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There are many types of skin rashes. A rash is an outbreak of many red bumps or patches on the skin. Many conditions can cause an itchy rash. In children, several types of skin inflammations (such as diaper rash), various allergic reactions (contact dermatitis), and sometimes infection with a mite can be the cause of a longstanding itchy skin rash.

Determining whether the condition is chronic, generally lasting more than 1-2 weeks, or recurrent, coming and going several times over weeks to months, helps to narrow the number of possible causes for the skin rash. The location on the body and the extent of the rash can also help determine a cause. Limited areas of involvement are typical of irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, as well as a form of skin inflammation called lichen simplex chronicus. A rash in body folds is often due to diaper dermatitis or sometimes psoriasis. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) and psoriasis may involve either limited or extensive areas of the skin, while scabies and hives (urticaria) are often widespread, covering the entire body.

Click any of the skin rash pictures below to get started answering your health questions.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Pediatric) Allergic contact dermatitis is an allergy to a substance (the allergen) touching the skin. The reaction occurs 48–72 hours after exposure. Common allergens are nickel, chromates…

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a condition that appears as dry skin, unable to shield itself from irritants (poor skin barrier function), and intense itching that is made worse by scratching. 

Diaper Rash  (Irritant Diaper Dermatitis) Diaper rash (irritant diaper dermatitis) occurs when an infant's sensitive skin is exposed to urine and stool, coupled with the diaper rubbing and chafing the skin, a tight-fitting diaper, or…

Lichen Simplex Chronicus Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC), also known as neurodermatitis circumscripta, is an itchy skin condition causing thickened skin at the areas of skin injured by repeated scratching and rubbing. Lichen…

Psoriasis Psoriasis is a non-contagious, lifelong skin problem with thickened, red, and often scaly skin. It is very likely to be hereditary (run in families) and seems to be caused by…

Scabies (Pediatric) Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by a tiny parasite (mite) called Sarcoptes scabiei that can live and multiply (infest) on skin. They are passed between people by prolonged skin-to-skin contact.

Hives (Urticaria) Hives (urticaria), also known as welts, is a common skin condition with itchy, pink to red bumps that appear and disappear anywhere on the body. An individual lesion of hives typically lasts a…