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Not all skin rashes are due to eczema or psoriasis. There are a wide range of causes for skin rashes, and it is key to get the diagnosis right from the start.
Dr Nicole who is based in Manchester, Cheshire & Lancashire, has completed two advanced Medical Dermatology Fellowships in Oxford, UK and Sydney, Australia. She has a specialist interest in treating a wide range of skin rashes and has experience in using advanced medical treatments for them.
- Assessment and treatment by a Consultant Dermatologist with advanced Medical Dermatology Fellowship experience in Oxford and Sydney
- Comprehensive skin assessment for accurate diagnosis
- Investigations such as blood tests and skin biopsy available
- Comprehensive aftercare programme
- No GP referral required
Here are some causes of skin rashes:
Urticaria – Urticaria is a common condition, about 1 in 5 people have an episode of urticaria in their lifetime. Urticaria commonly appears as itchy, red hives (or wheals) or deeper swellings (angioedema) within the skin. They can last from a few minutes to a day, and in some cases, up to a few days. When the rashes clear, they do not tend to leave any marks on the skin. They tend to come and go, and can appear on a daily basis in some cases.
Pruritus (itch) – Pruritus provokes the desire to scratch, and can be due to a skin disease, an underlying medical problem or abnormal nerve signals.
Impetigo – Impetigo is a common, superficial bacterial infection of the skin. Skin that is affected by impetigo tends to have honey-coloured crusts or sores and yellow spots.
Fungal infections – Fungal infections can be due to yeasts (candidiasis), dermatophytes (fungal) or mould. Candidiasis tend to affect moist, warm body creases and appear as red, inflamed skin. Fungal infections can affect the skin and cause scaly, red, itchy rashes. Fungal infections can also affect the nails and cause thickened, yellow nails.
Drug (medication) rashes – Drug rashes can be mild or serious. A common type of drug rash is called a morbilliform drug eruption where red spots or patches usually appear 1-2 weeks after starting the drug. If the same drug is taken again, the rash can appear within a few days. The rash tends to be widespread and affect both sides of the body. As the redness improves, the skin starts to peel. There are also other forms of drug rash such as urticaria, and blistering skin conditions.
Blistering skin conditions – There are many types of blistering skin conditions. A common type of blistering skin condition is called bullous pemphigoid. Bullous pemphigoid is a condition that is caused by the immune system. It is seen commonly in the elderly. It causes itching, red rashes, blisters and sores in the skin.
Lupus – Lupus is an autoimmune connective tissue disease. It can affect the skin and potentially other organs in the body. On the skin, lupus causes a red rash which tends to worsen with sun exposure.