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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Do I Have Eczema, and How Do I Treat It?
Here's what your doctor will check and what treatments she'll consider if you have eczema.
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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.
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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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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.
Features
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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.
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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.
Video
Slideshows & Images
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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.
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Picture of Scurvy
Scurvy. Perifollicular hemorrhage on the leg. The follicles are often plugged by keratin (perifollicular hyperkeratosis). This eruption occurred in a 46-year-old alcoholic, homeless male, who also had bleeding gums and loose teeth.
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Picture of Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Shingles (herpes zoster) results from a reactivation of the virus that also causes chickenpox. With shingles, the first thing you may notice is a tingling sensation or pain on one side of your body or face. Painful skin blisters then erupt on only one side of your face or body along the distribution of nerves on the skin.
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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.