Rashes may spring up every now and then as a simple reaction to some minor irritation like an insect bite or a new detergent. Rashes can also be the result of an infection, allergic reaction, autoimmune disorder, dry skin, hormonal imbalances, or any number of things. Some rashes itch quite a bit, while others do not.

Rashes come in all different shapes and sizes, sometimes with accompanying symptoms that indicate the source of the rash. Just as pain is an indicator that something is wrong, a rash can serve as a signpost that something deeper is going on, something much more serious. We will more closely examine rashes that are associated with a few serious and sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Lymphoma Rashes

Lymphoma is a type of cancer affecting certain white blood cells known as lymphocytes. Symptoms include chest pain, unexplained weight loss, recurring fever, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, lower back pain, fatigue and rashes. Cutaneous t-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a typical lymphoma that presents with rashes. CTCL is a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma whose rashes, in the disease’s early stages, resemble eczema’s itchy red patches on the surface of the skin. As the disease progresses, the patches change in texture and become painful. Lymphoma is treatable and often curable when caught early on, so taking note of the rash as well as any accompanying symptoms could be a lifesaver. There is also a post here on leukemia rashes and how someone discovered this via facebook.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)?

HIV is often either asymptomatic or the symptoms so closely resemble other illnesses that no one would suspect that HIV is present. For example, in the first few weeks after infection certain flu-like symptoms may occur, including fever, fatigue, sore throat, night sweats and a rash. Rashes that occur as a result of HIV infection vary in appearance, but may be spread out over large sections of the body, as well as occur sporadically. HIV can lie dormant in the body of an infected person for years before erupting in a massive display of symptoms and illnesses brought on by a gradually weakened immune system. An HIV Rash can be identified by your physician.

If the virus progresses and develops into AIDS, other rashes and skin conditions may occur, including severe forms of acne, cold sores, and drug and food allergy rashes. Kaposi’s sarcoma, one of the first signs of AIDS infection, causes reddish hard patches on the surface of the leg, arm or face that can resemble a rash. These patches do not itch or hurt, but are very distinctive.

Meningitis Rash

Meningitis is a highly contagious disease, which is the result of a viral or bacterial infection affecting the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be a side effect of HIV. Meningitis can be spread much like HIV – usually through contact with bodily fluids. The disease, like HIV, presents with flu-like symptoms and can include a skin rash. Rashes associated with meningitis usually will not fade under tactile pressure and are usually described as dark red and flat. Other symptoms include stiffness and pain in the head and neck, seizures, vertigos, extreme headaches, mental confusion and vomiting. The additional symptoms are the main things to watch for, since skin rashes alone can be attributed to so many different conditions. A meningitis rash can be considered if pressure does not cause it to fade, but this can be true of other conditions as well.

Another rash that can be very serious is the Steven Johnson Syndrome Rash. Again, remember that it’s easy to panic on the internet when you are itchy so please don’t draw any conclusions until you see a physician. Most rashes are not life threatening.