ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.1 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/rash/ |
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-08 15:56:38 (1 day ago) |
| First Indexed | 2021-08-06 09:49:15 (4 years ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | Rash: types, causes, diagnosis and treatments |
| Meta Description | Find out the symptoms and causes of rash. Most rashes may only last a few days. Learn about the treatments available for the different types of rash children and adults can get. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | If your skin breaks out in bumps or patches you may have a rash. These patches can look red on white skin and grey on black or brown skin.
If the rash appeared quickly and you do not feel well, you may have an infection.
If you have a rash but feel well, it is probably an allergic reaction to something. The most common type of allergic reaction is urticaria (hives).
It can also mean your skin has come into contact with something that has caused a reaction.
Types of rashes
These can include hives, heat rashes or long term skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Hives
A hives rash can come in patches in many shapes and sizes.
Hives are raised, itchy bumps on your skin that appear like a rash.
Many things can trigger hives. These include:
nettles
insect bites and stings
medicines
exercise or heat
certain foods
latex
Check if you have hives
Heat rash
A heat rash is uncomfortable, but usually harmless. It usually gets better on its own after a few days.
The symptoms of a heat rash are:
small, raised spots
an itchy, prickly feeling
mild swelling
The rash often looks red, but this may be less obvious on brown or black skin. It can appear anywhere on the body.
It can appear anywhere on the body and spread, but it cannot be passed on to other people.
Heat rash appears as raised spots that are 2mm to 4mm across. Some spots may be filled with fluid.
Rashes in children
A rash on your child’s skin can be caused by a number of things.
These include:
eczema
psoriasis
nappy rash
slapped cheek syndrome
impetigo
chickenpox
Photos of rashes
Check your or your child's rash against these common rashes.
Rashes common in children
Some rashes are common in children. They include:
Slapped cheek syndrome
In slapped cheek syndrome, after 1 to 3 days, a bright red rash appears on both cheeks. Adults do not always get the rash.
Slapped cheek syndrome
Chickenpox
Chickenpox starts with red spots. They become very itchy after about 12 hours.
Chickenpox
Measles
The measles rash appears around 2 to 4 days after the first symptoms.
Measles
Impetigo
With impetigo, sores (non-bullous impetigo) or blisters (bullous impetigo) can start anywhere - but usually on exposed areas like your face and hands.
Impetigo
Eczema
Baby with eczema on their arm.
Eczema
Skin conditions with a rash
Some skin conditions where you will have a rash include:
Scabies
The rash spreads and turns into tiny red spots.
Scabies
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis causes the skin to become itchy, blistered, dry or cracked.
Contact dermatitis
Pityriasis rosea
Pityriasis rosea causes a temporary rash of raised red scaly patches on the body.
Pityriasis rosea
Rashes which last for more than 2 weeks
Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris)
Psoriasis
Acne
Acne causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that's hot or painful to touch
Acne
Rosacea
1 of the first signs of rosacea is redness (blushing) across your nose, cheeks, forehead and chin that comes and goes. It may be harder to see on black or brown skin.
Rosacea
Eczema
Eczema causes areas of skin to become itchy, dry, cracked, sore and red
Eczema
Rashes caused by infections
If you feel ill and you have a rash, it is more likely that you have an infection.
Common infections with a rash include:
Chickenpox
Chickenpox starts with red spots. They can appear anywhere on the body.
Chickenpox starts with red spots. They can appear anywhere on the body.
Chickenpox symptoms
Shingles
The shingles rash appears as red blotches on your skin, on one side of your body only. A rash on both the left and right of your body is unlikely to be shingles.
The shingles rash appears as red blotches on your skin, on one side of your body only. A rash on both the left and right of your body is unlikely to be shingles.
Shingles symptoms
Measles
The measles rash appears around 2 to 4 days after the first symptoms.
Symptoms of measles
Hand, foot and mouth disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease symptoms
Scarlet fever
Check if you have scarlet fever
Rashes caused by fungal infections
