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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
Hyperpigmentation, Hypopigmentation, and Your Skin
WebMD explains pigmentation - the coloring of a person's skin - and what conditions cause too much or too little.
Birthmarks and Other Skin Pigmentation Problems
WebMD explains types of birthmarks and other common skin pigmentation disorders, including symptoms and procedures to correct them.
The Basics on Fifth Disease
Learn about fifth disease, a contagious viral condition that's more common in kids than adults.
Treating Fifth Disease
WebMD explains how fifth disease is diagnosed.
Features
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.
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
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.
Picture of Hives (urticaria)
Urticaria, also known as hives, is an outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps or plaques (wheals) on the skin that appear suddenly -- either as a result of the body's adverse reaction to certain allergens, or for unknown reasons.
Picture of Psoriasis
Unpredictable and irritating, psoriasis is one of the most baffling and persistent of skin disorders. It's characterized by skin cells that multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. As underlying cells reach the skin's surface and die, their sheer volume causes raised, red plaques covered with white scale.
Picture of Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition caused by inflammation. Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of eczema.