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What Is Causing My Rash? 71 Possible Causes
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A rash is defined as a widespread eruption of skin lesions. It is a very broad medical term. Rashes can vary widely in appearance. Their causes range from insect bites to HIV and reactions to medications.
A rash can affect one part of the body or cover a large area. Rashes can also be dry, moist, bumpy, smooth, cracked, or blistered. They can involve pain, itching, and color changes.
Some rashes will clear up on their own, some respond to home remedies, but others might be a sign of something more serious that needs medical attention.
Rashes can happen for many reasons, including skin infections, allergies, and medications. They can also result from bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic infections and other diseases.
In this article, learn about 71 possible causes of a rash and see images showing how they might appear.
Allergies and sensitivities to food and other substances can cause skin rashes.
One of the most common causes of rashes — contact dermatitis — occurs when the skin has a reaction to something that it has touched. The skin may become inflamed, and the rash tends to be weepy and oozy.
Common causes include:
A food allergy can also cause a rash and other symptoms.
Hives (urticaria) is a type of rash that often occurs with an allergic or sensitivity reaction. Pruritis is an itchy rash. Hives appear as raised bumps, but on lighter skin, they may also be pink or reddish.
Learn how hives can appear on dark skin tones.
An allergy can also cause swelling, breathing problems, and other symptoms. This may be a sign of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that needs urgent medical attention. It can be life threatening.
The following slides show pictures of rashes due to contact dermatitis, a hay fever rash, and other allergic and sensitivity reactions. To see all the pictures on one screen, click "view all."
Certain medications can cause rashes in some people, either as a side effect or an allergic reaction.
Some medications, including certain antibiotics, can also cause photophobia or photosensitivity. This means they make the individual more susceptible to sunlight. The photosensitivity reaction looks similar to a sunburn.
In an allergic reaction, a person's immune system mistakenly attacks the medication as if it were a pathogen. Symptoms vary depending on the individual and the drug but can include:
Anyone who experiences a drug reaction should contact their doctor. They may need to change the dose or the drug.
If a person has severe symptoms or finds it difficult to breathe, they should call 911 immediately or go straight to the emergency room.
Learn about the common side effects of antibiotics.
The images in the slideshow below show some ways medications, vaccines, and allergy testing might affect the skin.
Infections that involve bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites can also cause a rash. These rashes will vary depending on the type of infection. For instance, candidiasis, a common fungal infection, causes an itchy rash that generally appears in skin folds.
Anyone who believes they may have an infection should seek medical advice.
The slides below include pictures of 29 types of bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral rashes.
These rashes can appear with:
To see all the pictures, click "view all."
Gallery was here
Many insects can cause a rash through a bite or sting. Although the reaction will vary depending on the person and the animal, symptoms often include:
Other causes of rashes outdoors include hay fever (seasonal allergy) and exposure to poison ivy and other plants. If a person has a skin reaction to pollen, poison ivy, a jellyfish sting, brown-tail moth caterpillars, and other plants or animals, a doctor may refer to it as contact dermatitis.
The images below show how a skin reaction or rash may affect people after exposure to:
Learn the difference between fleabites and bed bug bites.
Read about bee sting allergies.
Chemical burns can occur when a person comes in direct contact with a chemical or its fumes, including some household products. Symptoms vary but can include:
Inhaling the fumes could lead to swelling of the throat, lips, and tongue and difficulty breathing.
Some people have a reaction to the perfumes or chemicals in soaps, shampoos, and other products. A doctor may class these types of reactions as contact dermatitis.
The images below show how various exposures can affect the skin.
Other health conditionsA range of other health conditions can involve a rash or skin reaction. They include circulatory problems, hormonal conditions, and others.
The pictures below show examples of rashes due to:
Rashes come in many forms and develop for many reasons.
However, some basic measures can speed up recovery and ease some of the discomfort:
If a rash causes pain, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be useful. These can help manage symptoms but will not treat the cause of the rash.
