Skin Rashes: Common Types, Home Remedies & When to Worry
Identify common skin rashes, learn effective home treatments, and know the warning signs that need medical attention.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions in the UK. The NHS describes it as affecting people of all ages, but says it's most common in young children. It causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin most commonly in creases of elbows, behind knees, and on hands and face. It's not contagious. It often runs in families, particularly where there is asthma or hay fever, and is linked to the skin barrier not holding moisture in as well as it should. Management centres on the 'soak and seal' approach: bathe in lukewarm water, then immediately apply a thick emollient (moisturiser) to lock in hydration. Use emollients liberally — during a flare-up you will get through far more than you expect. One important safety point: emollients are not flammable on the skin, but once they soak into clothing, bedding or dressings those fabrics catch fire much more easily. Do not smoke or go near naked flames while using an emollient, and wash bedding and nightwear often. Avoid soap and wash with an emollient instead. Do not use aqueous cream — the NHS advises against it because it can irritate the skin and make eczema worse. Ask a pharmacist which emollient wash suits your skin. During flare-ups, your GP may prescribe topical steroids — use them as directed for the recommended duration. Common triggers include stress, dry/cold weather, harsh detergents, and certain fabrics (especially wool).
Hives (Urticaria) and Allergic Reactions
Hives are raised, itchy, pink or red welts that appear suddenly on the skin. They can be tiny spots or large patches and often move around the body. Most cases are caused by allergic reactions (foods, medications, insect stings), viral infections, or stress. Individual welts typically fade within 24 hours, but new ones may appear. Treatment with non-drowsy antihistamines (cetirizine or loratadine) is usually effective — you can safely take these daily. For more severe cases, your GP may prescribe a higher dose or add a second antihistamine. Seek emergency care (call 999) immediately if hives are accompanied by: difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the tongue, lips, or throat, feeling faint or dizzy, or rapid heartbeat. This could be anaphylaxis and requires adrenaline (EpiPen) injection.
Fungal Infections and Other Common Rashes
Fungal skin infections are very common and include: Athlete's foot — itchy, flaky skin between the toes, treated with antifungal cream (clotrimazole) for 2–4 weeks; Ringworm — a red, circular, scaly patch (it's not actually a worm!) treated with antifungal cream; and Jock itch — similar to ringworm but in the groin area. All are treatable with over-the-counter antifungal creams applied as directed. Other common rashes include: contact dermatitis (reaction to jewellery, cosmetics, or plants); heat rash (small red bumps in skin folds during hot weather, treated by cooling the skin); psoriasis (thick, silvery-white scaly patches, often on elbows and knees — a chronic condition needing GP management); and shingles (painful, blistering rash in a band on one side of the body — caused by reactivation of chickenpox virus, needs antiviral medication within 72 hours).
When a Rash Needs Medical Attention
Most rashes are harmless, but certain features warrant prompt medical evaluation. See your GP urgently or call 111 for: a rash that spreads rapidly over hours; a rash with fever and feeling very unwell; blisters or skin peeling; signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pus, or red streaking); a rash that doesn't improve after 2 weeks of appropriate self-care; and any new rash during pregnancy. Call 999 for: any rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it, whether or not there is a fever — this could be meningococcal septicaemia; a rash with difficulty breathing or throat swelling; and widespread blistering with peeling skin (possible Stevens-Johnson syndrome — a rare but serious drug reaction). The 'glass test': press the side of a clear glass firmly against the rash — if it does not fade, call 999. But do not wait for a rash. The NHS is explicit that not everyone with meningitis gets one, and when it appears it is often late. Call 999 for a very painful headache, a stiff neck with sensitivity to bright light, confusion or slurred speech, a very high or very low temperature, a first seizure, or simply if you are worried it might be meningitis — rash or no rash.
- skin
- rashes
- eczema
- dermatology
Sources and further reading
This page was written from the following published guidance. All links checked 26 August 2026.