What are rashes?

Rashes are marks or lesions (changes) to the skin. There are many different types of rashes. They can appear anywhere on the body and may be localised or widespread.

Rashes can be red, pink or purple. They may be flat or bumpy, itchy, dry, scaly, spidery or pus-filled. Rashes can last for days or weeks.

Most rashes are harmless and go away without treatment. Some rashes are more serious and need to be checked and treated by your doctor.

What causes a rash?

Rashes have many causes. They can be caused by:

• infections, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• allergic reactions
• immune system problems
• reactions to medicines

In children, most rashes are caused by common viral infections.

Common types of rashes and their symptoms

Rashes can look different from each other. They can also look different on different skin tones.

Common skin rashes and their related symptoms include:

• Medicine allergy — may cause a widespread, symmetrical rash with pink or red dots that can join into patches. This can appear within 2 weeks of starting a new medicine.
• Contact dermatitis — caused by skin contact with something you are allergic to. Your skin may look red, swollen, blistered or dry and feel itchy.
• Eczema (atopic dermatitis) — is common in children but also happens in adults. It is caused by immune system problems. It leads to itchy red patches, sometimes with blisters and weeping skin.
• Psoriasis — a chronic (long term) autoimmune condition where skin cells grow too fast, forming red plaques with clear edges and silvery white scales.
• Tinea — a fungal infection that looks like a circular or oval patch, often with a red, scaly ring.
• Shingles — caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. It usually starts many years after the original infection. Shingles may start with pain or burning of the skin, followed by a rash of red raised bumps that then blister and crust over.
• Hives — are pink or red, itchy and raised rashes on the skin. They may be the size of a pin head or a dinner plate. Hives can happen independently or may be part of a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. In anaphylaxis, there will be other symptoms like difficulty breathing or wheezing, cough, swelling of the tongue and throat, dizziness and collapse.
• Rosacea — is a skin condition that causes redness on the face, usually on the cheeks, chin and nose.

Read more about heat rash and summer skin rashes.

If you think you or someone you know is experiencing anaphylaxis, use the adrenaline autoinjector immediately. Then call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Follow an ASCIA allergy action plan, if you have one.

When should I see my doctor?

If you have a rash and symptoms like difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the tongue and throat, dizziness or collapse, you may have an allergic reaction. If you or someone else is having these symptoms, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

See your doctor urgently if your child has a fever and rash at the same time. Also see your doctor urgently if you think your child may have meningococcal disease or measles.

You should also see a doctor if you have a rash that is not getting better by itself, is spreading or is getting worse. Persistent rashes may need treatment or further tests.

Read more on serious childhood rashes and common childhood rashes.

When to seek urgent care

Seek immediate medical care if the rash happens suddenly and is accompanied by symptoms such as:

• fever
• severe headache
• neck stiffness
• confusion
• rapid worsening of the rash
• spots that look like bruises and do not fade when pressed

These signs may point to a serious illness that needs immediate care.

If you or someone you know has a rash of small, bright red or purple spots or bruises that do not turn white when pressed, along with a fever, headache, stiff neck or back pain. They may have a meningococcal infection— call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

How are rashes treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your rash. Most rashes in children are viral rashes and settle without treatment.

Other rashes may need medical treatment. Your doctor may suggest:

• prescription creams, such as steroid, antibiotic or antifungal creams
• moisturising creams and lotions to soothe dry or irritated skin
• oral antibiotics or antiviral medicines
• other oral medicines, such as antihistamines or steroids

Read more on questions to ask before taking a medicine.

Self-care at home

Many mild rashes can be managed at home.

Here are tips that may help ease your symptoms while the rash settles:

• Keep your skin cool.
• Avoid scratching.
• Use gentle moisturisers.
• Don't use irritants such as fragranced soaps or harsh detergents.

What are the complications of rashes?

Most rashes settle without ongoing problems. Complications are more likely if your rash is caused by an infection, allergic reaction or an inflammatory skin condition.

Scratching can lead to skin infections. Signs may include:

• increasing redness
• warmth
• swelling
• pus

Medical treatment may be needed to prevent the infection from spreading.

Long-lasting or severe rashes may also cause:

• ongoing discomfort
• sleep disturbance
• flare-ups of existing skin conditions like eczema
• changes in skin colour or texture over time

Some rashes linked to infections, such as meningococcal disease or measles, can become life-threatening without urgent care.

Can rashes be prevented?

Some rashes can be prevented. If you have eczema, you can prevent flares by regular moisturising and avoiding triggers such as:

• stress
• allergens like pollen
• irritants such as soap or perfumes

Avoiding the substance that caused contact dermatitis can prevent repeat reactions.

Other types of rashes, like those caused by viruses or problems with the immune system, cannot be prevented.

Resources and support

Resources and support for parents and carers of children include:

• Pregnancy, Birth and Baby has information on common childhood rashes.
• Queensland Paediatric Emergency Care has a fact sheet on childhood rashes that need urgent medical care.
• Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne has information about the symptoms and management of rashes in children.

Resources and support for adults include:

• DermNet offers information on several types of rashes.
• The University of Queensland Australia has information on common skin rashes and what to do about them.
• Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council offers a rash fact sheet.
• Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) has information on hives.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

• The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne offers translated information on rashes in several community languages.
• The Ethnic Communities Council of NSW has produced a series of podcasts on caring for common skin conditions, translated in several languages. Find the episode in your language.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples?

• Institute for Urban Indigenous Health has information on understanding scabies, a common skin condition leading to itching and rash.
• Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet has fact sheets on various skin conditions.