It is important to speak with a doctor before taking any medication. Compare brands before purchasing over-the-counter or online products, to ensure the product is suitable.
Learn some natural and home remedies for itching.
If a rash occurs with the following features, a person should seek medical advice:
Most rashes are not a major cause for concern, but anyone with the following symptoms should seek emergency medical care:
Rashes can appear differently depending on a person's skin tone, which can affect diagnosis. Here, find out how various rashes may appear in different skin colors.
Here are some frequently asked questions about skin rashes.
How can I identify my rash?A person may be able to identify the cause of their rash based on the location of the rash or other symptoms they may experience. For example, swelling and breathing problems might indicate an allergy, while a fungal infection such as candidiasis can cause a rash in the skin folds. Factors such as whether the rash is flat or raised, peeling, or painful can help determine the type of rash.
However, it is best to contact a doctor for an accurate diagnosis if a person develops a rash.
What is causing my skin rash?There are many different types of rash. Examples of possible causes include:
Treatment for the rash can depend on the cause. A person's doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis and advise on ways to manage symptoms.
Rashes can happen for many reasons. Some are mild and need no intervention, while others can be a sign of a severe underlying disorder.
Knowing how to recognize skin changes can help a person access early treatment for conditions that could otherwise lead to severe complications.
Know Your Allergy Triggers
Many things can trigger allergies. The most common are pollen, dust mites, mold, animal dander, insect stings, latex, and certain food and medications.
If it's hard to tell what's causing your allergies, or if you're finding it difficult to manage them on your own, see a doctor about getting allergy tests. The tests will help pinpoint exactly what your triggers are. In the meantime, try to keep notes on your symptoms -- when they start, how long they last, and whatever seems to bring them on, and tell your doctor about them.
Here are things you need to know about the eight most common culprits.
So many different things can trigger your allergies. It's smart to know what those things are so you can avoid them. (Photo credit: iStock/Getty Images)
1. Pollen
The air is filled with pollen from fresh, growing things like grass, trees, and weeds in the spring and summer, which can cause allergy symptoms. In some people, ragweed in the fall may trigger allergies. Pollen allergy symptoms include:
To manage a pollen allergy:
2. Dust mites
These critters are so tiny you can't see them without a microscope. Symptoms of dust mite allergy are similar to those caused by a pollen allergy, but they often happen year-round instead of during certain seasons.
Treatments include medications such as steroid nasal sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants.
Also:
3. Mold
Molds are tiny fungi with spores that float in the air like pollen. They grow in damp areas like basements or bathrooms and piles of leaves or grass.
Mold allergy symptoms are similar to those of pollen and dust mite allergies. They include sneezing, congestion, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, and coughing.
Treatment is similar to that for dust mite and pollen allergies. To manage mold allergy, you can also:
4. Animal dander and cockroaches
Dander are flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, and birds. Dander can trigger allergies. You might also react to the proteins from oil glands in an animal's skin or from an animal's saliva.
It may take 2 or more years to develop an allergy like this. Once you have symptoms, though, they may last until you don't come into contact with the animal anymore. If you don't have pets, it might be cockroaches that you're allergic to.
Animal dander allergy symptoms include sneezing, congestion, and itchy and watery eyes.
To manage animal dander allergy:
5. Insect sting
Ouch! Something stung you, and now you're having a bad reaction to it.
Insects that cause allergic reactions include bees, fire ants, yellow jackets, hornets, and wasps.
If you get stung by an insect, you might have pain, swelling, redness, and heat around the sting site. Those allergy symptoms can last for a few days.
It's rare, but some people get a dangerous, full-body reaction called anaphylaxis, which needs emergency treatment. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
To manage insect stings:
If you get stung:
6. Latex allergy
You may have a mild reaction, like itchy red skin, from latex in gloves, condoms, or other things when you have a latex allergy. You could also have symptoms like:
It's less common, but some people can have anaphylaxis from latex.
