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What could it be if there's a red, scaly, and itchy rash on the chest?

Nov 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, the appearance of a red, scaly, itchy rash on the chest may be caused by dry skin irritation, local friction, tinea corporis (ringworm), eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, or similar conditions. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to seek timely medical evaluation at a reputable hospital. In daily life, choose gentle skincare and cleansing products and avoid excessive washing.

Generally, the appearance of red, scaly, itchy rashes on the chest may be caused by dry skin irritation, local friction, tinea corporis (fungal infection), eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a reputable hospital. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Skin dryness and irritation: In dry climates or when fluid intake is insufficient, the stratum corneum of the chest skin becomes dehydrated, weakening its barrier function and making it prone to itching and redness. Enhance local moisturization by applying a gentle emollient daily, use a humidifier indoors, and increase water intake.

2. Local friction irritation: Rough-textured or overly tight clothing can repeatedly rub against the chest skin, damaging the epidermal barrier and triggering itching and red rashes. Switch to loose-fitting cotton garments, avoid synthetic fabrics, minimize local friction, and keep bathwater temperature around 37°C.

3. Tinea corporis: A fungal infection of the chest skin where fungal hyphae invade the epidermis, causing inflammatory ring-shaped red patches with itching. Follow medical advice to apply miconazole nitrate cream, terbinafine hydrochloride gel, or bifonazole solution. Keep the affected area dry and avoid sharing clothes with others.

4. Eczema: Skin inflammation triggered by both genetic and environmental factors, resulting in redness, papules, and itching on the chest. Under medical guidance, topical applications such as hydrocortisone butyrate cream or desonide cream may be used, along with oral loratadine tablets. Avoid contact with irritants like soap.

5. Seborrheic dermatitis: Overactive sebaceous glands combined with Malassezia yeast infection lead to light red patches and itching on the chest. Use ketoconazole cream or tacrolimus ointment topically as directed, take ebastine tablets orally, maintain a light diet, and reduce consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods.

In daily life, choose mild cleansing and skincare products and avoid excessive washing; keep the chest skin clean and dry, wiping off sweat promptly; wash clothes separately and expose them to sunlight; maintain a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables to support healthy skin.

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