What can be done to prevent the condition?

Prevention of a rash depends on the cause, which is often difficult to diagnose. Those with allergies should avoid the substances they are allergic to whenever possible. Routine childhood vaccines can prevent some infections that cause a skin rash, such as measles and chickenpox. Avoiding the sun and using sunscreen can reduce the risk of skin cancer.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Some rashes, such as severe acne, may cause permanent scarring of the skin. Other rashes may become infected because of skin breakdown. In very rare cases, such as with severe allergic skin reactions, rashes can even result in death.

For most rashes, the long-term effects are related to the underlying cause. For instance, cancer or serious infections that cause rashes may result in death. Rashes associated with pregnancy often go away after delivery and have no long-term effects.

What are the risks to others?

In some cases, a rash can be contagious and spread to others. In most cases, however, a rash poses no risk to others.