To treat this allergy, you may need to take antihistamines. Your doctor may also recommend always keeping an epinephrine auto-injector (Auvi-Q or EpiPen) with you in case of emergency.
To manage a latex allergy:
7. Food allergy
Some foods may bother you. But that doesn't necessarily mean you have an allergy.
When you have an allergic reaction to food, it usually happens within minutes after you eat the food. These allergies can be mild or severe. For instance, some children must avoid peanuts in order to prevent a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.
Milk, fish and shellfish, nuts, soybeans, wheat, and eggs are among the most common foods that cause allergies. Your doctor can help you pinpoint your triggers so you can avoid them.
Food allergy symptoms can include:
To manage a food allergy:
8. Drug allergy
Some people are allergic to certain medicines, such as penicillin or aspirin.
Symptoms can range from a mild reaction like a skin rash a few days after you start a drug to an immediate, serious reaction. These can lead to anaphylaxis. Serious symptoms include:
For serious reactions, including anaphylaxis, you'll need to call 911, and you may be need to be treated in the hospital. For milder symptoms, your doctor may give you an antihistamine or steroids.
Talk with your doctor if you know you have a drug allergy or think you might. They may refer you for allergy testing.
Even when you know what you're allergic to, you may not know how you're coming in contact with it. Hidden sources of allergy triggers are all around us.
Indoor pollution
Studies have shown that indoor air pollution is often at least twice as high as what you get outdoors. If you're staying inside with the windows shut to avoid pollen, you may not be helping your situation. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends air purifiers and good HVAC filters to help improve your indoor air quality.
Vacuum cleaners
Allergens are tiny enough to go through a basic filter, rocketing out of the vacuum's exhaust.
Much as we might all like to have a doctor-approved excuse for giving up on housework, that's not an option. People with allergies need to vacuum regularly since a buildup of dust -- full of allergens like pollens, dust mites, and pet hair -- is the last thing you need.
So instead, shell out for a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, which will be fine enough to catch most allergy-irritating particles. Another option is a central vacuum -- if your house has one installed -- since at least then the allergens aren't being dispersed in your living space.
Cleaning products
Although cleaning products are not technically allergens, they can irritate the airways and trigger serious symptoms.
The key is to prevent the odor from the cleaning products from being heavy during cleaning. Make sure you have good ventilation by opening a window or running an exhaust fan.
Pets
It's not just the animal dander. Pets are prime culprits for bringing hidden allergy triggers into the house. When they go outside, they can pick up pollen and mold spores. Then they come in and sit on the couch, your bed, and you. The only solution is keeping your pets indoors or bathing them regularly.
Houseguests
Visitors can also bring hidden allergy triggers, like cat dander, on their clothes and bags and leave them behind on the way out.
Treat your guests' belongings as warily as you would their cat. Ask guests to put their things in a closed room, then don't go in. Or you could even ask guests to leave their coats and bags in the garage. If none of that works, try to meet your friends outside your home.
Humidity -- too much or too little
Moisture helps mold grow. Dust mites also love a damp environment. So experts say you should keep humidity levels at 40% or below if you have allergies.
But air that's too dry -- under 20% humidity -- can affect you too. When the air is dry, your body tries to make up for it by making extra mucus in your nasal passages, which can leave you stuffed up.
Here's a tip: Get a hygrometer, a simple device that reads the humidity in your home. That way, depending on the moisture levels, you can either humidify or dehumidify.
Electrical appliances
Certain household appliances and electronics, including laser printers, generate ozone. Ozone is a gas that's a well-known irritant for people with allergies. That's why people with asthma should stay inside on days with high ozone levels. But what's even worse is that many air cleaners deliberately churn out ozone to freshen the air.
Stoves and heaters
Combustion in gas stoves, fireplaces, kerosene lamps, and many other devices and appliances can produce nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants. If they're not vented to the outside, the gases they release will move into your living space.
