Thigh Rash

What is thigh 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 thigh can have a variety of causes, and it may indicate something occurring around the thigh 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 a detergent, soap or fragrance. For example, you may develop a rash on your thigh after wearing new pants or pants that have been washed using a new 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, which can first display as a circle with a bull’s-eye pattern, then progress to a rash. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is another tick-borne illness that may start with a rash on the arms and legs, followed by fever and other flu-like symptoms. Rash can also result from irritation, called intertrigo, in areas where skin surfaces rub together as, for example, on the inner thighs.

Allergies to food and medications are potentially serious sources of rash. Peanuts, shellfish, strawberries and avocados are foods that can trigger allergic reactions. These foods may cause mild reactions or advance 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 be attributed to skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and impetigo. The thigh is a common location for psoriasis eruptions, which cause scaly white spots and inflammation. Other causes for 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). Many viruses, including those that cause common childhood diseases, can produce rash.

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, or purple rash.

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