Ringworm
Itchy, circular scaly patches with raised borders
On lighter skin tones, the patches can appear pink or red
Skin in the middle of the ring appears clearer, and the edges of the ring may spread outward.
8. Rosacea
Chronic (long-term) skin disease that goes through cycles of fading and relapse
Relapses may be triggered by spicy foods, alcohol, sunlight, stress, and the intestinal bacteria Helicobacter pylori
Common symptoms include facial flushing, raised red bumps, facial redness, skin dryness, and skin sensitivity
Donald Trump has rosacea.
9. Sunburn
Occurs when there is too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or sunlamps
The skin turns red, painful, hot to the touch, and may peel away.
10. Tick bite
Lyme disease – 70-80% of people will have this rash
Painless and causes only minor signs and symptoms, such as a change in skin colour, swelling, or a sore on the skin; rash, burning sensation, or blisters
The tick often remains attached to the skin for a long time
Bites rarely appear in groups; may look like a target, circular and expanding
The rash can appear up to 3 months after being bitten by an infected tick, but usually appears within 1 to 4 weeks. It can last for several weeks
If there is difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
Summary
We have described 10 common skin rashes (with photos). We hope it has been useful.