Is my rash contagious?

introduction

Whether a rash is contagious or not can often not be clearly established at first glance. If the rash is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, it is usually contagious. Specific symptoms that indicate the disease in question can then be a clue.
If the rash is caused by an allergic reaction, it is not contagious. For final certainty you should consult a doctor.

How do I know if my rash is contagious?

Often times, rashes near the genital area are contagious.

Some Signs can speak for a possible risk of infection:

1. General symptoms
   Often times, rash is not the only symptom of an illness. Numerous other complaints can also occur. For example, “red flags” for a contagious rash can Fever or cold symptoms be (see: Rash after fever).
   Fever is a natural defense reaction of our body and a sign of an increased immune defense. If the infection is bacterial or viral, a fever and rash can occur together. Typical diseases are among others Scarlet fever, measles, shingles, rubella, chicken pox and three-day fever. Fortunately, some of the diseases mentioned have only rarely been observed since vaccinations were introduced.
   Bacterial or viral rashes often go along with it Cold symptoms hand in hand. A runny nose, sore throat, cough or headache can indicate a contagious rash. This is especially the case with rubella, which is accompanied by a characteristic rash.

   The most common skin fungus is Tinea corporis. You can recognize the disease by round skin changes Scaling, Redness or small pustules (see: rash with pustules). The rash can appear all over the body and severe itching cause. It is often transmitted from pets to humans. In principle, however, the rash can also be passed on from person to person. Particular care should be taken when sharing towels, brushes or combs. Because the skin fungus can spread through this route and infect other people. Therapeutically, the contagious rash can be treated with a so-called antifungal ointment or get a grip on the solution.

   It is extremely common Tinea pedis, better known as Athlete's foot. It is the most common fungal disease in humans. A rash can then be observed especially between the toes, but also on the sole of the foot. The athlete's foot is typically characterized by reddening, flaking and itching. It is relatively easy to get infected with the fungus, especially in swimming pools, public showers or saunas. Therefore, always wear bathing shoes.

   Syphilis

   syphilis is mainly through Sexual intercourse transmittable (see: Transmission of Syphilis). In Germany, the number of reported cases has been increasing continuously for some years, so that currently around 3000-3500 people fall ill in Germany each year. If left untreated, syphilis has three stages. All three stages are accompanied by typical rash:

   Stage 1:
   A so-called occurs two to three weeks after the infection Primary effect at the entry point of the bacteria. Usually one can be small, painless sore observe in the area of ​​the penis or labia. More rarely, the rash is on the fingers, anus or in the mouth. The emerging, clear liquid is highly contagious.

   Stage 2:
   Complaints include Fever, fatigue, headache, and swelling of the lymph nodes. However, a non-itchy rash on the trunk, palms of the hands and soles of the feet is typical. In addition, genital skin symptoms similar to genital warts can occur. The rash is stage 2 syphilis very contagious.

   Stage 3:
   The pathogens have now spread throughout the body. Characteristic are rubber-like, hardened knots in and on the body. If they burst, an inflammatory secretion emerges.

   More about this topic can be found: Symptoms of Syphilis.

   Three-day fever

   At the Three-day fever it is a highly contagious, but in principle rather harmless initial infection with the herpes virus 6 or 7. It mainly affects Infants and young children. It is named after a high and abrupt fever lasting about 3-5 days. Affected children then suffer from one fine-spotted rash (please refer: Rash with three-day fever). Often the rash is only visible for a few hours, but no more than 3 days. Nevertheless, the three-day fever is contagious even afterwards.

   Ringlet rubella

   Typically, children between the ages of 5 and 15 develop the mostly harmless ones Ringlet rubella. In a large number of cases, the infection runs with the Parvovirus B19 without symptoms. If the disease does come to light, affected children suffer from a typical one skin rash. He starts with one Reddening of the face, leaving out the cheeks. In popular parlance, one speaks of the "slap rash".
   In the course spread red spots and papules in garlands over the entire body. Interestingly, by the time the rash occurs, rubella is no longer contagious. Once through, there is lifelong immunityso that the disease only occurs once in a lifetime.

   How do I know if my rash is not contagious?

   Again, some observations may suggest non-contagious rashes. Pay close attention to the context in which your rash occurs. Seasonal accumulations can indicate an allergic and thus non-contagious origin. Also at Food allergy an allergy may show up in the form of a non-contagious rash.

   More about this topic can be found: Rash from an allergy.

   Even after contact with e.g. Cleaning agents, chemicals or soap can often be seen to have a rash on the hands. Then one speaks of a "contact eczema". Contact eczema is also one of the non-contagious skin rashes.

   More about this topic can be found: Rash on the hands or Eczema

   Antibiotic allergies, such as Penicillins, non-contagious rashes can cause.

   More about this topic can be found: Rash after antibiotics

   Nevertheless, the following applies: only a doctor can make the clear distinction between “contagious” and “non-contagious”.

   Mites

   Different types of mites can cause rashes. Most famous is the Scabies mite. She caused the popularly as scabies known parasitic skin disease. It is transmitted through direct contact from person to person and is therefore highly contagious. The small mite digs into the top layer of skin. Especially at night it causes you severe itching. Many small skin injuries are caused by scratching. Affected suffer from burning red rash with small papules.
   Treatment must be consistent in the first place hygienic measures carried out (including changing the laundry daily). Locally used drugs (Permethrin) are used.

   In contrast, the House dust mite no contagious rash. Rather, sensitive people are allergic to components of house mite excrement. Accompanying e.g. sniff or Tears in the eyes occur. Particularly typical are year-round complaints, which are mainly aggravate at night. Then one speaks of one House dust mite allergy.

   The most important pillar of treatment is avoiding "dust catchers" in the bedroom. There are e.g. special pillowcases for those who are allergic to dust mites.

   Itchy or not itchy

   Unfortunately, no precise statement can be made in this regard. Both itchy and non-itchy rashes can be contagious. Rashes from allergies cause e.g. often stubborn itching, but are not contagious. Conversely caused Scarlet fever a scaly, non-itchy one Rash on fingertips and yet there is a high risk of infection.

   More about this topic can be found:

   • Itchy rash
   • Rash without itching
   • Scarlet fever rash