Localized rash
A localized rash affects only a small area or is confined to one part of the body. The appearance of the rash may give clues to its cause and severity.
Most localized rashes are caused by minor problems, such as dry skin or contact dermatitis and will go away with home treatment. Causes of contact dermatitis include:
- Poisonous plants, such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
- Soaps, detergents, shampoos, perfumes, cosmetics, or lotions.
- Jewellery or fabrics.
- New tools, toys, appliances, or other objects.
- Latex. Allergy to natural rubber latex affects people who are exposed to rubber products on a regular basis, especially health care workers, rubber industry workers, and people who have had multiple surgeries.
Serious localized rashes rarely appear without other symptoms, such as pain or fever. It is important to determine whether other symptoms are present and to evaluate those symptoms.
Localized rashes that require a visit to a health professional include:
- Shingles (herpes zoster), a condition caused by a reactivation of the chicken pox virus. Shingles cause pain or burning followed by a rash of resembling chicken pox blisters in a band around one side of the chest, abdomen, or face. Occasionally shingles will cause severe pain, especially when it occurs on the face. The pain may be present before the rash develops, while the rash is present, and after the rash has cleared up. A rash located around the eye can infect the cornea and lining of the eye, and can damage the eye.
- Lyme disease, caused by exposure to deer ticks in some areas. A characteristic expanding red rash usually occurs at the site of the tick bite and is followed by flu-like symptoms, such as a headache, chills, fever, and body aches and stiffness.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which cause sores, blisters, or ulcers, especially in the genital area.
Skin infections may also cause symptoms that require a visit to a health professional.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: October 10, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology | |
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