Skin rashes occur in a variety of configurations and locations, accompanied by different symptoms. The symptoms associated with a skin rash can help determine the underlying cause of the rash. Because effective treatment for a skin rash depends on an accurate diagnosis, consideration of skin rash symptoms is an important factor in facilitating resolution of the condition.
Itchiness
Itchiness is an important differentiating symptom of a skin rash, arising from stimulation of a specific type of nerve fiber in the skin. Many diseases and conditions can cause an itchy skin rash. For example, itchiness is a hallmark symptom of eczema, a leading cause of skin rashes. Common forms of eczema include contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis. With eczema, an irritated, itchy patch of skin typically reddens and swells. Rubbing and scratching leads to further inflammation and increased itchiness, reports the American Academy of Dermatology. The involved areas often ooze fluid through cracks in the skin, causing crusting.
Tenderness
Tenderness is an important distinguishing symptom of skin rashes. Similar to itching, pain arises with stimulation of the nerve fibers that carry pain signals between the skin and brain. Tenderness associated with a skin rash indicates tissue damage or involvement of the pain fibers in the disease process.
Cellulitis is a common type of tender skin rash, caused by a rapidly expanding bacterial infection of the deep skin layer. The infection often begins at the site of a small cut or other wound and rapidly spreads outward, reports the medical information website InteliHealth. The bacteria produce substances that irritate the skin, provoking inflammation, redness, swelling and pain.
Shingles is another common type of tender skin rash. The condition occurs when a dormant varicella-zoster virus infection reactivates. The varicella-zoster virus causes chicken pox. After the illness subsides, the virus persists in an inactive form in the nerves, explains the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Reactivation of the virus within the nerves causes the tender, blistering skin rash known as shingles.
Fever
Fever is one of the most important symptoms doctors look for when evaluating a patient with a skin rash. The presence of a fever with a skin rash usually signals an infectious condition. In an August 2000 article published in "American Family Physician," Drs. Harry McKinnon and Thomas Howard note the possible causes of a skin rash with fever include measles, roseola, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, secondary syphilis, scarlet fever, meningococcal meningitis, chicken pox and shingles. The appearance and distribution of the rash, accompanying symptoms and signs and diagnostic tests help differentiate among the many causes of a skin rash with fever.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis
- EczemaNet: What is Eczema?
- InteliHealth: Cellulitis
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Shingles
- "American Family Physician"; Evaluating the Febrile Patient with a Rash; Harry D. McKinnon, Jr., M.D., Thomas Howard, M.D.; August 2000
