26 Pictures Of Skin Rashes And How To Identify Them, According To Doctors

Atopic dermatitis is a dry, red, weepy, crusty rash that appears patchy and oval shaped, says Dr. Parikh. The rash is extremely itchy and can turn dark purple, black, or gray on darker skin tones and is commonly found on the elbows and back of knees, she adds. The rash can also cause tenderness or swelling in the affected area.

Atopic dermatitis and eczema (more on this soon!) are closely related because atopic derm is a type of eczema, per UCF Health. In fact, atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema (out of seven different types), according to the National Eczema Association.

There are many different forms of acne which all have a distinct look, including small flesh-colored bumps or large, deep, painful, and inflamed nodules, says Dr. Yadav.

Some forms of acne can be treated at home by using products with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, but severe cases may need prescription topicals or oral medications, notes Dr. Yadav.

Cellulitis looks like a rash, but is actually an infection of the middle layer of skin, says Dr. Yadav. It causes the skin to become diffusely red, swollen, tender, and hot to the touch, and may make skin look pitted, she explains.

Cellulitis can also cause fever with chills, fatigue, or pain in the affected area and cannot be treated at home, so you should see a doctor ASAP if you present symptoms, says Dr. Yadav.

Luckily, chicken pox is rarely seen these days thanks to a vaccine, but it can still happen and presents as red, itchy, fluid-filled blisters, says Dr. Ansell. The bumps can also appear dry and/or crusty and develop blotchy scabs.​​

The rash is accompanied by a fever, headache, stomachache, and fatigue, and can be very dangerous to those unvaccinated, adds Dr. Ansell.

Contact dermatitis is when a dry, red, scaly rash that can also look like fluid-filled blisters or poison ivy appears from coming in contact with an irritant or allergen, says Dr. Parikh. The rash usually has a distinct border and may be caused by substances such as perfumes, detergents or even jewelry.

The itchy rash can develop within minutes to hours after exposure to the allergen and can cause swelling, tenderness, or a burning sensation.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by the Coxsackie virus and is usually seen in children under five, says Dr. Jacobs. It presents as sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet but is also typically accompanied by fever and sore throat, he explains.

The condition is highly contagious, most commonly seen in daycares and schools, and spreads through coughing, sneezing, exchange of saliva, fluid from the rash, and stool, says Dr. Jacobs.

Flea bites are usually seen on the lower legs around the ankles and feet, says Dr. Jacobs. The blisters are extremely itchy and often appear in a straight line or cluster of three to four small red bumps, he says.

Over-the-counter cortisone cream can help alleviate symptoms, but do not scratch or pick the lesions since that can cause further infection, Dr. Jacobs adds. If symptoms get worse or you have a fever, visit your doctor.

Heat rash looks like small clusters of tiny pimples or blisters and can be itchy and painful, says Dr. Yadav. The rash forms when a sweat pore is blocked, trapping the sweat, and preventing it from evaporating, she explains.

It’s most common during hot, humid weather, and can make your skin feel prickly, but symptoms usually dissipate in a few days, says Dr. Yadav. If symptoms worsen, or you have trouble breathing, visit a doctor immediately.

Hives are red raised welts that turn white when you press on them, says Dr. Parikh. They can range in size from small mosquito-like bites or develop into larger patches on the body, she adds.

Hives are caused by an allergen such as food, medications, or insects, and can cause swelling in lips and tongue, adds Dr. Parikh. If you experience shortness of breath, tongue swelling, or chest tightness, call 911.

Impetigo is a common bacterial infection that causes red sores or blisters to form on the skin, usually around the mouth and nose, says Dr. Kamangar. The itchy sores may be pus-filled and can burst to form a yellow-brown crust over time, she explains.

The condition is caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, and the bacteria enters the body through small cuts or scrapes on the skin, Dr. Kamangar explains. It’s most common in children but can affect adults and is often accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a general feeling of illness, she adds.

Thanks to a vaccine, measles is rarely seen these days, however it is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by a virus, says Dr. Ansell. It causes fever, cough, and red eyes that may be sore and sensitive to light, spots in the mouth, and a splotchy, red rash that appears on the face and ears, then spreads down the chest and back, she explains.

Measles can cause severe complications, especially in young people, so if you suspect you have the disease, or have been exposed to an infected person, visit your doctor immediately, per the CDC.

Molluscum is a rash caused by the poxvirus and leads to small groups of bumps on the skin, says Dr. Jacobs. “The lesions are small, elevated, pink or flesh colored, and have a central dimple,” he explains. The bumps can also become red, swollen, and inflamed, he adds.

The condition is passed through direct contact and the rash may spread to other parts of the body in those who are immunocompromised, says Dr. Jacobs.

Perioral dermatitis is a red rash that appears around your mouth and nose and causes red, inflamed, swollen bumps on the lower half of your face, says Dr. Parikh. The rash is very dry, itchy, and uncomfortable, and may be confused with acne, she adds.

Women ages 25 to 45 who use topical steroids and face creams are most likely to get this rash, though men can develop it, too, per Cleveland Clinic. Overuse of topical steroids is most likely the cause of perioral dermatitis, however, it may also be caused by candida albicans, a yeast, which is a type of fungus, Cleveland Clinic notes, adding that fluoridated toothpaste, gum, or hormonal contraceptives, can also cause flare-ups.

Poison ivy is caused by skin contact with the poison ivy plant and looks like a red, blistering rash that's extremely itchy, says Dr. Yadav. You may also see swelling, blisters, or black dots on the skin from the oil that has oxidized on the surface, she adds.

If exposed to poison ivy, thoroughly rinse the affected area with soap and water, and if you have difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly patches, says Dr. Kamangar. These patches can occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back, and can be itchy or painful and may crack or bleed, she explains.

The exact cause is unknown, but psoriasis is believed to be related to an immune system malfunction that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, leading to the formation of the scaly patches, and may be triggered by stress, infections, or certain medications, explains Dr. Kamangar.

Other symptoms include joint pain, nail changes, and fatigue, she adds.

Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a red, itchy, circular rash on the skin with raised edges and a clear center, says Dr. Kamangar. The rash may be scaly, bumpy, or blistered, and can occur anywhere on the body.

Ringworm is more common in warm, humid climates and in people who have weakened immune systems, but other symptoms may include an itching, burning, or stinging sensation, and loss of hair in the affected area, she adds.