Healthopedia.com - Your Health
Encyclopedia

Set Homepage Email Page Favorites      

 
  Home
  Health Centers
  Medical Encyclopedia
  Drugs & Medications
  Diseases & Conditions 
  Medical Symptoms
  Medical Tests & Exams
  Surgery & Procedures 
  Injuries & Wounds
  Diet & Nutrition
  Special Topics
  Pictures & Images      


Google
 
Web Healthopedia.com

You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Medical Symptoms > Rash
      Category : Health Centers > Skin Conditions

Rash

Alternate Names : Cutaneous Eruption

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


A rash is an area of the skin that has broken out or changed in appearance. It may affect one small patch of skin or the entire body.

What is going on in the body?

There are many skin changes that can occur with a rash, including:

  • swelling
  • warmth
  • blisters
  • bumps
  • color changes
  • itching
  • pain
  • Skin can react or break out for many different reasons, ranging from allergic reactions to infections and even cancer.

    What are the causes and risks of the condition?

    There are many possible causes of a rash. General categories include:

  • infections, such as ringworm; Lyme disease; syphilis; measles;chickenpox; scabies; roseola; impetigo; genital herpes and herpes zoster; Rocky Mountain spotted fever;Kawasaki disease;hand, foot, and mouth disease; cat scratch disease; Group A strep infections; staphylococcus infections; diaper rash; and scarlet fever
  • allergic reactions, which can be from medications, metals, chemicals, soaps, lotions, foods, or other materials
  • primary skin diseases, such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea, which often occur for unknown reasons
  • autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma,, and ulcerative colitis
  • other conditions and diseases, such as diabetes or pregnancy
  • skin cancer or a cancer deeper in the body that causes a rash
  • leukemia, a blood cancer
  • inflammation of blood vessels, called vasculitis, in the skin
  • poor circulation, which commonly causes rashes in the lower legs
  • reaction to various childhood vaccinations, such as the chickenpox vaccine
  • heat or sun exposure
  • Other causes are also possible. Sometimes the cause is not found.


       

    Next section

       

    Rash: Symptoms & Signs

    Author: Adam Brochert, MD
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 07/27/01









    Content provided by The Patient Marketing Group, Inc.

    Copyright © 2006 Healthopedia.com All Rights reserved.
    About Us | Help/FAQ | Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy | Advertising Policy | Accessibility | Terms of Use
    Contact Us | Link to Us

    HONcode accreditation seal.

    We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information: verify here.


    The information provided herein is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call your local emergency number for all medical emergencies. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006