It isn’t necessarily uncommon to have a rash on the stomach or chest, but it can make you feel anxious while you resolve it. Some rashes can be a product of something as minor as an allergic reaction. People have sensitivities that are environmental or caused by something they might have come in contact with, such as an item of clothing made out of a certain material. While many times these rashes disappear, there are instances where a rash becomes worse, or doesn’t disappear. While it’s important to stay calm and not over think the situation, it’s also equally important to keep track of the course and symptoms of a rash should it develop into something further.

Having a rash on certain areas of the body can indicate something larger, or mean nothing at all. As stated above, some people suffer from having overly sensitive skin. Most dermatologists would refer to such a phenomenon as, “Contact dermatitis”. Contact dermatitis is a reaction to any number of irritants or allergens that a person can come into contact with on a daily basis. A person can be affected by outdoor irritants, clothing, detergents, perfumes, foods, medications, or fabrics, just to name a few. Furniture polish used at work, ink from tattoos and many other reasons can be the root of the rash. Belts can cause skin eruptions on the stomach area. Piercings can result in rashes on near the belly button or on chest too. Contact dermatitis generally will affect the area that’s been in contact with the irritant.

Heat rash is another well known rash. Heat rash is brought on by hot temperatures that a person’s body can’t handle effectively. Instead of perspiring, the sufferer’s body doesn’t release perspiration, causing their sweat ducts to swell. Heat rash is described as red or pink bumps on the body, specifically in areas covered by clothing. Heat rash usually resolves on its own, though it’s recommended to watch for any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or additional swelling.

Kids can pick up a scabies rash from other kids and this can be on the stomach and chest areas. Adults can also get this from their kids, work and living in nursing homes. Remember that this can be a very itchy skin rash and must be treated with a pesticide on the body that’s prescribed.

Sometimes a rash can indicate something more serious, such as chicken pox or measles. Both chicken pox and measles are highly contagious diseases that can cause a fever, sore throat, and a rash that can be present anywhere on the body as well as internally. Chicken pox is known for causing a rash that itches wherever it’s present. Measles by comparison, can cause other symptoms such as of coughing, swollen lymph nodes, or the feeling of having a bad cold. The chance of getting both measles and chicken pox can be seriously reduced by being vaccinated against both diseases.

There are times that a presence of a rash can indicate a chronic illness, such as an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is a condition where the body mistakes certain cells within the body as invaders, causing the body to attack itself. A large amount of autoimmune diseases manifests a rash of some sort. Among the most commonly known autoimmune diseases is lupus, which leaves a telltale red rash that can affect the chest and face. This rash for reasons that are obvious is commonly referred to as a lupus butterfly rash when it develops on the face. Other symptoms of autoimmune disease are joint pain, low grade fevers, and a general feeling of malaise.

Having a rash on the stomach and chest can be caused by many different things. Rashes anywhere on the body can be caused by environmental issues, intolerance to certain things ingested into the body, or an illness, whether short-lived or chronic. It’s imperative to closely monitor any rash. Prolonged, stubborn rashes that won’t go away might require the evaluation of a doctor for proper diagnosis.