Online Dermatologist > Itchy Rash Pictures, Causes and Treatment

Non-Infectious Rashes
Atopic Dermatitis | Nummular Eczema | Neurodermitis | Lichen Ruber Planus | Pityriasis Rosea | Urticaria (Hives) | Psoriasis

Infectious Rashes
Bacterial: Cellulitis | Folliculitis | Impetigo | Syphilis | Intertrigo
Fungal: Athlete’s Foot | Jock Itch | Ringworm
Parasitic: Scabies
Viral – Exanthem: Molluscum Contagiosum

Seeking Medical Advice | Treatment | Allergy Testing

Pictures of Infectious Rashes

Bacterial Rashes

Eruptions caused by bacteria tend to be postular (small bumps filled with pus) or could be plaque-like and painful.

8. Cellulitis

Online Dermatologist Question

Age: 33
Gender: Female

It looks like a bite on the left side of my right leg crease. This started on Sunday. It’s now Thursday. Worried about the red being an infection. I was wearing jeans on a plane at the time this started.

Warm, red rash with swelling in the leg fold — cellulitis often appears in this way when bacteria enter through a small skin break.

Online Dermatologist Answer

Based on the images and information, this is possibly cellulitis.

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection. It occurs when bacteria — most commonly Streptococcus and Staphylococcus — enter through a crack or break in the skin.

Cellulitis appears as a swollen, red area that feels hot and tender. The skin on the lower legs is most commonly affected, though cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body or face.

It might affect only the surface of the skin or extend to deeper tissues. In more serious cases, it can spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream.

⚠️ Left untreated, cellulitis can rapidly become serious.

What You Should Do

• Seek immediate medical attention — prescription systemic antibiotics are usually required

• Until then, apply any topical antibiotic cream you have (e.g. Neosporin, mupirocin, fucidic acid)

• Clean the area gently with chlorhexidine wash

9. Folliculitis

Online Dermatologist Question

Age: 23
Gender: Male

I’ve noticed these little red dots that vary in size since November or December. They’ve gradually spread more and more throughout my legs and seem to be getting more defined, with some showing redness around them. What could this be?

Clusters of red dots on the leg — consistent with folliculitis, an inflammation of the hair follicles.

Online Dermatologist Answer

Based on the information and images of your legs, this is possibly FOLLICULITIS.

Folliculitis is a very common skin condition. It is caused by an inflammation of the hair roots due to small sores in the skin allowing bacteria and other irritants to enter and inflame the hair follicles. It can be both infectious or non-infectious.

I would recommend that you:

• Keep the area clean with antibacterial soaps or solutions (e.g. Chlorhexidine).

• If it does not improve, see your family doctor in person.

• You should not shave the area until it heals.

Prescription topical antibiotics (e.g. mupirocin) and/or oral antibiotics may be necessary if the above recommendations do not have any effect after 2 weeks.

10. Impetigo

Online Dermatologist Question

Age: 32
Gender: Male

Randomly showed up on left shoulder one day. Started as a small, bug bite–sized spot. Eventually expanded into a larger 1.5” (guess) diameter circle that scabbed.

As that area healed (lighter pink area in the middle), other spots have appeared. Started using an antifungal cream, which seemed to help some spots, but new ones keep showing up. The rash hasn’t spread elsewhere — it’s fully contained to the left shoulder and shoulder blade area.

Red rash with crusted sores localized on the shoulder — typical appearance of impetigo during active infection.

Online Dermatologist Answer

Based on the information and images of your shoulder, this is possibly impetigo.

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. It is very contagious and can spread to other parts of the body or to family members.

Reddish patches or plaques with yellowish crusts are common in impetigo.

Treatment

• Wash the area daily with soap and water

• Use disinfectant solutions containing chlorhexidine to reduce bacteria

• Avoid sharing towels, especially hand towels, with others in your household

• If there is no improvement within a few days, consult your doctor or dermatologist for further evaluation

Prescription treatments may include:

• Topical antibiotics, such as Altargo (retapamulin ointment)

• In some cases, oral antibiotics may be necessary

11. Syphilis

Online Dermatologist Question

Age: 32
Gender: Male

I’ve had 3 things that looked like “pimples” on my penis for the last 5 days or so. They don’t hurt terribly bad. The one or two that look more like open sores became that way when I popped them. Only clear fluid comes out of them.

Multiple red bumps and shallow open sores on the penile shaft — may indicate primary syphilis with chancre formation

Online Dermatologist Answer

Thank you for sending your case. Based on the information and images submitted, this is possibly syphilis — a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacteria known as Treponema pallidum. Most often, it spreads through sexual contact.

