What's Causing Your Body Rash?

Rashes are typically written off as irritating, but not serious. However, dermatologists say that those blisters, blotches, or welts could actually be an indication of a more serious condition.

Skin inflammations usually appear as rashes and cause changes to the color, feeling, or texture of your skin (via Penn Medicine). It can be caused by coming into contact with an irritant, by other factors like weather or stress, or a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema.

Rashes can be particularly troubling when they occur in multiple places on your body, spread suddenly, or if you also have a fever. In these cases, it could be because of an allergic reaction or an infection and you should seek immediate medical attention (via the American Academy of Dermatology Association). Specific infections that may cause a rash to form, include measles, mononucleosis, scarlet fever, and shingles. 

More problems ensue if the rash begins to blister, which can cause pain and potential infection.

Dermatologists say open sores or blisters can point to an allergic reaction to medication or another internal cause. You should get a doctor involved when the rashes affect your genitals, inside your mouth or the skin around your eyes.

It's important to avoid itching the rash, as you want to avoid infection. You'll know if your rash is infected if there is crusting, yellow or green fluid, swelling, warmth in the rash area, or a red streak coming from the rash, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

Some rashes can be treated with over-the-counter medications and creams and usually go away on their own by using gentle cleansers, avoiding lotions or cosmetics and harsh soaps, and exposing the affected rash area to air (via Penn Medicine).

But if the rash remains, it is best to get the opinion of a dermatologist so you can ensure you're treating the specific rash properly and that you aren't experiencing any other serious underlying conditions.