Skin Rash

Edited by Dr Claudia Pastides, 25th April 2019

Developing a skin rash can be a worrying time - especially if you’re not sure what’s caused it. There are hundreds of possible reasons why you may have developed a rash. It’s always best to have a rash looked at by a medical professional, who will be able to diagnose the problem and advise on the best possible course of treatment, if needed.

Symptoms

A skin rash is usually red and itchy, and can occur anywhere on the body. Sometimes it may be accompanied by cracked, sore skin or red lumps on the surface. A rash is often the sign of a skin condition or can be a symptom of other illnesses. If you’re worried about a rash, especially on a child, it’s always best to get it checked out by a GP. Most of the time an accurate diagnosis can be made just by looking at the rash, so you can book a video consultation from home

Causes of rashes

There are many reasons why you might see a rash appearing on your body. Many rashes are caused by common skin conditions, which can include:

• Hives
• Scabies
• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Ringworm
• Psoriasis

You can also develop a rash as a result of an allergic reaction, or overexposure to heat. In some cases, rashes can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as shingles, chickenpox, meningococcal disease or toxic shock syndrome. These illnesses will often be accompanied by other symptoms as well as a rash. If you’re experiencing other symptoms as well as a rash, speak to a medical professional immediately.

Treating a rash

Treatment for any rash will depend on the diagnosis. Some rashes, such as eczema, ringworm or psoriasis, can be treated with a cream or other topical solution. Many of these will be available over-the-counter at a pharmacy. Other rashes may need to be treated with a course of antibiotics - this will require a prescription, which can be provided by our team. Certain rashes need no treatment at all, and will go away on their own. Speak to a doctor today to have your rash diagnosed and discuss the best possible course of treatment for you.

The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of a doctor with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never delay seeking or disregard professional medical advice because of something you have read here.