Dermatology Library

R

Rash:

The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are:

  • Scaly patches of skin not caused by infection.
  • Scaly patches of skin produced by fungus or bacterial infection.
  • Red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.

Rectal itch:

See: Pruritus (Itching)

Rhinophyma:

This is the condition that gave the late comedian W.C. Fields his trademark nose. Rhinophyma usually occurs in men and happens in advanced stage rosacea, when the oil glands on the nose become enlarged and the nose becomes bumpy, red and enlarged.

Also see: Rosacea

Ringworm (tinea):

Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus. Ringworm can affect skin on your body (tinea corporis), scalp (tinea capitis), groin area (tinea cruris, also called jock itch), or feet (tinea pedis, also called athlete's foot).

Rosacea:

A common skin disease that causes redness and swelling on the face. Often referred to as "adult acne," rosacea may begin as a tendency to flush or blush easily, and progress to persistent redness in the center of the face that may gradually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin, and nose. It also may involve the ears, chest and back. As the disease progresses, small blood vessels and tiny pimples begin to appear on and around the reddened area; however, unlike acne, there are no blackheads.

Rubella (German measles):

A disease caused by the rubella virus. The virus usually enters the body through the nose or throat. The disease can last 1-5 days. Children recover more quickly than adults. Symptoms of rubella include swollen glands, fever, rash, flaking, dry skin, inflammation of the eyes, nasal congestion, joint pain, and swelling pain in the testicles. Rubella can affect anyone of any age and is generally a mild disease. However, rubella can cause congenital rubella syndrome in the fetus of an infected pregnant woman. Fewer cases of rubella occur since a vaccine became available in 1969. Most people are vaccinated against rubella as children at 12-15 months of age. A second dose is required before age 11. Symptoms are usually treated with acetaminophen until the disease has run its course.

Also see: Rubeola

Rubeola (measles):

Measles, also called rubeola, is a highly contagious - but rare - respiratory infection that's caused by a virus. It causes a total-body skin rash and flu-like symptoms, including a fever, cough, and runny nose.

Since measles is caused by a virus, symptoms typically go away on their own without medical treatment once the virus has run its course. But while your child is sick, it's important to make sure that he or she has plenty of fluids and rest, and to keep your child from spreading the infection to others.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

While measles is probably best known for the full-body rash that it causes, the first symptoms of the infection are usually a hacking cough, runny nose, high fever, and watery red eyes. Another marker of measles are Koplik's spots, small red spots with blue-white centers that appear inside the mouth.

The measles rash typically has a red or reddish brown blotchy appearance, and first usually shows up on the forehead, then spreads downward over the face, neck, and body, then down to the feet.

Measles is highly contagious. When someone with measles sneezes or coughs, he or she can spread virus droplets through the air and infect others. Measles is very rare in the United States. Due to widespread immunizations, the number of U.S. measles cases has steadily declined in the last 50 years. There were thousands of cases of the measles in 1950, but in 2002 there were just 44. Most of the time, the cases occur in settings where there are lots of kids, some of whom haven't gotten vaccinated or whose immunity has diminished since they got the vaccine.

The most important thing you can do to protect your child from measles is to have him or her vaccinated according to the schedule prescribed by your child's doctor.

PREVENTION

Infants are generally protected from measles for 6 to 8 months after birth due to immunity passed on from their mothers. Older kids are usually immunized against measles according to state and school health regulations.