Skin rashes can appear anywhere on the body and have a multitude of causes. They may appear widespread or localized to certain areas of the skin. Symptoms include inflammation, scaly patches or bumps that change the appearance of the skin. Types of skin rashes depend on appearance and cause of the skin condition. Common risk factors for skin rashes include allergens, infections and disease.
Hives
Hives are skin rashes that appear as red, itchy, raised areas of inflamed skin. The medical term for hives is urticaria, and the condition can occur anywhere on the body. Medications, chemicals, insect bites and allergic reactions can cause hives.
Approximately 10 to 20 percent of the population will experience hives at some point, and the skin condition usually goes away in 24 hours, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The condition may appear small or extend to large areas of the skin.
Eczema
Eczema is a term that refers to an inflammation of the skin with various causes. Eczema may appear on children and adults with possible severe skin reactions. The skin condition comes in many forms and characterizes by appearance, location and cause of the skin reaction. Pennsylvania State University Milton S. Hershey Medical Center explains that genetics, allergens, irritants and infections contribute to the most common forms of eczema. Characteristics of eczema include rashes, bumps, redness, blistering and flaking of the skin.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a disease that affects the skin and eyes. The disease is most common in adults, women and people with fair skin. In most cases, the condition only affects the face and includes symptoms of pimples, redness, thicker skin patches and rashes.
Approximately 14 million people in the United States have the skin condition, and the exact cause is unknown, according to National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Risk factors for worsening rosacea include heat, wind, medications, stress and sunlight.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which skin cells grow rapidly. When the cells in the skin build up too fast, it causes red, dry, itchy and flaky patches. There are several types of psoriasis, and each is categorized by cause and appearance.
MayoClinic.com reports that the cause of the condition relates to an overreaction in the immune system that may trigger from infection, stress, injury, weather and medications. Symptoms of the skin condition include rash, scaling, itching and swollen joints.