Some rashes are caused by fungal infections such as:
Pityriasis versicolor
Pityriasis versicolor causes small patches of skin to become scaly and discoloured.
Pityriasis versicolor symptoms
Ringworm
The main symptom of ringworm is a red or silver rash. The rash may be scaly, dry, swollen or itchy.
Symptoms of ringworm
Rashes caused by bacteria
Bacteria can also cause rashes such as:
Impetigo
Impetigo is a skin infection that is very contagious but not usually serious.
Impetigo starts with red sores or blisters. They burst and leave crusty, golden-brown patches.
Symptoms of impetigo
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that's treated with antibiotics. It can be serious if it's not treated.
Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that's treated with antibiotics. It can be serious if it's not treated.
Symptoms of cellulitis
Treatment for rashes
Antibiotics do not help most rashes.
Hives are usually treated with antihistamine tablets. Ask your pharmacist for advice. You can also take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you have any pain.
Put on an emollient and wash with a non-fragranced and soap-free cleanser.
Treating itchy skin
Non-urgent advice:
Go to your GP if:
you have a rash and do not feel well
They can check if an infection is causing the problem. Some infections caused by viruses may need treatment. |
| Markdown | [Skip to main content](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/rash/#maincontent)
- [Jobs](https://about.hse.ie/jobs/job-search/)
- [HSE Staff](https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/)
- [About the HSE](https://about.hse.ie/)
Menu Close
Toggle search Search Close
Recommended links
- [Medical cards](https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/)
- [European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)](https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/ehic/)
- [Find urgent and emergency care](https://www2.hse.ie/services/urgent-emergency-care/)
- [Find a civil registration service](https://www2.hse.ie/services/births-deaths-and-marriages/find-a-civil-registration-service/)
- [GP visit cards](https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/gp-visit-cards/gp-visit-cards/)
- [Health A to Z](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/)
- [Services](https://www2.hse.ie/services/)
- [Living well](https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/)
- [Mental health](https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/)
- [Pregnancy and birth](https://www2.hse.ie/pregnancy-birth/)
- [Babies and children](https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/)
- [Jobs](https://about.hse.ie/jobs/job-search/)
- [HSE Staff](https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/)
- [About the HSE](https://about.hse.ie/)
- [Health A to Z](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/)
- [Services](https://www2.hse.ie/services/)
- [Living Well](https://www2.hse.ie/living-well)
1. [Home](https://www2.hse.ie/)
2. [Health A to Z](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/)
[Back to Health A to Z](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/)
### Warning notification:Warning
Unfortunately, you are using an outdated browser. Please, upgrade your browser to improve your experience with HSE. The list of supported browsers:
1. [Chrome](https://www.google.com/intl/en_ie/chrome/ "Chrome")
2. [Edge](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge?form=MA13FJ&exp=e00 "Edge")
3. [FireFox](https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/ "FireFox")
4. [Opera](https://www.opera.com/ "Opera")
5. [Safari](https://www.apple.com/safari/ "Safari")
# Rash
If your skin breaks out in bumps or patches you may have a rash. These patches can look red on white skin and grey on black or brown skin.
If the rash appeared quickly and you do not feel well, you may have an infection.
If you have a rash but feel well, it is probably an allergic reaction to something. The most common type of allergic reaction is urticaria (hives).
It can also mean your skin has come into contact with something that has caused a reaction.
### Urgent advice: Go to your GP or nearest emergency department if you have a rash and:
- a severe headache
- vomiting
- high temperature
- a stiff neck
- sensitivity to light
These are signs of meningitis.
[Meningitis and septicaemia in children and babies](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/meningitis-septicaemia-children-babies/)
## Types of rashes
These can include hives, heat rashes or long term skin conditions such as psoriasis.
### Hives
A hives rash can come in patches in many shapes and sizes.