The disease starts as a sore (syphilitic chancre) that’s often painless and typically appears on the genitals, rectum, or mouth. Syphilis spreads from person to person through direct contact with these sores.

In nearly 40% of primary syphilis cases, multiple chancres may occur. These may also appear on nearby surfaces due to self-inoculation (e.g. “kissing chancres”).

Some blood tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis, in addition to clinical symptoms and medical history.

You need to consult an STD clinic to get tested.

Following confirmation, appropriate management will be provided.

12. Intertrigo

Online Dermatologist Question

Age: 33
Gender: Female

I’ve been struggling with recurring skin issues in the groin for over a year.

The itching gets much worse at night, and over-the-counter treatments only offer temporary relief.

The skin sometimes becomes dry and scaly, and when the area gets sweaty at night, it starts itching badly. I can’t help scratching, which causes the skin to break and get infected again and again.

I’ve tried cutting my nails, using talc, creams, and cotton underwear — but nothing works long-term.

Now my partner has similar symptoms near their genital area.

I believe this needs proper medical assessment, possibly some testing. But my GP keeps redirecting me to a pharmacist.

Dry, itchy rash in the groin fold — consistent with intertrigo caused by friction, moisture, and inflammation.

Online Dermatologist Answer

Based on the information and images of your skin, this is possibly INTERTRIGO.

Intertrigo is a rash in the body folds (flexures) where skin comes into contact with other parts of the skin — such as:

• Behind the ears

• In the folds of the neck

• Under the arms (axillae)

• Under a protruding abdomen

• In the groin

• Between the buttocks

• In the finger webs or toe spaces

The skin affected by intertrigo is typically reddened and uncomfortable (inflamed). It may become moist and macerated, leading to cracks and peeling.

Intertrigo is caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Flexural skin tends to have a higher surface temperature. Moisture from sweating or water loss can’t evaporate properly because of skin-on-skin contact. Friction from movement causes chafing. Microorganisms (like fungi and bacteria) that normally live on the skin multiply in warm, moist environments, which can worsen the condition.

Treatment

Since the rash is often both infectious and inflammatory, a combination treatment is recommended. In most countries, these are available over-the-counter.

• Morning: Apply a topical antifungal cream such as clotrimazole, terbinafine, or miconazole

• Evening: Apply a low-potency topical steroid such as 1% hydrocortisone cream

You should see improvement within a couple of days, but it’s important to continue the treatment for 1–2 weeks. Stopping early increases the risk of relapse.

Prevention

• After healing, apply the steroid once or twice weekly as maintenance

• If sweating contributes, using talc powder helps keep the area dry and prevents recurrence

If the rash persists or gets worse, you should see your family physician or a dermatologist for in-person evaluation.

Fungal Rashes

Fungal infections can be quite common and usually appear as fiery red marks with pustules (blisters) around the edges. Normally they affect folds in the skin such as the groin or breast area.

12. Athlete’s Foot

Online Dermatologist Question

Age: 10
Gender: Male

I’ve had 3 things that looked like “pimples” on my penis for the last 5 days or so. They don’t hurt terribly bad. The one or two that look more like open sores became that way when I popped them. Only clear fluid comes out of them.

They’re on my penis shaft as shown in the photos, and that’s it.

Itchy rash with peeling skin between the toes — athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) in children.

Online Dermatologist Answer

Thank you for sending your case. Based on the information and images of your foot, this looks like typical tinea pedis.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection between the toes caused by warm, moist, and tight conditions around the feet and toes.

Treatment

• Use over-the-counter antifungal creams, optionally combined with hydrocortisone

• Maintain good foot hygiene

• Change socks frequently

• Keep the area between the toes dry

If your condition does not improve within 10 to 14 days, consult your family doctor.

Your doctor may prescribe:

• Topical antifungal creams

• Or, in some cases, oral antifungal medications

13. Jock Itch (Tinea Cruris)

Online Dermatologist Question

Age: 40
Gender: Female

Started on the 10th as a small circular area on the left inner thigh near the groin and has now spread to both sides and become larger.

It itches occasionally, especially during showers with warm water.

Initially, I thought it was dry skin and used a scrub. After checking online, I suspected jock itch, as it was spreading.

I started using clotrimazole cream on the 12th or 13th.

The first close-up photo shows Day 1 on the right and Day 2 or 3 on the left (when I started the cream). The overall photo shows what it looks like today.

