Rash On The Wrist: Causes, Diagnosis, And Treatment

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What is causing this rash on my wrist?

Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — Written by Danielle Dresden — Updated on July 20, 2023

Causes and symptoms
Diagnosis
Seeing a doctor
Treatment
Outlook

A rash may appear as painful, itchy bumps on the wrist. Rashes on the wrist can occur as a result of infection, genetic factors, or contact with something that causes irritation or an allergic reaction.

Rashes on the writst may be swollen, blistering, or spotty.

Rashes can develop on almost any part of the body. People can often determine the cause of a rash by looking at its specific symptoms.

Causes and symptoms

Woman itching wrist because of rash. — A rash on the wrist may cause itchiness and swelling.

Depending on the cause, a rash that appears on the wrist can have a wide range of symptoms.

It is often possible to determine the cause of a rash based on its specific symptoms and how long it takes to develop. Some rashes take days to develop while others appear very quickly.

Rashes typically have some of the following characteristics:

red
itchy
bumpy
painful
sore
blistering
swollen
spotty
filled with fluid, or oozing

Read on for pictures of common rashes that occur on the wrist, along with their symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Common causes of a rash on the wrist include:

An allergic reaction

Rashes are a common effect of allergic reactions. A wrist rash could appear if a person reacts to certain materials they are wearing there, including:

watches
bracelets
zips
fitness-tracking wristbands

When external substances or materials are the cause of an allergic skin reaction, it is called allergic contact dermatitis.

This allergic reaction causes skin irritation and reddish-pink bumps, or blisters that typically appear within 2–3 days of the skin touching the allergen.

One of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis is nickel. Researchers believe that at least 18 percent of people in North America are allergic to nickel.

Other common triggers for contact dermatitis include:

detergents and soaps
poison ivy or poison oak
lanolin, which occurs in many cosmetic products
formaldehyde, which is in many fabrics, especially waterproof clothes
latex, which balloons and rubber gloves contain

Eczema

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, refers to a range of similar conditions that cause skin irritation. Eczema affects more than 30 million American people.

Eczema causes distinctive patches of dry, red, cracked skin that may sometimes swell, ooze, or bleed.

This skin condition can affect any part of the body, but it is more common in places where the skin folds or comes into contact with the elements, such as around the hands and face.

In one study, researchers found that eczema frequently caused severe rashes on the wrists and ankles, especially in children, and that conventional treatments did not seem as effective at these sites.

Reactions to medication

A person with an allergy to medication may notice an itchy, pink, or red rash appearing on the body. This is a drug rash or drug eruption.

Drug rashes can spread, or they may only affect one part of the body, which can be an arm or wrist.

Common drug allergies include penicillin, other antibiotics, and sulfa drugs. Anyone who suspects a drug allergy should contact their doctor immediately, as the symptoms can become severe without treatment.

Lichen planus

Lichen planus is a common, non-contagious condition that may be an autoimmune disorder. This condition primarily affects the skin, but it can also impact on the nails, scalp, and inside of the mouth.

Lichen planus can develop anywhere on the body, including the wrists, lower back, and ankles.

It causes small bumps to appear on the skin, which are usually reddish-purple, shiny, and firm to the touch. The bumps may have small white lines on them.

Scabies

Scabies is a highly contagious condition that people get when mites called Sarcoptes scabiei bite into the skin, causing a very itchy rash.

A scabies rash consists of small, pinkish bumps. There may also be burrow marks, which are small lines showing where the mites burrowed.

The rash is more common in places where the skin folds, such as between the fingers, around the wrists, and by the elbows and knees.

Scabies is an infestation that causes a type IV hypersensitivity, or delayed-type hypersensitivity allergic reaction, meaning that it can take some time to develop.

The first time a person gets scabies, it can take 2–6 weeks of infestation before they experience symptoms. Symptoms appear much faster if a person has had scabies before.

Common ways of catching scabies include being in the same house as someone who has scabies or sharing a bed with them. It is more common when people live in close, crowded conditions.

Viral or bacterial infection

Many different infections can cause a rash on the wrist. In many cases, the rash clears up when the infection passes.

However, if a fever accompanies the rash, there is a chance that the infection could be serious, and the individual should speak to their doctor.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is an infectious condition that comes from tick bites.

This condition can cause a splotchy or pinpoint rash anywhere on the body, including the arms and wrists.

The rash can appear 2–4 days after a person develops a fever, but may occasionally not appear at all. Other symptoms include a headache, nausea, muscle pain, and loss of appetite.

After spending time outdoors, people should always check for ticks, especially on children. Without treatment, Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause serious health complications and quickly progress into a life-threatening illness.

Diagnosis

To determine the cause of a rash on the wrist, a doctor will conduct a detailed physical examination, take a person’s medical history, and ask a variety of questions about when and how the outbreak developed.

A doctor will look for:

signs of blisters
changes in behavior, such as using a different laundry soap or wearing a new piece of jewelry, which could indicate an allergic reaction
recent outdoor activities where a person may have come into contact with poison ivy, poison oak, or ticks
use of a new medication

Doctors may use skin-patch testing and skin biopsies to identify allergies or other skin conditions that may be causing the rash.

