Localized rash

A localized rash affects only a small area or is confined to one part of the body. The appearance of the rash may give clues to its cause and severity.

Most localized rashes are caused by minor problems, such as dry skin or contact dermatitis and will go away with home treatment. Causes of contact dermatitis include:

• Poisonous plants, such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
• Soaps, detergents, shampoos, perfumes, cosmetics, or lotions.
• Jewelry or fabrics.
• New tools, toys, appliances, or other objects.
• Latex. Allergy to natural rubber latex affects people who are exposed to rubber products on a regular basis, especially health care workers, rubber industry workers, and people who have had multiple surgeries.

Serious localized rashes rarely appear without other symptoms, such as pain or fever. It is important to determine whether other symptoms are present and to evaluate those symptoms.

Localized rashes that require a visit to a health professional include:

• Shingles (herpes zoster), a condition caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Shingles may cause an area of itching, tingling, or pain where a band, strip, or small area of rash may appear several days or weeks later. A rash can appear anywhere on the body but will only be on one side of the body, the left or right. Occasionally shingles will cause severe pain, especially when it occurs on the face. The pain may be present before the rash develops, while the rash is present, and after the rash has cleared up. A rash located around the eye can infect the cornea and lining of the eye, and can damage the eye.
• Lyme disease, caused by exposure to deer ticks in some areas. A characteristic expanding red rash usually occurs at the site of the tick bite and is followed by flulike symptoms, such as a headache, chills, fever, and body aches and stiffness.
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which cause sores, blisters, or ulcers, especially in the genital area.

Skin infections may also cause symptoms that require a visit to a health professional.