Symptom

Skin rash

A skin rash is a change in colour, texture and sometimes temperature of your skin. Rashes also cause itching or drying of your skin.

There are many causes of skin rash including:

  • Allergic reaction - for example mosquito bites, nettles, chemicals or elements your skin has come in contact with (e.g. soap, cosmetics, household cleaners) or allergy to rubber or latex
  • Chronic skin conditions - psoriasis, eczema or rosacea
  • Skin infections - bacterial, fungal or viral
  • Side effects of medication
  • Other medical conditions
  • Pre-cancerous lesions

Many rashes disappear on their own. Treatment with over the counter creams or medication may ease symptoms. If your rash continues or your skin is increasingly sensitive you would seek medical attention. 

It is important to have an expert diagnose the type of rash you have and the appropriate treatment. In some cases your consultant may prescribe antibiotics. Chronic skin conditions and pre-cancerous lesions may need treatment and monitoring on a regular basis.

Related conditions

Acne

Acne is caused as a result of hair follicles in your skin becoming blocked with sebum (the natural oil produced by your skin) and dead skin cells.

Angioedema

Angioedema is a swelling in deep seated tissues similar to an allergic reaction.

Connective tissue disease

Connective tissue diseases usually present as a weakness or inflammation of the tissues. Many include an autoimmune reaction meaning your body’s normal defence system triggers an attack on the cells, tissues or joints causing pain and inflammation.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is defined as an inflammation of your skin.

Eczema (or atopic dermatitis)

Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is a non contagious skin condition that can become itchy, red, dry and cracked.

Facial flushing

Facial flushing occurs when the blood vessels beneath the surface of the skin become dilated. Areas of your face temporarily turn red.

Fungal infections

Fungal infections can occur on many parts of your body. Some fungal infections cause a skin rash. Others cause drying or peeling of the skin. Fungal infections on the scalp may cause hair loss.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can affect the liver. Hepatitis B is not very common in the UK, with less than 2 in every 100 of individuals attending for screening testing positive in the first quarter of 2012. Hepatitis B is more common in the developing world.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that can affect the liver.

Hives (Urticaria)

One of the most common skin conditions is urticaria or hives. Hives occur as your body reacts to a substance or the environment (excessive heat or cold) causing the release of high levels of histamines.

Lupus

Melanoma

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that usually begins with a new mole appearing or with changes in a mole you already have.

Occupational Skin Disease

Penile cancer

Penile cancer is a rare type of cancer that occurs on the skin of the penis or within the penis.

Port wine stains

A port wine stain is a birth mark caused by a problem with the blood vessels just below the skin. They can appear on any part of the body at birth and are usually red or purple in colour.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that appears on the skin.

Rodent Ulcer

Rodent ulcers are a type of skin cancer. Also known as basal cell carcinoma, rodent ulcers occur in the lower most layer of your skin.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic (long term) condition of facial skin. It usually begins with facial flushing redness of the cheeks, forehead, nose, chin and/or the neck.

Shingles

Shingles is a condition caused by the herpes varicella-zoster virus - the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Skin cancer

If you have a sore or discoloured patch of skin that does not heal within 4 weeks, you should seek medical attention. If diagnosed and treated early, skin cancer is one of the easiest cancers to cure.

Sun damaged skin

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK*. Skin damaged by the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun is at major risk for skin cancer.

Syphilis

Syphilis is caused by bacteria called Treponema Pallidum that is passed on through unprotected vaginal sex, anal sex or oral sex and through sharing sex toys

Urological Cancers

The term urological cancer refers to cancers of the bladder, kindey, penis, prostate, testicles and urethra.

Vasculitis

Vasculitis is a condition that causes your blood vessels (veins) to become inflamed – often restricting blood flow to tissues and organs.