Scaly, itchy rash on inner thigh and groin folds — consistent with tinea cruris (jock itch) fungal infection

Online Dermatologist Answer

Based on the information and images of your inner thighs, this is possibly tinea cruris.

Tinea cruris is a fungal infection of the groin, caused by a dermatophyte fungus. It is commonly referred to as “jock itch.”

The rash usually:

• Has a scaly, red, raised border

• Spreads from the groin to the inner thighs

• May form ring-like patterns on the buttocks

Tinea cruris:

• Is not typically found on the penis, vulva, or anus

• Can be very itchy

• Resembles ringworm (tinea corporis) in appearance

Treatment

• Diagnosis is confirmed by microscopy and skin scraping culture

• First-line treatment: Topical antifungal agents (e.g. Lamisil cream twice daily for 2 weeks)

• If topical treatment fails:

  • Oral antifungal medications such as Terbinafine or Itraconazole may be considered

When to See a Doctor

• If symptoms do not improve after topical treatment, consult a doctor in person

• A healthcare provider can assess the rash and recommend appropriate oral medication or further testing

14. Ringworm (Tinea Corporis)

Online Dermatologist Question

Age: 46
Gender: Male

I have a rash that flares up every few weeks over the past six months — starting on my lower back and spreading to my buttocks.

It can be extremely itchy some days, and other times I barely notice it.

There’s no pain or other symptoms.

My primary doctor prescribed Clobetasol Propionate, which almost cleared it up after a week, but the rash returnedand has stayed mostly unchanged for the past month.

Large, scaly, itchy red rash on the lower back with raised borders — appearance consistent with tinea corporis (ringworm).

Online Dermatologist Answer

Based on the information and images of your back, this is possibly TINEA CORPORIS.

Tinea corporis (ringworm) is the name used for fungal infection of the skin on the trunk, legs, or arms.

The term ringworm refers to:

• Round or oval red scaly patches

• Often less red and scaly in the center or healed in the middle

• Sometimes, one ring may arise inside another (older) ring

Tinea corporis may present as:

• Acute: sudden onset and rapid spread

• Chronic: slow-growing, mildly inflamed rash

Treatment

Tinea corporis is usually treated with topical antifungal agents available over-the-counter at your pharmacy.

If topical treatment is unsuccessful, oral antifungal medications may be considered, including:

• Terbinafine

• Itraconazole

The diagnosis is confirmed by microscopy and culture of skin scrapings.

Important Note

The use of topical steroids like clobetasol may temporarily suppress symptoms (itching and inflammation) but can:

• Worsen fungal growth

• Alter the typical ringworm appearance

• Lead to tinea incognito

❗ Do not use topical steroids.

I recommend you see a doctor in person who can take a culture and prescribe the appropriate medication.

Parasitic Rashes

These rashes are usually caused by some kind of mite. Typically contracted by prolonged contact with an infected individual. It does not produce symptoms until the host becomes allergic to the mites after around 3 weeks. The most common:

• Bed Bugs
• Scabies

15. Scabies – Itchy rash for 5 weeks

Online Dermatologist question

Age: 34
Gender: Female

I’ve had this itchy rash for about 5 weeks now. It started after being bitten by mosquitos while sitting outside. Those bites, located on my upper arms and legs, resolved in a few days. But soon after, a red, circular, and raised rashdeveloped on my arms, especially on the wrists, forearms, and both the palms and backs of my hands.

I also noticed numerous bumps under the skin on my palms, and some peeling between my fingers. The rash became increasingly itchy. I was concerned it might be scabies, especially since I work in a jail, so I went to urgent care. Although the physician didn’t observe burrows and didn’t think it was scabies, I still requested treatment and used malathion.

After the treatment, I noticed red bumps on the backs of my knees and the tops of my feet. My husband also used malathion and we washed all linens. He has no rash or symptoms.

The next morning, after washing off the malathion, I developed a new red, raised, diffuse rash on the same thigh. I started using triamcinolone cream, and within a few days the rash on my legs and forearms improved, but the rash on my hands remained persistent and became darker.

The itching continues, especially on my hands, and I now have peeling skin there. I’ve tried Zyrtec, Benadryl, moisturizing, and occasionally triamcinolone, but nothing brings lasting relief.

I have no recent travel except a trip to Hawaii 2 weeks before this began. I don’t have pets but was around a couple of dogs (whose owners have no symptoms). My medical history includes hypothyroidism (on levothyroxine), vitamin D deficiency, and a dormant eczema patch on the back of my neck.

