Stomach Rash

What is stomach rash?

Rash is a symptom that causes the affected area of skin to turn red and blotchy and to swell. A rash may cause spots that are bumpy, scaly, flaky, or filled with pus. Rashes can vary in location, pattern and extent and may occur in any area of the body. A rash on your stomach can have a variety of causes, and it may indicate something occurring around the stomach itself or suggest a systemic (body-wide) condition.

Contact dermatitis (skin inflammation) is caused by an adverse reaction to something that touches your skin, including chemicals found in detergent, soap or a fragrance. For example, you may develop a rash on your stomach when wearing a new shirt or blouse or after washing clothing with a new brand of detergent. Other forms of contact dermatitis include exposure to certain plants, such as poison oak or ivy, an animal bite, or an insect sting. Lyme disease is caused by tick bite and can first appear as a circle with a bull’s-eye pattern, then progress to a rash.

Allergies to food and medications are potentially serious sources of rash. Peanuts, shellfish, strawberries and avocados are just some of the foods that can trigger allergic reactions. These foods may cause mild reactions; however, in some cases reactions could develop into potentially life-threatening conditions characterized by vomiting, difficulty breathing, and swelling. Allergic purpura is a serious, often life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause a skin rash but can also affect the joints, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys.

Rashes may also occur in skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and impetigo. The stomach is a common location for psoriasis eruptions, which cause scaly white spots and inflammation. Other causes of rash include autoimmune disorders that occur when the body is attacked by its own immune system, which normally serves to protect it from foreign invaders (antigens). Kawasaki disease is a rare, but extremely serious, condition in children that is thought to have an autoimmune origin. It commonly occurs with a very high fever and rash, which might begin on the stomach. Many viruses, including those that cause common childhood diseases, can produce rash. Scarlet fever often begins with a rash on the stomach before spreading to other parts of the body.

Rashes can be caused by an allergic reaction to food, medications, or products such as lotions or detergents. These reactions can range from mild to potentially life threatening, especially if swelling and constriction of breathing occurs, which could indicate anaphylaxis. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if a rash is accompanied by any serious symptoms including swelling of the face, swelling and constriction of the throat, difficulty breathing, fainting, change in level of consciousness or alertness, pale skin, or purple rash.

Seek prompt medical care if a rash is persistent or causes you concern.