Rashes Directory
A rash is a change in the skin due to skin irritation. Most rashes go away on their own or require only minor treatment. Some rashes may need medical attention. Some rash symptoms are redness, itching, bumps, redness, and swelling. Some causes of rashes are allergic reactions; plants such as poison ivy; or irritation due to jewelry, chemicals, or makeup. Rashes are also sometimes symptoms of another condition, as with impetigo or scabies. Treatments vary based on the cause, but many can be treated with medications. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about what causes a rash, what it looks like, how to treat it, and much more.
Medical Reference
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What Are Sea Lice?
Sea lice, also called seabather’s eruption, is caused by jellyfish larvae in the ocean that get trapped in your bathing suit and sting you. Here’s how to treat the itchy, red rash.
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What Causes Jock Itch? Can You Prevent It?
If you have an itchy rash, “down south,” it could be jock itch. Here’s what you need to do to treat and prevent it.
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Allergy: Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Treatment
WebMD takes you through first aid steps for someone who has been exposed to poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
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Life-Threatening Skin Rashes
Life-threatening skin rashes are rare, but when they do occur, you must identify them and go to a doctor quickly. WebMD tells you what to look for.
Features
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3 Questions About Eczema: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention
WebMD interviews Asriani M. Chiu, MD, for answers to three top questions about eczema symptoms, eczema causes, and how to prevent eczema.
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Sensitive Skin: Is It a Myth?
Sensitive skin is a common complaint but hard to diagnose. No two people have the same symptoms or react to the same triggers.
Video
Slideshows & Images
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Guide to Contagious Rashes
Some skin problems come from touching another person's skin or something they touched. Here's what to watch out for and suggestions for what you can do.
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Slideshow: A Visual Guide to Viral Rashes
Your skin breaks out in itchy rashes, painful blisters, or crusty sores. Allergies? Eczema? The answer could be a viral infection.
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Slideshow: Itches, Rashes, Bumps and Other Adult Skin Problems
Is your skin itching, breaking out, covered in a rash, or playing host to spots of some sort? It may be the result of infection, a chronic skin condition, or contact with an allergen or irritant. Learn to spot skin problems commonly seen in adults.
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Slideshow: Below the Belt: Rashes, Bumps, and Lumps
Wondering about that unusual bump or rash? WebMD shows you what's going on down there and whether it could be a genital wart or cyst, skin tag, or herpes.