Skin rash is a common symptom in children and adults, but it is definitely more common in children. Chickenpox and erythema infectiosum are common in children, and patients with these infections have a characteristic skin rash, but after a certain age, they are not the leading cause. Rash in adults can be a benign condition, not always associated with infections. But sometimes it can point out to a worrying disease such as leukemia.
If you have a rash as an adult, is there any way to know whether or not to worry? What causes skin rash in adults? What signs and symptoms should alert you to ask your doctor right away and find out the cause of your rash? We will cover all of these topics in the following paragraphs.
Types of skin rash in adults
The types of skin rash in adults are the same as in children. But while children’s skin rashes are mostly infectious, the most common causes of rash in adults are either allergic, inflammatory or hemorrhagic. Each subtype has distinct pathophysiology, as you will see next:
Inflammatory skin rash
As the name implies, this type of skin rash appears as a result of inflammation in the skin or the underlying tissues. It usually shares the same signs of inflammation we are used to seeing: heat, redness, and tenderness. In inflammatory skin rash, the affected area becomes reddened, and it’s a bit more warm to the touch. It is usually tender, but this feature depends on the severity and the extension of the rash. Inflammatory skin rash appears due to certain substances released by your white blood cells, and may or may not be associated with infectious diseases.