A localized rash affects only a small area or is limited to
one part of the body. The appearance of a rash may give clues about what is
causing it and how severe it is.
Most localized rashes are caused
by minor problems, such as:
Localized rashes will usually get better and go away with
home treatment.
Serious localized rashes rarely appear without
other symptoms, such as pain or fever. It is important to determine whether
other symptoms are present and evaluate those symptoms.
Localized
rashes that may require a visit to a health professional include:
- Lyme disease. Lyme disease
is caused by a bacteria carried by deer ticks in some areas. A characteristic
expanding red rash usually occurs at the site of the tick bite and is followed
by flulike symptoms, such as a headache, chills, fever, body aches, and
stiffness.
- Diaper rashes.
Diaper rashes are caused by irritation of the skin
from moisture, chemicals, or bacteria in the baby's urine or stool or from
substances in disposable diapers.
