• Rash: Nearly any change in the skin’s appearance can be called a rash. Most rashes are from simple skin irritation; others result from medical conditions.
  • Dermatitis: A general term for inflammation of the skin. Atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema) is the most common form.
  • Eczema: Skin inflammation (dermatitis) causing an itchy rash. Most often, it’s due to an overactive immune system.
  • Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition that can cause a variety of skin rashes. Silver, scaly plaques on the skin are the most common form.
  • Dandruff: A scaly condition of the scalp may be caused by seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, or eczema.
  • Acne: The most common skin condition, acne affects over 85% of people at some time in life.
  • Cellulitis: Inflammation of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues, usually due to an infection. A red, warm, often painful skin rash generally results.
  • Skin abscess (boil or furuncle): A localized skin infection creates a collection of pus under the skin. Some abscesses must be opened and drained by a doctor in order to be cured.
  • Rosacea: A chronic skin condition causing a red rash on the face. Rosacea may look like acne, and is poorly understood.
  • Warts: A virus infects the skin and causes the skin to grow excessively, creating a wart. Warts may be treated at home with chemicals, duct tape, or freezing, or removed by a physician.
  • Melanoma: The most dangerous type of skin cancer, melanoma results from sun damage and other causes. A skin biopsy can identify melanoma.
  • Basal cell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is less dangerous than melanoma because it grows and spreads more slowly.
  • Seborrheic keratosis: A benign, often itchy growth that appears like a “stuck-on” wart. Seborrheic keratoses may be removed by a physician, if bothersome.
  • Actinic keratosis: A crusty or scaly bump that forms on sun-exposed skin. Actinic keratoses can sometimes progress to cancer.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma: A common form of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma may begin as an ulcer that won’t heal, or an abnormal growth. It usually develops in sun-exposed areas.
  • Herpes: The herpes viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause periodic blisters or skin irritation around the lips or the genitals.
  • Hives: Raised, red, itchy patches on the skin that arise suddenly. Hives usually result from an allergic reaction.
  • Tinea versicolor: A benign fungal skin infection creates pale areas of low pigmentation on the skin.
  • Viral exantham: Many viral infections can cause a red rash affecting large areas of the skin. This is especially common in children.
  • Shingles (herpes zoster): Caused by the chickenpox virus, shingles is a painful rash on one side of the body. A new adult vaccine can prevent shingles in most people.
  • Scabies: Tiny mites that burrow into the skin cause scabies. An intensely itchy rash in the webs of fingers, wrists, elbows, and buttocks is typical of scabies.
  • Ringworm: A fungal skin infection (also called tinea). The characteristic rings it creates are not due to worms.

  • Skin Tests

    • Skin biopsy: A piece of skin is removed and examined under a microscope to identify a skin condition.
    • Skin testing (allergy testing): Extracts of common substances (such as pollen) are applied to the skin, and any allergic reactions are observed.
    • Tuberculosis skin test (purified protein derivative or PPD): Proteins from the tuberculosis (TB) bacteria are injected under the skin. In someone who’s had TB, the skin becomes firm.

    Skin Treatments

    • Corticosteroids (steroids): Medicines that reduce immune system activity may improve dermatitis. Topical steroids are most often used.
    • Antibiotics: Medicines that can kill the bacteria causing cellulitis and other skin infections.
    • Antiviral drugs: Medicines can suppress the activity of the herpes virus, reducing symptoms.
    • Antifungal drugs: Topical creams can cure most fungal skin infections. Occasionally, oral medicines may be needed.
    • Antihistamines: Oral or topical medicines can block histamine, a substance that causes itching.
    • Skin surgery: Most skin cancers must be removed by surgery.
    • Immune modulators: Various drugs can modify the activity of the immune system, improving psoriasis or other forms of dermatitis.
    • Skin moisturizers (emollients): Dry skin is more likely to become irritated and itchy. Moisturizers can reduce symptoms of many skin conditions.


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