Департамент здравоохранения города Талса – Программа эпидемиологии
Rashes are easy to see but they can be easy to misunderstand. Many rashes are mild and go away on their own. Others may be early signs of illness. Some rashes are contagious (can spread to others). Others are not contagious at all. Knowing the difference helps protect your health and your community.
Skin is the body’s largest organ. It often shows signs of illness early. A rash may happen because:
• The skin reacted to something it touched
• The body is fighting an infection
• A contagious illness is present
Looking at other symptoms like fever, cough or fatigue helps determine what steps to take next.
Not All Rashes Spread to Others
Non-Contagious Rashes
These rashes do not spread person to person.
Allergic or Irritant Rashes
These happen after touching something new, such as soap, detergent, plants or metals.
Common signs:
• Rash in one area
• Itching or redness
• Starts soon after contact
• No fever
• Not contagious
Environmental or Stress-Related Rashes
Examples include heat rash, insect bites, or stress flare-ups.
Chronic Skin Conditions
Conditions like eczema, rosacea or psoriasis may flare up over time. These are ongoing (chronic) conditions and are not contagious
Some Rashes Are Part of Infections
Some infections cause rashes that may or may not spread along with other symptoms like fever or fatigue. Some of these infections are contagious. Others require direct skin contact to spread. Key difference: If a rash comes with fever, cough, or feeling very sick, it may be linked to an infection that needs medical evaluation.
Examples:
• Bacterial infections (impetigo)
• Fungal infections (ringworm)
• Viral infections (chickenpox or measles)
Highly Contagious Rash Illnesses
Certain diseases spread easily in schools, childcare settings, workplaces and shared living spaces. Examples include: measles, chickenpox, hand, foot and mouth disease and mpox.
These rashes may spread quickly, form blisters and/or appear with fever or fatigue. If not recognized early, contagious rashes can spread rapidly through close contact.
What To Do If You Notice a Rash
If you or someone in your home develops a rash:
• Avoid close contact until you know the cause
• Wash hands often
• Do not scratch
• Cover open or exposed rashes
• Watch for fever or other symptoms
Get medical advice if the rash:
• Spreads quickly
• Comes with fever or illness
• Does not improve
• Affects young children or someone with a weaker immune system
Covering a rash may reduce skin contact. However, it does not stop all infections from spreading. Some illnesses spread through the air or close contact even if the rash is covered. Early evaluation protects both personal health and community health.
The Tulsa Health Department Epidemiology Program is here to help. Give us a call on our Epi Line at 918-595-4399 Monday–Friday between 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.