What causes skin rashes and when should you see a doctor?

Skin rashes are common and have many causes, including allergies, contact with irritants such as soaps or plants, fungal infections, eczema, insect bites and viral illnesses.

Many mild rashes settle in a few days. Keep the area clean, avoid scratching and stop using any new product that may have caused it.

See a doctor if the rash spreads quickly, blisters, is painful, keeps coming back, or comes with fever. Swelling of the face or lips, or difficulty breathing, is an emergency: go to the nearest hospital straight away. You can also upload a photo on Uliza Daktari and ask a doctor.