Hives are raised, itchy bumps on your skin that appear like a rash.
Many things can trigger hives. These include:
- nettles
- [insect bites and stings](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/insect-bites-stings/symptoms/)
- medicines
- exercise or heat
- certain foods
- latex
[Check if you have hives](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/hives/)
### Heat rash
A heat rash is uncomfortable, but usually harmless. It usually gets better on its own after a few days.
The symptoms of a heat rash are:
- small, raised spots
- an itchy, prickly feeling
- mild swelling
The rash often looks red, but this may be less obvious on brown or black skin. It can appear anywhere on the body.
It can appear anywhere on the body and spread, but it cannot be passed on to other people.

Heat rash appears as raised spots that are 2mm to 4mm across. Some spots may be filled with fluid.
### Rashes in children
A rash on your child’s skin can be caused by a number of things.
These include:
- [eczema](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/eczema/)
- [psoriasis](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/psoriasis/)
- [nappy rash](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/nappy-rash/)
- [slapped cheek syndrome](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/slapped-cheek-syndrome/)
- [impetigo](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/impetigo/)
- [chickenpox](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/chickenpox/)
## Photos of rashes
Check your or your child's rash against these common rashes.
Rashes common in children
Some rashes are common in children. They include:
### Slapped cheek syndrome

In slapped cheek syndrome, after 1 to 3 days, a bright red rash appears on both cheeks. Adults do not always get the rash.
[Slapped cheek syndrome](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/slapped-cheek-syndrome/)
### Chickenpox

Chickenpox starts with red spots. They become very itchy after about 12 hours.
[Chickenpox](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/chickenpox/)
### Measles

The measles rash appears around 2 to 4 days after the first symptoms.
[Measles](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/measles/)
### Impetigo

With impetigo, sores (non-bullous impetigo) or blisters (bullous impetigo) can start anywhere - but usually on exposed areas like your face and hands.
[Impetigo](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/impetigo/)
### Eczema

Baby with eczema on their arm.
[Eczema](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/eczema-babies-children/)
Skin conditions with a rash
Some skin conditions where you will have a rash include:
### Scabies

The rash spreads and turns into tiny red spots.
[Scabies](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/scabies/)
### Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis causes the skin to become itchy, blistered, dry or cracked.
[Contact dermatitis](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/contact-dermatitis/)
### Pityriasis rosea

Pityriasis rosea causes a temporary rash of raised red scaly patches on the body.
[Pityriasis rosea](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/pityriasis-rosea/)
Rashes which last for more than 2 weeks
### Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris)
[Psoriasis](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/psoriasis/)
### Acne

Acne causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that's hot or painful to touch
[Acne](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/acne/)
### Rosacea

1 of the first signs of rosacea is redness (blushing) across your nose, cheeks, forehead and chin that comes and goes. It may be harder to see on black or brown skin.
[Rosacea](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/rosacea/)
### Eczema

Eczema causes areas of skin to become itchy, dry, cracked, sore and red
[Eczema](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/eczema/)
Rashes caused by infections
If you feel ill and you have a rash, it is more likely that you have an infection.
Common infections with a rash include:
### Chickenpox
Chickenpox starts with red spots. They can appear anywhere on the body.

Chickenpox starts with red spots. They can appear anywhere on the body.
[Chickenpox symptoms](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/chickenpox/)
### Shingles
The shingles rash appears as red blotches on your skin, on one side of your body only. A rash on both the left and right of your body is unlikely to be shingles.

The shingles rash appears as red blotches on your skin, on one side of your body only. A rash on both the left and right of your body is unlikely to be shingles.
[Shingles symptoms](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/shingles/)
### Measles
The measles rash appears around 2 to 4 days after the first symptoms.

[Symptoms of measles](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/measles/)
### Hand, foot and mouth disease

[Hand, foot and mouth disease symptoms](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/hand-foot-mouth-disease/)
### Scarlet fever

[Check if you have scarlet fever](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/scarlet-fever/)
Rashes caused by fungal infections
Some rashes are caused by fungal infections such as:
### Pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor causes small patches of skin to become scaly and discoloured.
[Pityriasis versicolor symptoms](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/pityriasis-versicolor/)
### Ringworm

The main symptom of ringworm is a red or silver rash. The rash may be scaly, dry, swollen or itchy.
[Symptoms of ringworm](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/ringworm/)
Rashes caused by bacteria
Bacteria can also cause rashes such as:
### Impetigo
Impetigo is a skin infection that is very contagious but not usually serious.