They may also order a blood test to check for allergies or conditions such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

When to see a doctor

Most rashes go away on their own within a few days. A rash on the wrist can be a sign of an allergy or illness, so if it does not show any signs of improvement after a few days, the individual should seek medical advice.

People should also see their doctor if they suspect scabies. This condition will not improve without medical treatment, and a doctor can prescribe a scabicide to tackle the condition.

In addition, it is best to see a doctor if these symptoms appear:

fever
the rash spreads across the body
the rash develops rapidly
development of open sores or blisters
sensitivity inside the mouth or around the genitals
nausea, muscle pain, and other symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever
the rash shows signs of infection, including swelling, developing a crust, producing yellow-green pus, or having a red streak radiating from it

Rocky Mountain spotted fever can be life-threatening, so people with symptoms who may have come into contact with ticks should seek medical care immediately.

It is also essential to seek emergency medical treatment if a sudden rash occurs and a person also has trouble breathing.

Treatment

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Calamine lotion may treat certain rashes.

Although the symptoms for different types of rash can be very similar, finding the best treatment for a rash on the wrist depends entirely on what is causing the specific outbreak.

For example, if an individual is allergic to nickel and develops a rash on their wrist after wearing a new bracelet for a few days, the best treatment would be to stop wearing that bracelet.

Similarly, people who develop a rash after starting a new medication may need to stop taking that medication, but only under the guidance of a doctor.

Self-care treatments for rashes that are not too severe include:

washing with cool water
applying cool compresses
applying calamine lotion
limiting contact with common allergens
taking an oatmeal or baking soda bath

When a rash occurs as part of an allergic reaction, people can take an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine to help reduce the swelling, redness, itchiness, and pain. Many antihistamines are available at drugstores and online.

If the rash on the wrist is severe or spreading to other parts of the body, or troubling symptoms such as fever are present, individuals should see a physician for more comprehensive treatment.

A doctor may prescribe:

prescription antihistamines
corticosteroid creams and lotions for the skin
antibiotic ointments for infection
oral corticosteroids
phototherapy with ultraviolet light
biologic or other immunosuppressant medication therapy

The antibiotic doxycycline is the recommended treatment for Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and an affected person should start taking it as soon as possible to address this severe and life-threatening disease.

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Outlook

Most rashes tend to go away, but for individuals with chronic skin conditions, learning how to manage a rash on the wrist is an ongoing process.

Consistent self-care through careful cleaning and moisturizing can help people to manage their sensitive skin.

If a rash occurs due to a medication, the outbreak should end following the discontinuation of the drug. However, the body may take at least a few days to start resolving the rash.

Lichen planus may last for 2 years before disappearing, although some people do have recurrent outbreaks. It can leave brown spots on the skin, but they may eventually go away on their own over time.

After treatment for scabies, which usually takes care of the problem, a person can prevent re-infestation by washing all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water, and drying them in a hot dryer. They should also vacuum all rugs and upholstery, and clean the washing and drying machines after use.

Dermatology
Psoriasis
Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

An overview of the different types of eczema. (n.d.)https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/
Atopic dermatitis. (n.d.)https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/atopic-dermatitis/
Eczema causes and triggers. (n.d.)https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/causes-and-triggers-of-eczema/
Kang, J. H. (2015, September 30). Febrile illness with skin rashes. Infection & Chemotherapy, 47(3),155–166https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26483989
Kim, H. J., & Kim, I. H. (2012, October). Evaluation of clinical manifestation according to 'dermatitis mapping' in atopic dermatitis [Abstract]. Korean Journal of Dermatology, 50(10), 867–873https://www.koreamed.org/SearchBasic.php?RID=0048KJD/2012.50.10.867&DT=1
Lichen planus: Diagnosis and treatment. (n.d.)https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rashes/lichen-planus#treatment
New itchy skin rashes in adults. (n.d.)http://www.skinsight.com/disease-groups/new-itchy-skin-rashes-in-adults?Imiw9cApl
Nickel allergy: How to avoid exposure and reduce symptoms. (n.d.)https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rashes/nickel-allergy
Rash 101 in adults: When to seek treatment. (n.d.)https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rashes/rash-in-adults
Rashes. (2018, March 6)https://medlineplus.gov/rashes.html
Red, itchy rash? Get the skinny on dermatitis. (2012, April)https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2012/04/red-itchy-rash
Rocky Mountain spotted fever. (2017, June 26)https://www.cdc.gov/rmsf/index.html
Rock Mountain spotted fever (RMSF): Signs and symptoms. (2017, June 27)https://www.cdc.gov/rmsf/symptoms/index.html
Rock Mountain spotted fever (RMSF): Treatment. (2017, May 18)https://www.cdc.gov/rmsf/treatment/index.html
Scabies: Treatment. (2016, September 16)https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/scabies/treatment.html
Skin rashes & other skin problems. (n.d.)https://familydoctor.org/symptom/skin-rashes-skin-problems/?adfree=true#tray-2

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Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — Written by Danielle Dresden — Updated on July 20, 2023

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