Rashes

There are many different kinds of rash. They have a variety of causes – such as diseases, allergies and fungal infections.

Find out about some causes of rashes on the pages below.

• Chickenpox
• Eczema
• Hand, foot and mouth disease
• Impetigo (school sores)
• Measles
• Meningococcal disease
• Ringworm
• Scabies
• Shingles
• Slapped cheek

When to see your doctor

See your doctor if:

• you’re worried about your rash and how to treat it
• your rash is caused by a disease or infection that needs treatment.

Call Healthline 0800 611 116 if you’re unsure what you should do.

More about rashes

DermNet New Zealand Trust’s Dermnet website has detailed information on different skin rashes.

• If you know the name of the rash you’re concerned about, find it in the A–Z index of more than 1200 dermatological topics.
   
• If the rash is on one specific area of your body, look for it here:
  • Hair and scalp
  • Nails
  • Sweat
  • Face
  • Ear
  • Mouth
  • Hands
  • Genitals
  • Feet
  • Skin fold
     
• If the rash is over all or most of your body, look for it here:
  • Systemic diseases
  • Lesions, tumours and cancers
  • Acne / follicular diseases
  • Eczema, dermatitis and allergies
  • Blistering diseases
  • Immunological disorders
  • Scaly skin diseases
  • Erosions & ulcers
  • Vascular skin problems
  • Pigmentation problems
  • Pruritus (itch)
  • Reactions to external agents
  • Deep skin disorders
     
• If you want to know more about different treatments for skin diseases, look here:
  • Topical therapy (creams)
  • Oral therapy (drugs by mouth)
  • Cosmetic treatments
  • Injections
  • Skin surgery
  • Ultraviolet therapy

The Ministry of Health is grateful to the DermNet New Zealand Trust for permission to link to its Dermnet website.