Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Are Skin Rashes Contagious?
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
- Are They Contagious?
-
Contagious Itchy Skin Rash
- How will I know if I have a contagious rash?
- How do contagious rashes spread?
-
Curable
- How will I know when I am cured of a contagious rash?
- When should I contact a medical caregiver about a rash?
Are skin rashes contagious?
There are contagious and noncontagious skin rashes. To make this broad topic more manageable, the following is a list of general categories of rashes that are considered noncontagious:
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Stasis dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Nummular eczema
- Drug eruptions
- Hives
- Heat rash (miliaria)
- Diaper rash
Since the real question to be answered is what rashes are contagious, the remainder of this short article will address most of those rashes that are considered contagious; not all experts agree on these designations, so readers concerned about a rash are urged to discuss their individual condition with their physician.
Rashes that are considered by many physicians to be contagious are as follows:
- Molluscum contagiosum (viral)
- Impetigo (bacterial)
- Herpes (herpes simplex, types 1 and 2 viruses)
- Rash caused by Neisseria meningitides (N. meningitides) (bacterial)
- Rash and blisters that accompany shingles (herpes zoster virus)
- Ringworm (fungal) infections (tinea)
- Scabies (itch mite)
- Chickenpox (viral)
- Measles and rubella (viral)