Different Types of Itchy Skin Rashes

When you have an itchy, leathery skin rash, your first thought may be allergies. But a skin rash can be caused by other factors as well, including fungal or bacterial skin infections.

Skin rashes can look thick and leathery or appear as small pimples or blisters. They may appear in different colors and patterns. Depending on the cause, they can often be relieved by different treatments, including topical steroids, oral antihistamines, or topical anti-fungal creams.

This article shows pictures of common itchy skin rashes to help identify them. It also covers what causes these rashes and how they are treated.

Atopic Dermatitis

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Atopic dermatitis, commonly called eczema, can have different appearances depending on how long it has been present. For example, acute eczema can include blisters and vesicles containing fluid. Subacute eczema present for days to weeks may appear dry and flaky. Chronic eczema that has been present for months to years can cause the skin to become thickened or leathery in appearance. This is called lichenification.

Eczema is usually found in the flexural areas of the body where they bend. Examples include the elbow folds and behind the knees.

Researchers believe atopic dermatitis is caused by a combination of genes, environmental factors, and an overactive immune system. Treatment includes using emollients such as moisturizers and ointments, avoiding environmental irritants (including extreme temperatures), steroidal creams, and prescription creams.

Poison Oak

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Poison oak is a form of acute eczema that most often appears as fluid-filled blisters and vesicles on the skin. Since poison oak is caused by the skin coming into contact with plants, the rash is classically in a linear pattern caused by the plant rubbing along with the skin, such as when a person is hiking through the woods. Poison oak responds to treatment with topical steroids.

Psoriasis

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Psoriasis appears as thick, silvery scales most commonly found over joint surfaces and the scalp. It is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and plaques on the skin. These plaques can be painful, itchy, and sore. Psoriasis has a genetic component. Treatment can include topical treatments as well as medications such as biologics or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Dermatitis herpetiformis usually presents as small fluid-filled blisters over the joint surfaces but can also be present on the back of the scalp and lower back region. This rash is often a result of gluten sensitivity, also called celiac sprue. Dermatitis herpetiformis is responsive to a gluten-free diet and treatment with dapsone.

Ringworm

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Ringworm, or tinea corporis, appears as a flat rash that is usually red around the outer border and whitish in the center. The borders may have flaking or scaling. Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection of the skin and responds well to topical antifungal medications, including over-the-counter clotrimazole.

Folliculitis

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Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles that appears as small pimples, especially over areas of the body where the hair is shaved, such as the lower legs in women or the face in men. Since people are covered in hair follicles, the rash can occur in most places on the body. Folliculitis can be treated with antibacterial soaps, including over-the-counter triclosan and chlorhexidine, as well as topical and oral antibiotics.

Urticaria

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Urticaria, or hives, involve raised, red, itchy bumps of various sizes and shapes. They are usually red around the edges and white in the center. Hives are caused by histamine release into the skin, which usually only lasts for several minutes to hours. Therefore, hives are among the few rashes that come and go, or at least move around, quite quickly. Urticaria also goes away rapidly with oral antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Allegra, or Claritin.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

See a healthcare provider if your rash is so itchy or uncomfortable that it interferes with your sleep at night or your daily activities. It is also important to see a provider if your rash appears after you start a new medication.

A healthcare professional, including a primary care provider or a dermatologist, can help get to the root cause of the rash, which can help find ways to treat or prevent the rash.

Summary

Itchy, leathery skin rashes can be caused by several factors, from genetics to environmental causes. Finding the appropriate treatment for your rash depends on correctly identifying what is causing the rash and treating the underlying cause. Topical treatments or medications like antihistamines can help make the rash more comfortable. See a healthcare provider if your rash disrupts your daily activities or sleep.