Itchy Rash that Comes and Goes? 3 Possible Causes 

Sometimes it starts as a faint itch. You’re making dinner and going about your day, as your skin gets progressively itchier. Before long, there’s a red patch you didn’t have earlier.

Sometimes it’s gone by morning. Other times, you’re slathering on creams and trying not to scratch.

When a rash comes and goes, it’s easy to dismiss it. But if it keeps returning, there’s usually a reason why. In most cases, something is triggering the inflammation, and identifying that trigger is the key to long-term relief.  

Finding that pattern usually requires more than guesswork. 

Thomas Fowler, MD, is a board-certified allergist/immunologist and leads the team at Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina, Texas. The team provides a comprehensive consultation to assess the potential source of your itchy skin.

By reviewing timing, possible triggers, your medical history, and environmental factors, the team can often pinpoint patterns you may not notice on your own. 

Below are three of the most common causes of recurring itchy rashes. 

3 common rashes 

While many conditions can cause intermittent itchy skin, rashes fall into a few common categories. When you understand the differences, you may recognize what’s happening and seek guidance to find relief. 

Hives 

Hives are raised and itchy welts that can appear and disappear within hours. Then, they can show up in a different part of your body later. Hives, also known as urticaria, are common allergy symptoms that can be unpredictable.

Brought on by a histamine release in your skin, they’re often triggered by: 

• Food allergies (nuts, shellfish, eggs) 
• Medications (NSAIDs, antibiotics) 
• Infections

Sometimes your skin can break out in hives, which then disappear. At other times, the hives can stay for weeks. An allergy is your body’s immune system responding inappropriately to an everyday item. 

Occasionally, hives might be accompanied by swelling in your throat, lips, or tongue. These are potentially dangerous and require emergency care. 

Contact dermatitis 

If you keep getting a rash in a certain area, it could be a signal that you’re coming in contact with something that’s irritating your skin. 

The American Academy of Dermatology shares that there are two main types: 

1. Irritant contact dermatitis: Soaps, detergents, or other cleaning products are common culprits
2. Allergic contact dermatitis: Triggered by fragrances, nickel, preservatives, or latex

These types of rashes can be very itchy and red. In some cases, patch testing can help identify allergens so you can find out the trigger and avoid it. 

Eczema

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by itchy, dry, and inflamed patches that flare up periodically. There are different types of eczema that affect around 31.6 million people in the US, and if left untreated, they can spread to other parts of your body. 

Typical treatments 

Treatments vary depending on your diagnosis and medical history, but they can include topical creams, antihistamines, corticosteroids, allergy shots, and more. 

The team at Allergy and Asthma of Prosper and Celina, Texas, can diagnose your rash symptoms and help you find relief. Book your appointment online today.