Tag Archives: rash

25 Potential Causes of a Rash (Part 2)

We were exploring some of the potential underlying medical causes of unexplained rashes in our last post. Here are 15 more conditions that can cause a rash:

  1. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can cause symptoms such as unexplained pain, fever and rash in children. If your child has persistent fevers and skin problems accompanied with swelling or abnormal pain, have him or her checked out soon.
  2. Hookworm infection can cause visible symptoms as well as internal ones. The rash that often accompanies a hookworm infection is a long, spindly line rash that may also have some spots appearing with it.
  3. Sexually transmitted disease – Many different types of STDs can cause different types of rashes and other skin issues such as warts, boils or welts. Some STDs like gonorrhea often cause rashes.
  4. Kawasaki disease causes the blood vessels to become enflamed which can lead to a bright red tongue, a rash on the body (sometimes around the genital area) as well as red lips and swelling of the lymph nodes.
  5. Addison’s disease can cause darkening of the skin and a rash-like appearance.
  6. Mononucleosis can cause a spotty, bright red rash all over the body or on select parts of it.
  7. Measles is a highly infectious virus that can cause a high fever, cough and rash all over the body as well as inside the mouth.
  8. Phenylketonuria is an inherited disorder caused by a build up of amino acids in the blood. It can cause a light red patchy rash, especially on the face. It can also cause such serious symptoms as seizures and delayed mental development if it isn’t treated in a timely manner.
  9. Eczema (dermatitis) causes patches of skin to become inflamed, itchy, dry, red and cracked. This can appear rash-like.
  10. Heat rash is a result of the sweat ducts become blocked and don’t allow the sweat to reach the skin’s surface, causing inflammation. It causes small red bumps to form on the skin which may progress to blisters if the heat rash is severe.
  11. Rubella, also known as the German measles, is a virus that causes a fine red rash to form over the body accompanied by fever and other problematic symptoms.
  12. Scabies is an infestation of tiny mites called sarcoptes scabiei that burrow into the outer layers of the skin, causing skin inflammation and an intensely itchy hive-like rash.
  13. Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that starts as patches of red bumps which often morph into scaly red skin plaques. These plaques often happen on the elbows, knees, back or trunk but can happen anywhere on the body including the face or genitals.
  14. Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes inflammatory red facial flushing and acne-like bumps.
  15. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a condition caused by a tickborne bacteria that can potentially be fatal to humans. It can cause such symptoms as severe headache, fever, vomiting and a red rash that can span the body.

There we have 25 potential causes of a skin rash! Thanks for visiting DocChat, our board-certified doctors are standing by 24/7/365 if to answer any medical concerns you may have!


25 Potential Causes of a Rash (Part 1)

Rashes are a common nuisance we all experience from time to time. Sometimes they are harmless and clear themselves up, but a rash could also be a symptom of a larger underlying condition. Let’s take a look at some potential causes of rashes:

  1. Fungal infection – A yeast or fungal infection normally causes redness, itchiness, burning and soreness. They commonly occur in the genital area, but can occur nearly anywhere on the skin.
  2. Contact dermatitis can occur as a result of a sensitivity to an irritant and often appears as a red, streaky or spotty rash that may be painful and itchy.
  3. Allergies – urticaria (hives) usually present as itchy raised welts or bumps on the skin. There are often several in clusters on the affected area (they can also happen all over the skin).
  4. Fifths disease often causes a bright scarlet-colored rash across the cheeks (“slapped cheek”) that spreads to the rest of the body including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. This disease commonly affects children.
  5. Shingles (herpes zoster), can cause a burning, painful or tingling rash that presents as a series of clustered blisters which can quickly spread if not treated.
  6. Scarlet fever can cause a rash that appears similar to a sunburn and feels rough to the touch. It usually starts on the upper torso and spreads to the rest of the body.
  7. Measles – usually appear as itchy bumps spread around the body and accompanied by itching eyes and cold-like symptoms.
  8. Chicken pox – looks like tiny red bumps all over the skin that eventually become fluid-filled blisters. These are very itchy, sometimes painful or burning.
  9. Bed bug bites – Often appearing as small clusters of itchy, tiny red bumps, bed bug bites can be tricky to figure out right away. Usually these clusters are on the legs or arms but can be anywhere.
  10. Lupus or other autoimmune conditions can commonly cause a non-specified rash. Lupus in particular causes a malar rash, which is specifically over the bridge of the nose and on both cheeks.

Stay tuned for 15 more potential rash causes next, thanks for visiting DocChat!