Scabies on Hand

Online dermatologist Doctor Geronimo Jones answer

Based on the information and images of your hand, SCABIES must be ruled out with full certainty.

Scabies are inflammatory lesions caused by a mite that burrows into the skin, though the burrows can sometimes be difficult to detect. The parasite is transmitted through direct physical contact with another person who has scabies. Lesions typically cause intense itching, which is often worse during the evening or night.

Treatment

To confirm a diagnosis of scabies, it is essential to have a dermatologist examine the skin in person and take a sample to identify the mite under a microscope.

If the diagnosis is confirmed, I usually prescribe Permethrin cream.

Viral Rashes – Exanthem

Viral rashes are known as exanthems. Usually they are symmetrical and affect the skin surface all over the body. There are even arguments to suggest Covid-19 can cause reactions on the skin. Occasionally they are caused by STDs and may come with other symptoms such as coughing and sneezing. Here are the most common:

• Herpes
• Measles
• Shingles
• Molluscum Contagiosum (Water Warts)

15. Molluscum Contagiosum

Online Dermatologist question

Age: 26
Gender: Male

I’ve had an itchy rash for about a month now, with symptoms coming and going. The small, raised, shiny bumpsappeared the day after using an anti-itch cream and after sexual intercourse. The bumps can appear red, pinkish, or flesh-colored, but they don’t hurt, pop, or feel tender.

The rash itself itches occasionally, but the individual bumps do not itch. I haven’t noticed any craters or central dimpling in the bumps. I’m unsure what this could be, and it’s been persistent enough to be concerning.

Molluscum Contagiosum – Penis

Online dermatologist Doctor Geronimo Jones answer

Possibly DERMATITIS and MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM – a viral infection (poxvirus) which causes small, shiny bumps in the genital region in adults.

However, SCABIES cannot be fully excluded. Scabies causes inflammatory lesions from a mite that burrows into the skin. This parasite is transmitted through direct physical contact, often resulting in itching, especially during the evening or night.

Treatment

Before starting any treatment, it is essential to confirm the diagnosis with a dermatologist in person.

In the meantime, to relieve the itching, you can:

• Apply hydrocortisone cream (available over-the-counter) twice daily

• Use a moisturizing cream regularly

• Avoid scratching the lesions to prevent further irritation

Should I Seek Medical Advice?

1. What Does the Rash Look Like?

When faced with a rash, many people turn to search engines for answers. While comparing images can be helpful, it can also be overwhelming due to the number of possible conditions. If your rash looks like ringworm, herpes, or another condition with a recognizable pattern, it’s best to consult a doctor. Our AI Skin Image Search helps narrow down the possibilities—upload a photo and get matched with common skin conditions within seconds.

2. Is the Rash Causing You Discomfort?

If your rash is intensely itchy, painful, or simply won’t go away, it’s time to get it checked. Persistent irritation is your body’s way of signaling that something may be wrong—whether it’s an allergic reaction, infection, or underlying skin condition.

3. Are There Other Symptoms?

Pay attention to additional signs. If your rash is accompanied by fever, swelling, shortness of breath, or blisters (especially around the mouth, eyes, or genitals), consult a doctor urgently. These symptoms may indicate a serious infection or systemic condition.

Itchy Rash Treatment

While you identify the cause of your rash, over-the-counter (OTC) products can offer relief:

• Steroid creams (e.g., hydrocortisone) – helpful for inflammation and itching (avoid on face unless directed).

• Antihistamines – can reduce allergic itch (e.g., hives).

• Cool environments – wear light clothing and keep the room cool.

• Moisturizers – apply regularly, especially after bathing.

• Minimize soap use – opt for gentle cleansers and avoid daily showers if skin is dry or irritated.

• Natural exposure – for some, sun and salt water may help ease symptoms.

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Treatments

Around 70% of First Derm™ users find relief with pharmacy-available treatments such as:

• Mild steroid creams (e.g., hydrocortisone)

• Antibacterial creams (e.g., mupirocin)

• Moisturizers, disinfectants, and sunscreens

⚠️ Know your condition first. For example, perioral dermatitis worsens with steroid creams, while impetigo and acnemay improve with disinfectants and proper hygiene.

Allergy Testing

If you suspect your itchy rash is due to an allergy, testing can help. There are two main options:

• Skin prick test – fast and commonly used.

• Blood test – more comprehensive and precise, often detecting hundreds of allergens.

Understanding your sensitivities helps prevent future flare-ups. If your rash isn’t linked to an external trigger, it might stem from an infection or internal condition—especially if other symptoms are present.

Medical Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.