If possible, avoid using unvented appliances. Also, use fireplaces, portable kerosene stoves, and wood stoves only occasionally.
Furniture, rugs, and home improvements
Many furnishings and construction materials contain formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that might irritate your airways. They include the glue used in carpet installation, the particleboard on your kitchen cabinets, the foam in your furniture, or the insulation in your walls.
Most irritants will fade over time but can take weeks or months.
If possible, start with prevention. Choose products that are less likely to cause symptoms. And ventilate your home while they're being installed so the irritant doesn't become too concentrated.
Workplace
Someone else's on-the-job exposure to irritants can affect you, too. If someone in your family works at a factory, garage, or laboratory -- or anywhere else with chemical irritants -- they can bring them home. And that could start you sneezing and coughing. Ask them to change their clothing after work or as soon as they get home.
Global warming
Many experts believe climate change could be making allergy symptoms worse. Global warming is tied to higher carbon dioxide levels. Some kinds of plants are loving it, and their pollen season is getting longer.
Aside from doing your bit to slow climate change, you can do little about this alone. Just be aware that the pollen season might be coming sooner than you expect, and be ready for it.
If you think you have allergies, you and your doctor will need to do some detective work to figure out what is making you sneeze or itch.
Track your allergy symptoms
Keep track of every symptom you have; they're all important clues to what you might be allergic to and how serious your allergy is. Signs of an allergic reaction include:
Look for suspects
Allergens enter your body in different ways. You'll be that much closer to finding your culprit if you can figure out how.
By injection. This could be medicines given by needle or venom from insect bites or stings.
Mouth. Common food allergens include peanuts, fish, and shellfish.
Nose and lungs. They can be particles that float in the air, like pollen, animal dander, dust, or mold.
Through your skin. These can include poison ivy, oak, or sumac. Chemicals in cosmetics, dyes, and latex can also spark a reaction.
Keep a diary
Tracking when you have symptoms and what was going on when you had them in a diary helps pinpoint the cause. It also can help you figure out what makes them worse.
Think about anything that's changed in your routine, like eating something different or going to new places. Be sure to note if other family members have allergies and what they are.
This info will also help your doctor decide what you're allergic to and how to treat it.
If you still can't figure out your allergies, you can get help from the experts. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's free info line, 800-727-8462, is open weekdays from 10 a.M. To 3 p.M. ET. This line isn't for emergencies. Call 911 if you're having a serious reaction.
An allergist can help you figure out what and how serious your allergies are. They might:
Batman: Arkham Asylum: Poison Ivy Boss Fight Guide
A reputable researcher turned supervillain, Poison Ivy is a product of an experiment that got out of control in Batman: Arkham Asylum.
She was locked in her cell at the Penitentiary before Joker injected the Titan formula into her roots, enhancing her chlorokinetic abilities. This allowed her to control plant life on command, releasing toxic spores and take over the entire island. She later threatens to kill Batman before her final target, the Joker.
Poison Ivy is one of the hardest boss fights in Batman: Arkham Asylum. With multiple phases, hard-hitting attacks and the longer duration can become overwhelming pretty quickly.
This is if you don't have the right strategy. This is where we have you covered, so let's get into all that you need to know about defeating Poison Ivy.
How to get to Poison Ivy in Batman: Arkham Asylum
To get to Poison Ivy in Batman: Arkham Asylum, head to the central area of Arkham West in Arkham Island. Directly east of the Penitentiary, there is a tunnel entrance leading to Arkham East. There are square arches near the entrance so it is easy to spot it. You will know you are in the right place when Poison Ivy starts talking to you.
The entrance door will lead you to Abandoned Tunnels where you will find a few of Ivy's mutated pods in your path. Destroy them and follow the trail, it will take you to Arkham East.
RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU...Tread carefully since there is a sniper perched on the tower to your left. Go into Detective Mode and wait for him to leave before destroying the pod ahead. Then grapple to the sniper tower to take him. Zipline to the one ahead and take the guard out as well.
