A Itchy Skin Rash can be an allergic reaction to something or could be a sign of a worse condition depending on the symptoms. If you have a fever also it could chicken pox or serum sickness. It is important to see a physician for the correct diagnosis of any itchy skin rash.

A rash indicates an abnormal change in skin color or texture. Rashes are usually caused by skin irritation, which can have many causes. Sometimes, other symptoms may be present and may help your doctor analyze your condition. The symptoms your doctor may ask about (in association with itchy rash) may include:

• Fever? - may suggest chicken pox, serum sickness, exfoliative dermatitis.

A rash can also be called dermatitis (pronounced: dur-muh-tye-tus), which is any swelling (puffiness) or irritation of the skin. It can be red, dry, scaly, and itchy. Rashes also can include lumps, bumps, blisters, and even pimples. Most people have had a rash or two. When you were a baby, you probably had diaper rash. But some rashes, especially combined with a fever, can be signs of serious illnesses. Hives, also called urticaria (pronounced: ur-tuh-kar-ee-ah), also can be serious because they can be a sign of an allergic reaction and the person may need immediate medical attention.

Hives, which are reddish or pale swellings, appear on a person's body when a chemical called histamine (pronounced: his-tuh-meen) is released in response to an allergen. The trigger could be a certain food, medicine, or insect bite. A virus also can cause hives. Here are some other common types of rashes:

• Eczema (pronounced: ek-zuh-muh), also called atopic dermatitis, is a common rash for kids. Eczema can cause dry, chapped, bumpy areas around the elbows and knees or more serious cases of red, scaly, and swollen skin all over the body.
• Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by contact with something irritating, such as a chemical, soap, or detergent. It can be red, swollen, and itchy. Even sunburn can be a kind of irritant dermatitis because it's red and may itch while it's healing.
• Allergic contact dermatitis is a rash caused by contact with an allergen (pronounced: ah-lur-jun). An allergen is something you are allergic to, such as rubber, hair dye, or nickel, a metal found in some jewelry. If you have nickel allergy, you might get a red, scaly, crusty rash wherever the jewelry touched the skin, like around your finger if you were wearing a ring. Urushiol (pronounced: yoo-roo-shee-ol), an oil or resin contained in poison ivy, oak, and sumac, also can cause this kind of rash.

Prevention is also the name of the game when it comes to other kinds of rashes.

• If a poison plant is your problem, learn what the plant looks like and avoid it. It also may help to wear long sleeves and pants when you're camping or hiking in the woods.
• If bugs bug you, have a parent help you apply some insect repellent when you'll be going outside.
• For allergic dermatitis or irritant contact dermatitis, try to avoid that substance. If you are allergic to nickel, wear only nickel-free jewelry. Or if you discover that bubble bath bothers your skin, don't use it.
• With eczema, stay away from harsh soaps that may dry out your skin. Also, make an effort to moisturize your skin with creams or lotions. Short, cool showers are a good idea, too, because hot showers and baths can further dry out your skin.

Tips on geting relief from the itching.

• Avoid hot showers and baths, which can dry out your skin and make the itching worse. Use mild soap and be sure to rinse it off well and towel off lightly. Then slather on an unscented moisturizer — some scents can cause irritation.
• Try an occasional warm oatmeal bath. (You can buy oatmeal bath preparations in drugstores.) Wear loose cotton clothing and avoid going out in the heat of the day, since heat can intensify the itching.