Contact dermatitis usually starts as raised red spots. This is especially true of a small rash that will not go away.

This is why it's important to make this distinction.Ĭontact dermatitis is a common cause of a rash in one area.

Examples are rashes caused by chemicals, allergens, insect bites, ringworm fungus, bacteria or irritants.

The cause of a localized rash usually is just from contact with the skin.

Examples are rashes caused by viruses, bacteria, toxins, and food or drug allergies.

The cause of a widespread rash usually goes through the blood stream.

Many viral rashes are on the chest, stomach and back. Widespread rashes always occur on matching (both) sides of the body.

Widespread can also be on most of the body surface. Examples are both legs or the entire back.

Widespread means the rash occurs on larger areas.

Exceptions: athlete's foot can occur on both feet. Usually, the rash is just on one side of the body.

Localized means the rash occurs on one small part of the body.

Localized Versus Widespread Rash: How to Decide 8 rashes that you may be able to recognize are listed there. Look at the 'See Other Care Guide' section. Starts from a break in the skin (such as a scratched insect bite). The main symptom is a red area that keeps spreading. This is a bacterial infection of the skin. Can be very large without being an allergy. Local redness and swelling is a reaction to the bee's venom. Kids often get mosquito bites without anyone noticing it. Local redness and swelling is a reaction to the insect's saliva. Many of the products used in the home can be irritating to the skin.

Some babies get hives around the mouth from drooling while eating a new food. Some children get a rash if a food is rubbed on the skin. Some people get a rash where a dog or cat has licked them. Playing in the grass can cause a pink rash on exposed skin. Sap from evergreens can cause a red area. A rash in just one spot is usually caused by skin contact with an irritant. Small spots, large spots or solid redness.Red or pink rash on one small part of the body (localized).

Rash that itches when touched