Now you are in the clear to destroy the pods in the area. Do this till Ivy speaks to you again and then head up to the Botanical Gardens using the stairs with a huge tree in the middle.
You will now be in the Glasshouse Entrance with thick vines blocking your path. Enter through the window on your left which is easy to miss with the foliage covering it. Follow through the vents and it will take you to another section of the building.
Head down the stairs and through the door, you will now be in Botanical Glasshouse. Head to the upper level and enter through the door on the left end. Use the Batclaw to zipline across the electrocuted waters of the Flooded Corridor.
A plant tendril will burst through a door which will guide you to the boss fight. Enter through the door at the end to trigger the boss fight with Poison Ivy in Batman: Arkham Asylum.
Getting stuck on the way to Poison IvyA few players have reportedly experienced a glitch where on the way to fight Poison Ivy in Batman: Arkham Asylum, the pathway is blocked. This is at the Glasshouse Entrance where you need to head down the window on your left.
Though the cause of the bug is unknown, the standard procedures fix it most of the time. This includes reloading an old save, restarting the game, and in extreme cases re-installing it.
If the glitch hasn't been resolved, unfortunately as of yet, starting over is the only option.
How to beat Poison Ivy on hard difficultyPoison Ivy is a relatively easy boss to defeat in Batman: Arkham Asylum on normal difficulty settings. She has lower health and summons fewer vines with no henchmen to restrict your movement.
Things take a turn when you start moving towards hard difficulty. The fight takes longer, Ivy has more health and has randomized attack patterns that deal exponentially more damage.
The attack window also gets shorter and you will have to do the whole loop again if you miss your shots. Additionally, your healing is greatly reduced so you can't just tank her attacks and a strategy is required.
Phase 1The first phase of the Poison Ivy boss fight includes two types of attacks. The first one is an AoE vine attack where she summons rows of foliage that can trap you in and deal damage. After reaching half HP, she will automatically shift to the second one. This is a projectile attack where she alternates between a spore beam and homing orbs.
Your focus here is to deal small consistent damage over periodic large bursts. The fight is pretty long already and waiting around for the right moment to strike is far from ideal.
Hard difficulty tipsThe first tip is to never stop throwing Batarangs at Ivy while dodging her attacks. The Tripple Batarang is the most effective in this case, but you can make do with the Twin one if you haven't upgraded all the way. To quick-throw the Batarangs press L2/LT and it will automatically target Ivy.
For the rows of vine attacks, you can actually anticipate the next location where vines will appear. Focus on green grass that shows up before the actual vines and then dodge accordingly.
To escape the upcoming vines, just roll, run, or double-jump across.
During the spore attacks, Ivy will expose herself by lowering the plant shield. Landing any attacks while the shield is down will deal double the damage.
However, we strongly advise you to keep shooting Batarangs regardless of whether the shield is open or closed. The opening window is significantly shorter in hard mode so don't take any chances on your damage.
We found that Poison Ivy starts lowering her shield after the spore beam in Batman: Arkham City. A trick is to dodge the beam and the orb after it and then throw the Batarang. This allowed us to constantly land double-damage shots.
Phase 2 The second phase is pretty much the same as the first except for the addition of her henchmen. They spawn in groups during the AoE attack and die immediately regardless of their health when the spore phase begins.
Hard difficulty tipsThere is a cheese if you are low on HP. You can die in the second phase and the fight will restart from the beginning of Phase 2 but with a full Health bar.
Do not fight the henchmen and keep on attacking Ivy instead. They will be killed anyway so fighting them is a waste of time that can be spent on chipping Ivy's HP instead.
However, the sheer crowd summoned by Poison Ivy in hard mode can get overwhelming. To keep them at bay you can stun the minions by hitting them with Batarangs or push them off the platform to kill them instantly.
You can also trap them in the vine attacks or perform instant takedowns to deal with them quickly.
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