Skin rashes can be uncomfortable as well as unpleasant to look at. In some cases, skin rashes are indicators of a very serious condition which may require medical attention. It can help to know the basics about some common skin rashes so that you can evaluate whether or not you should see a doctor. In all cases, if a rash spreads quickly and is painful, you should see a doctor. A doctor should also be visited if you experience other symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

One of the most common types of skin rash is one which is caused by allergies. Allergies may manifest in the form of raised reddish welts called hives. Hives may itch, sting, or burn, and they often have a pale border. You can also get contact dermatitis from handling something you are allergic to. Contact dermatitis usually takes the form of large welts which may blister as well. One common form of contact dermatitis is poison oak or poison ivy, a blistery, itchy red skin rash. Contact dermatitis can usually be handled with self care, although severe skin rashes may require medications such as steroids. It is also important to figure out what caused the rash, so that you can avoid it in the future.

Infections can also cause skin rashes. Ringworm and other fungi sometimes colonize the skin. In the case of ringworm, the rash will appear in the form of raised welts which appear whitish in the middle, and the skin is usually rough and bumpy. Fungal infections require medication in most cases. Chicken pox, a common viral infection, manifests in the form of a series of small itchy red bumps which spreads over the body. In adults, a chicken pox infection can be very serious, causing large raised welts and a condition called shingles. Adults who suspect that they have chicken pox should see a doctor immediately, while children can be treated at home with itch relief creams and baths.

Impetigo, another common skin rash, occurs when bacteria infect the skin, forming small blistery lumps which crust and scab over. Impetigo can look like acne, a blockage of the pores, at first. However, it will tend to spread, and may be purplish as it does so. Impetigo requires medical treatment with creams, and it will spread if it is not treated. People who spend a lot of time in the water may experience the skin rash known as swimmer's itch, which is caused by parasites in unclean water. The parasites leave their victims with small itchy red bumps which should go away without treatment within a week or so.

Skin rashes can also be caused by inflammation of the skin. After the age of 30, some people experience an inflammatory skin condition called rosacea, which appears in the form of bumps and redness on the face, especially on people with pale skin. Eczema, another common skin inflammation, may cause itchy, red, bumpy, flaky patches of skin. In extreme cases, eczema can crack and blister. Both conditions can generally be treated with lifestyle changes. A more serious condition is psoriasis, which can look like eczema at first. Psoriasis is caused by overproduction of skin cells, leading to buildups of scaly dry skin.

People who live in warm climates may experience the skin rash known as milaria, or prickly heat. The rash resembles small blisters, and it may include areas of redness. The condition will usually recede after several days, but it is important to avoid the conditions which led to the rash in the first place, as excessive heat is very dangerous.

Some people also experience skin rashes when their skin reacts to prescription drugs. If a skin rash appears after you have started taking a drug, consult your doctor immediately. While some of these skin rashes are harmless, others are a sign that your body is having a severe allergic reaction, which could be dangerous if it is not addressed.