A rash is a visible change in the skin, such as changes in color, texture, or appearance, that may result from infection, inflammation, allergy, irritation, or other causes.
A rash can appear as redness, spots, bumps, patches, blisters, scales, or other changes. It may be itchy, painful, warm, swollen, or symptom-free.
Rashes have many possible causes, including infections, allergic reactions, medications, skin diseases, heat, irritants, and immune conditions. The appearance, distribution, duration, and associated symptoms can help determine the cause.
QUICK FACT
A rash is a description of a skin finding, not a diagnosis. The same type of rash can have several different causes.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Hives: a specific type of raised, usually itchy skin reaction.
- Allergic reaction: an immune response that may cause a rash but can also affect other body systems.
SEE ALSO
