Possible Causes of Skin Rash on the Chest & Pubic Areas

Skin rashes can occur on any part of the body and are common in the chest and pubic

regions. Most rashes are red and accompanied by an itching or burning sensation. Rashes that can be caused by infection are contagious. Rashes cause by eczema or other genetic conditions are not contagious. Rashes are generally not dangerous, but do require a visit to the doctor to ensure that the rash is not something more serious.

Atopic Dermatitis

• Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. Eczema is a term used to categorize several skin conditions. The common factor in all of these conditions is that the skin appears red, scaly, inflamed and itches. Eczema can occur in people of all ages but fortunately is not contagious. According to Medicine Net, approximately 1 to 2 percent of all adults have eczema. Atopic dermatitis often occurs in both the pubic area and the chest. Very little is known about what causes atopic dermatitis. Sometimes, it can be dormant for years only to flare up suddenly. Stress tends to make it worse, as does cold weather. The only way to treat atopic dermatitis is to minimize the symptoms. Cortisone creams prescribed by a doctor are the most common way to minimize the itching and inflammation caused by atopic dermatitis.

Contact Dermatitis

• Contact dermatitis is when the skin has an allergic reaction to something with which it has come into contact. Symptoms include redness, burning and itching at the place where the skin has come in contact with the allergen. The allergen can be a wide variety of items, including cleaning supplies, chemicals, soap, nickel, perfume, fabric, cosmetics and poison ivy. Treatment by a doctor is not usually necessary, but home treatment may help reduce the itching. The first thing to do is determine the allergen and keep it away from your skin. Calamine lotion, nonprescription hydrocortisone cream and oral antihistamines will all help reduce the itching symptoms until the rash goes away on its own.

Fungal Infections

• The most common fungal infections are tinea infections and yeast infections, both of which can cause skin rashes. Jock itch is a common form of tinea infection that affects the pubic area, usually in men. The symptoms are an itchy sensation and a red, scaly rash. Fungal infections are common in the pubic area, but can also cause rashes on the chest. Fungal infections may have severe complications or signify the presence of other diseases. If you suspect that you have a rash due to a fungal infection, it is important to seek a doctor's opinion. People who take strong antibiotics for a long period of time and people with weak immune systems are more susceptible to fungal infections. Fungal infections are caused by having contact with people who already have an infection.