Impetigo starts with red sores or blisters. They burst and leave crusty, golden-brown patches.
[Symptoms of impetigo](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/impetigo/)
### Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that's treated with antibiotics. It can be serious if it's not treated.

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that's treated with antibiotics. It can be serious if it's not treated.
[Symptoms of cellulitis](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/cellulitis/)
## Treatment for rashes
Antibiotics do not help most rashes.
Hives are usually treated with antihistamine tablets. Ask your pharmacist for advice. You can also take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you have any pain.
Put on an emollient and wash with a non-fragranced and soap-free cleanser.
[Treating itchy skin](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/itchy-skin/)
### Non-urgent advice: Go to your GP if:
- you have a rash and do not feel well
They can check if an infection is causing the problem. Some infections caused by viruses may need treatment.
Page last reviewed: 3 March 2023
Next review due: 3 March 2026
This project has received funding from the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019 under Grant Agreement Number 123.

## HSE Live - we're here to help
Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm
Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: Closed
Bank holidays: Closed
**Freephone: [1800 700 700](tel:1800700700)**
**From outside Ireland: [00 353 1 240 8787](tel:0035312408787)**
- [HSE Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/HSElive/)
- [HSE Instagram](https://instagram.com/irishhealthservice)
- [HSE TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@hselive)
- [HSE YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoNNhGGAYkdavsSXp1iVzCg)
- [HSE LinkedIn](https://ie.linkedin.com/company/health-service-executive)
- [Complaints and feedback](https://www2.hse.ie/complaints-feedback/)
- [Emergencies](https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-urgent-emergency-care/)
- [Cookie settings](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/rash/)
## Support links
- [Cookie statement](https://www2.hse.ie/cookie-statement/)
- [Accessibility](https://www2.hse.ie/accessibility-statement/)
- [Privacy statement](https://www2.hse.ie/privacy-statement/)
- [Disclaimer](https://www.hse.ie/disclaimer/)
© Health Service Executive |
| Readable Markdown | If your skin breaks out in bumps or patches you may have a rash. These patches can look red on white skin and grey on black or brown skin.
If the rash appeared quickly and you do not feel well, you may have an infection.
If you have a rash but feel well, it is probably an allergic reaction to something. The most common type of allergic reaction is urticaria (hives).
It can also mean your skin has come into contact with something that has caused a reaction.
## Types of rashes
These can include hives, heat rashes or long term skin conditions such as psoriasis.
### Hives
A hives rash can come in patches in many shapes and sizes.

Hives are raised, itchy bumps on your skin that appear like a rash.
Many things can trigger hives. These include:
- nettles
- [insect bites and stings](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/insect-bites-stings/symptoms/)
- medicines
- exercise or heat
- certain foods
- latex
[Check if you have hives](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/hives/)
### Heat rash
A heat rash is uncomfortable, but usually harmless. It usually gets better on its own after a few days.
The symptoms of a heat rash are:
- small, raised spots
- an itchy, prickly feeling
- mild swelling
The rash often looks red, but this may be less obvious on brown or black skin. It can appear anywhere on the body.
It can appear anywhere on the body and spread, but it cannot be passed on to other people.

Heat rash appears as raised spots that are 2mm to 4mm across. Some spots may be filled with fluid.
### Rashes in children
A rash on your child’s skin can be caused by a number of things.
These include:
- [eczema](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/eczema/)
- [psoriasis](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/psoriasis/)
- [nappy rash](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/nappy-rash/)
- [slapped cheek syndrome](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/slapped-cheek-syndrome/)
- [impetigo](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/impetigo/)
- [chickenpox](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/chickenpox/)
## Photos of rashes
Check your or your child's rash against these common rashes.
Rashes common in children
Some rashes are common in children. They include:
### Slapped cheek syndrome

