What kind of rash can last for months?

Eczema. Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic long-lasting disease that manifests as a rash with redness, swelling, cracking and extreme itchiness.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on drugwatch.com


What if a rash doesn't go away?

If you get a rash that doesn't seem to go away, consider seeing a healthcare provider at an urgent care center. Rashes are the perfect example of an ailment that can be quickly diagnosed, letting you know right away if it's serious or not.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on gohealthuc.com


What's the longest a rash can last?

Expected Duration. How long a rash lasts depends on its cause. However, most rashes usually disappear within a few days. For example, the rash of a roseola viral infection usually lasts 1 to 2 days, whereas the rash of measles disappears within 6 to 7 days.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on drugs.com


What can cause long term rashes?

In some cases, chronic hives may be related to an underlying illness, such as a thyroid disease or, rarely, cancer.
...
Causes
  • Pain medications.
  • Insects or parasites.
  • Infection.
  • Scratching.
  • Heat or cold.
  • Stress.
  • Sunlight.
  • Exercise.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


Can a viral rash last for months?

A viral rash can last a few days to a few weeks. It depends on the type of viral infection and how long it takes to run its course. Talk to a healthcare provider about how long your rash might last and how long you might be contagious.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on my.clevelandclinic.org


How to tell if a rash needs medical attention



What diseases have a rash as a symptom?

Rashes Caused by Infection or Disease
  • Shingles. Shingles manifests as a painful rash with blisters on one side of the face or body. ...
  • Chickenpox. The hallmark sign of chickenpox is an itchy rash that affects the entire body. ...
  • HIV. ...
  • Measles. ...
  • Syphilis. ...
  • Roseola. ...
  • Lyme Disease.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on drugwatch.com


How do I know if my rash is fungal or bacterial?

Skin infections caused by viruses usually result in red welts or blisters that can be itchy and/or painful. Meanwhile, fungal infections usually present with a red, scaly and itchy rash with occasional pustules.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on arnoldpalmerhospital.com


What kind of rash can last for years?

Some cases of hives last for more than six weeks and can last months or years. This condition is known as chronic hives. If the cause cannot be identified, even after a detailed history and testing, the condition is called chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on acaai.org


What cancers cause rashes?

Skin rash caused by cancer
  • Mycosis fungoides. One of the most common blood-related cancers is mycosis fungoides, a type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. ...
  • Sezary syndrome. ...
  • Leukemia. ...
  • Kaposi sarcoma. ...
  • Chronic skin conditions. ...
  • Allergic reactions. ...
  • Skin infections.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on flo.health


What does an autoimmune rash look like?

Autoimmune rashes can look like scaly red patches, purplish bumps, or more. The appearance of autoimmune rashes will be different, depending on which autoimmune condition is triggering the skin rash. For example, cutaneous lupus may cause a scaly red patch that does not hurt or itch.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on primehealthdenver.com


How do I know what kind of rash I have?

Tests may be used to determine the type of rash and/or the cause:
  1. Skin biopsy.
  2. Skin scraping.
  3. Blood tests.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on emedicinehealth.com


How can you tell if a rash is serious?

If you have a rash and notice any of the following symptoms, see a board-certified dermatologist or go to the emergency room immediately:
  1. The rash is all over your body. ...
  2. You have a fever with the rash. ...
  3. The rash is sudden and spreads rapidly. ...
  4. The rash begins to blister. ...
  5. The rash is painful. ...
  6. The rash is infected.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on aad.org


When should I be worried about a rash?

It's best to go to an urgent care center or the emergency room if your rash is spreading rapidly. If your rash is spreading slower but is spreading over your body, it's still a good idea to get it looked at. It might be a warning that your rash is caused by an allergic reaction or an infection.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


What do stress rashes look like?

Hives from stress and anxiety can appear anywhere on your body. They often look like red, pink, or flesh-colored, raised, puffy, splotches. Sometimes, they may look like bug bites, or raised red bumps.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on khealth.com


Is a rash that doesn't fade always meningitis?

Meningitis rash

If a rash does not fade under a glass, it can be a sign of sepsis (sometimes called septicaemia or blood poisoning) caused by meningitis and you should call 999 straight away.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nhs.uk


What does a viral rash look like?

The characteristics of viral rashes can vary greatly. However, most look like splotchy red spots on lighter skin or purplish spots on darker skin. These spots might come on suddenly or appear gradually over several days. They can also appear in a small section or cover multiple areas.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


What does a leukemia rash look like?

One symptom that some people with leukemia might notice is tiny red spots on their skin. These pinpoints of blood are called petechiae. On fair and light skin tones, these may appear as red dots. On darker skin tones, they may be darker than the surrounding skin and less noticeable.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


How long does lymphoma rash last?

It's believed that chemicals called cytokines, which are released to fight cancer cells, contribute to making the skin itch. If any rash does not resolve on its own after two weeks, you should see your doctor for further evaluation.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


What does Stage 1 melanoma look like?

Stage IA Melanoma: The melanoma tumor is less than 1.0 millimeter thick (less than the size of a sharpened pencil point) with or without ulceration (broken skin) when viewed under the microscope. Stage IB Melanoma: The melanoma tumor is more than 1.0 millimeter and less than 2.0 millimeters thick without ulceration.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on curemelanoma.org


Does leukemia rash go away?

In addition to petechiae, this can appear as purpura (larger red or purple areas), or ecchymoses (bruises), Forrestel says. According to Forrestel, these spots usually take weeks to go away, but gentle skin care and avoiding trauma when possible can also help prevent the condition.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on everydayhealth.com


Are leukemia rashes itchy?

In very rare cases, itchy skin can be caused by a serious underlying condition such as leukaemia. According to our patient survey “Living Well with Leukaemia”, around 9% of people with leukaemia will experience itchy skin as a symptom prior to their diagnosis.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on leukaemiacare.org.uk


What does diabetic skin rash look like?

In people with diabetes, disseminated granuloma annulare forms rings or arcs on the fingers, hands, feet and ears. The rash may be red, reddish-brown or skin tone. It doesn't cause pain, but it may itch. Many times this will heal without therapy.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on my.clevelandclinic.org


What does a bacterial rash look like?

Bacterial skin infections often begin as small, red bumps that slowly increase in size. Some bacterial infections are mild and easily treated with topical antibiotics, but other infections require an oral antibiotic.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


What are the 5 types of skin infections?

Common skin infections include cellulitis, erysipelas, impetigo, folliculitis, and furuncles and carbuncles.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on aafp.org


How do I know if my rash is bacterial?

Skin Infection Symptoms
  1. Pus or fluid leaking out of the cut.
  2. Red skin around the injury.
  3. A red streak that runs from the cut toward your heart.
  4. A pimple or yellowish crust on top.
  5. Sores that look like blisters.
  6. Pain that gets worse after a few days.
  7. Swelling that gets worse after a few days.
  8. A fever.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com
Previous question
What makes your poop stick together?
Next question
Does earwax have a smell?