Are Skin Rashes Contagious?

There are many types of skin rashes, some are contagious and some are not. Most of those that are contagious are caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Rashes caused by allergic reactions, physical trauma or environmental irritants are not contagious.

Skin rashes are abnormal changes in skin color, texture, or appearance that are usually a result of skin inflammation. Rashes may affect a localized area or occur all over the body. 

There are many types of skin rashes, some are contagious and some are not. Most of those that are contagious are caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. 

Examples of contagious rashes caused by viruses include: 

• Herpes rashes, including
• Herpes simplex 1 and 2
• Rash and blisters that accompany shingles 
• Chickenpox
• Measles and rubella 
• Molluscum contagiosum 
• Erythema infectiosum (“fifth disease”)

Examples of contagious rashes caused by bacteria include: 

• Impetigo 
• Meningococcal disease rash caused by Neisseria meningitides (N. meningitides)  
• Cellulitis and erysipelas 
• Lymphangitis 
• Folliculitis 

Examples of contagious rashes caused by fungi include: 

• Ringworm infections, such as 
• Tinea pedis (also called “athlete's foot”)
• Tinea cruris (also called “jock itch”)
• Tinea corporis (affects the body)
• Tinea capitis (affects the scalp)
• Tinea barbae (affects the beard)

Symptoms of contagious skin rashes depend on the condition and may include: 

• Skin bumps 
• Blisters that may rupture and turn into open sores
• Skin swelling 
• Skin redness
• Itching
• Pain
• Skin warmth 

Depending on the cause of the rash, other symptoms may accompany contagious skin rashes such as: 

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Pain in the joints
• Muscle pains/body aches
• General ill feeling (malaise)
• Sore throat
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting

The cause of contagious skin rash depends on the type of rash: 

• Herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) that is passed from person to person during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
• Chickenpox is caused by a virus called varicella-zoster virus.
  • The varicella-zoster virus can linger in the body for years and later cause a painful rash called shingles.
• Measles and rubella are caused by the measles and rubella viruses. 
• Molluscum contagiosum is a type of poxvirus.
• Erythema infectiosum is caused by a virus called human parvovirus B19.
• Impetigo is usually caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, which is a type of "staph" infection, and is less commonly caused by streptococcus group A ("strep").
• Meningococcal disease rash is caused by Neisseria meningitides (N. meningitides) bacteria.
• Cellulitis and erysipelas are caused by bacteria, most often Staphylococcus aureus and beta-haemolytic streptococcus.
• Lymphangitis is caused by bacteria (commonly acute streptococcal infection), mycobacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that commonly enter the body through a skin wound or as a complication of an infection.
• Ringworm is usually caused by human dermatophytes, a type of fungus.

There are many types of skin rashes, some are contagious and some are not. Most of those that are contagious are caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. 

Infectious rashes may be transmitted a number of ways, depending on the germ. 

Some are transmitted from person-to-person through respiratory droplets from propelled into the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or even breathes.

Some may also be transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, or by touching an object or surface with the germ on it and then touching your face or an open wound without washing your hands. Some types of germs may be transmitted through soil or even by household pets.

Skin rashes are diagnosed with a patient history and physical examination of the skin. 

Tests may be used to determine the type of rash and/or the cause: 

• Skin biopsy
• Skin scraping
• Blood tests
• A sample of cells or fluid from a sore or blister
• Tests of cerebrospinal fluid (for meningococcal disease)
• Ultraviolet light to diagnose two specific species of ringworm: Microsporum canis and audouinii 

Treatment for skin rashes depends on the type of rash. 

Treatment for herpes, chickenpox, and shingles includes:

• Antiviral medicines, oral or topical
• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines and fever reducers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or aspirin
• Do not give aspirin to children, as it can cause a dangerous condition called Reye syndrome
• Prescription pain-relievers

Additional treatment for chickenpox includes: 

• Antihistamines for itching
• Skin treatments, such as calamine lotion and oatmeal baths to relieve itching

Additional treatment for shingles includes: 

• Antibiotics, if the rash becomes infected
• Anti-seizure medications, tricyclic antidepressants, or capsaicin cream for postherpetic neuralgia pain
• Topical anesthetics 
• Steroid injections 

There is no specific treatment for measles and rubella. Treatment is aimed at relief of symptoms and may include: 

• Rest 
• Fever reducers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Post-exposure vaccination
• Vitamin A (may reduce measles symptoms in patients who have low levels of the vitamin)

Treatment for molluscum contagiosum includes:

• Cryotherapy
• Curettage  
• Topical cantharidin 
• Topical podophyllotoxin  

Treatment for erythema infectiosum includes: 

• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 

Treatment for bacterial causes of contagious rashes such as impetigo, meningococcal disease rash caused by Neisseria meningitides, cellulitis and erysipelas, lymphangitis, and folliculitis includes: 

• Topical or oral antibiotics
• Wound care for damaged skin or surgery to remove dead tissue for rash caused by Neisseria meningitides
• Surgical debridement for severe lymphangitis 

Treatment for ringworm can vary depending on where on the body it occurs and includes: 

• Over-the-counter antifungal products
• Prescription oral or topical antifungals