In slapped cheek syndrome, after 1 to 3 days, a bright red rash appears on both cheeks. Adults do not always get the rash.
[Slapped cheek syndrome](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/slapped-cheek-syndrome/)
### Chickenpox

Chickenpox starts with red spots. They become very itchy after about 12 hours.
[Chickenpox](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/chickenpox/)
### Measles

The measles rash appears around 2 to 4 days after the first symptoms.
[Measles](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/measles/)
### Impetigo

With impetigo, sores (non-bullous impetigo) or blisters (bullous impetigo) can start anywhere - but usually on exposed areas like your face and hands.
[Impetigo](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/impetigo/)
### Eczema

Baby with eczema on their arm.
[Eczema](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/eczema-babies-children/)
Skin conditions with a rash
Some skin conditions where you will have a rash include:
### Scabies

The rash spreads and turns into tiny red spots.
[Scabies](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/scabies/)
### Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis causes the skin to become itchy, blistered, dry or cracked.
[Contact dermatitis](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/contact-dermatitis/)
### Pityriasis rosea

Pityriasis rosea causes a temporary rash of raised red scaly patches on the body.
[Pityriasis rosea](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/pityriasis-rosea/)
Rashes which last for more than 2 weeks
### Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris)
[Psoriasis](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/psoriasis/)
### Acne

Acne causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that's hot or painful to touch
[Acne](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/acne/)
### Rosacea

1 of the first signs of rosacea is redness (blushing) across your nose, cheeks, forehead and chin that comes and goes. It may be harder to see on black or brown skin.
[Rosacea](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/rosacea/)
### Eczema

Eczema causes areas of skin to become itchy, dry, cracked, sore and red
[Eczema](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/eczema/)
Rashes caused by infections
If you feel ill and you have a rash, it is more likely that you have an infection.
Common infections with a rash include:
### Chickenpox
Chickenpox starts with red spots. They can appear anywhere on the body.

Chickenpox starts with red spots. They can appear anywhere on the body.
[Chickenpox symptoms](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/chickenpox/)
### Shingles
The shingles rash appears as red blotches on your skin, on one side of your body only. A rash on both the left and right of your body is unlikely to be shingles.

The shingles rash appears as red blotches on your skin, on one side of your body only. A rash on both the left and right of your body is unlikely to be shingles.
[Shingles symptoms](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/shingles/)
### Measles
The measles rash appears around 2 to 4 days after the first symptoms.

[Symptoms of measles](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/measles/)
### Hand, foot and mouth disease

[Hand, foot and mouth disease symptoms](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/hand-foot-mouth-disease/)
### Scarlet fever

[Check if you have scarlet fever](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/scarlet-fever/)
Rashes caused by fungal infections
Some rashes are caused by fungal infections such as:
### Pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor causes small patches of skin to become scaly and discoloured.
[Pityriasis versicolor symptoms](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/pityriasis-versicolor/)
### Ringworm

The main symptom of ringworm is a red or silver rash. The rash may be scaly, dry, swollen or itchy.
[Symptoms of ringworm](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/ringworm/)
Rashes caused by bacteria
Bacteria can also cause rashes such as:
### Impetigo
Impetigo is a skin infection that is very contagious but not usually serious.

Impetigo starts with red sores or blisters. They burst and leave crusty, golden-brown patches.
[Symptoms of impetigo](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/impetigo/)
### Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that's treated with antibiotics. It can be serious if it's not treated.

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that's treated with antibiotics. It can be serious if it's not treated.
[Symptoms of cellulitis](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/cellulitis/)
## Treatment for rashes
Antibiotics do not help most rashes.
Hives are usually treated with antihistamine tablets. Ask your pharmacist for advice. You can also take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you have any pain.
Put on an emollient and wash with a non-fragranced and soap-free cleanser.
[Treating itchy skin](https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/itchy-skin/)
### Non-urgent advice: Go to your GP if:
- you have a rash and do not feel well
They can check if an infection is causing the problem. Some infections caused by viruses may need treatment. |
| Shard | 10 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 5514331230062789010 |
| Unparsed URL | ie,hse!www2,/conditions/rash/ s443 |