Rash without itching
A rash without itching is usually a symptom of an infectious viral disease. Acne and its forms are exceptions. Demodicosis, caused by a skin mite, is also becoming more common.
Rubella begins with swelling of the lymph nodes at the back of the neck and behind the ears, fever, and joint pain. After about 3 days, a fine, spotty, pinkish-red rash appears on the face and spreads to the neck and trunk. It is usually less pronounced on the limbs. The rash subsides after 5 days.
Fifth disease occurs in children under 15 years of age. The disease usually progresses without fever. First, redness appears on both cheeks and does not disappear. After about 3 days, a rash also appears on the limbs. It is a mild illness and usually does not require medical attention.
Measles begins with a high fever, runny nose, cough, and conjunctivitis. After 4 days, a fever and rash appear behind the ears and on the back of the neck, spreading to the face and body. After 5 days, the fever drops sharply and the rash fades.
Scarlet fever mainly affects children. It comes on suddenly, with symptoms similar to tonsillitis—fever, sore throat, painful swallowing, and a red tongue. Later, a rash appears in the lower abdomen and spreads to the groin, thighs, and chest. The rash subsides after 4–5 days.
Herpes skin infections (cold sores) initially manifest similarly to the flu. This is followed by the appearance of blisters and painful cracking of the skin. They can occur on the mucous membranes of the mouth or genitals. The herpes virus can also be introduced into broken skin. Cloudy, painful blisters and a high fever appear.
Syphilis manifests itself in the form of a rash about 3 months after sexual intercourse. Small red pimples appear all over the body (including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet). Foul-smelling blisters may occur in the armpits, groin, genitals, or mouth. The infection is accompanied by common symptoms such as headache, fever, fatigue, and joint pain.
Meningococcal disease develops rapidly, with the patient going from full health to a serious condition within a few hours. It is accompanied by severe exhaustion, severe headache and muscle pain, fever, and drowsiness. Red or purple spots appear on the body. However, this rash is subcutaneous bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately.
Acne manifests itself as non-itchy changes on the skin, especially on the face and upper half of the body. Symptoms range from mere bumps with open (black) or closed (white) tips, to inflamed (red) pimples, to festering blisters. In severe cases, purulent ulcers and abscesses form deep under the skin.
Demodicosis is easily confused with acne at first glance. It is caused by an overgrowth of mites that normally live on the skin and in the follicles of hair, body hair, and beards. It can be distinguished from acne primarily by a smear test, which reveals a large number of these mites. It is treated locally with antiparasitic drugs. Treatment must be thorough, regular, and uninterrupted for the prescribed period of up to 3 months.
