Canine skin rash can be caused by a number of things. Skin parasites (fleas or mites), an allergic reaction, a fungal infection, bacterial infections, immune-mediated disease, seborrhea or warts are all likely culprits.
Symptoms of Canine Skin RashSymptoms of canine skin rash include red spots or patches, “pimples,” or crusty patches on the skin. Your dog may also scratch, lick, or bite at the area if the rash is itchy. Bald spots may appear. If the rash is untreated, the area may become infected from being scratched repeatedlyDiagnosis and Treatment of Canine Skin RashMany different things can cause canine skin rash:Canine Skin Parasites
Fleas - rash occurs especially if your dog is allergic to them. This rash will look like small red pimples and will cause your dog to itch. Treating the fleas with a spot-on treatment is the best way to get rid of the fleas, but your pet may continue to itch and it may take a day or two for the rash to go away.Mites - These parasites burrow under the skin causing your dog to itch from the toxin that the mites release. The red areas get raw from scratching. This condition is known as sarcoptic mange and scabies or demodectic mange. Your veterinarian can prescribe a prescription miticide or you can use a home treatment such as Dermisil for Pet Mange Canine Skin AllergySkin Allergy could be caused by a number of substances. For instance, it could be a reaction to food, to insecticides such as lawn treatment, or to soap. If you have recently changed your dog’s food or shampoo, or started walking your dog in a new area or begun having a new lawn treatment applied in your yard, this may be causing your dog’s rash. This could be causing hives, raised red patches, on your dog. Try eliminating the potential allergen and see if the rash improves.Canine Fungal Skin InfectionThere are several types of fungal infections that can cause skin rashes:Ringworm (dermatophytosis) - looks like round red patches with pale centers. Your vet may diagnose ringworm just by looking at it, or he or she may look at it under a special ultraviolet light called a woods light. 
Picture of Dog with RingwormYou could try a ringworm home treatment and see if there is any immediate improvement such as Dermisil for Ringworm  . Ringworm is caused by fungal spores that can live in your dog's environment for up to 18 months. To avoid reinfection be sure to clean the rooms your dog lives in with cleaner designed for this purpose such as Benzarid.Yeast infection (Malassezia) - It causes red, scaly skin. It may also cause an unpleasant odor. It is itchy and will cause your dog to scratch. Your vet may be able to diagnose a yeast infection just be looking at it, or he or she may rub the affected area with a cotton swab and examine it under a microscope. Fungal infections are treated with oral anti-fungal medications and with medicated shampoos. There are also topical medications that can be used, but your dog will probably lick these off before they can be effective, and licking the area can cause further irritation. SeborrheaThis skin disease is also known as dandruff. Symptoms include flaky skin. When touching the affected areas they could feel oily or dry to the touch (each requires a different treatment). Symptoms can include itch, thinning hair in patches, scabs, bumps and pimples.Treatment consists of giving your dog frequent baths starting with every other day for 10 days, then 2x a week, then 1x a week depending on the level of improvement you see. If your dog's skin is dry use a shampoo that contains sulfer or salicylic acid. If the skin is greasy use a shampoo what contains coal tar, benzoyl peroxice or selenium sulfide (degreaser for the skin). Use warm water when bathing. Also consider an afterbath spray that contains colloidal oatmeal, fatty acids, urea or glycerin. You may want to consider an a natural skin supplement that contains fatty acids such as PetAlive Skin and Coat Tonic for Dogs. Canine Immune-mediated DiseaseIf you dog has what looks like a sunburn on the nose that becomes sores that spread, it could be immune-mediated disease. This condition occurs when your dogs immune system attacks its own skin cells. Your veterinarian will take a skin biopsy (sample) for testing and a blood test to make sure that you pet does not have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease that attacks the joints.Symtoms of immune mediated disease start on the face and spread to the body and feet. You will see sores spread and skin discoloration. Dogs with this condition should avoid sunlight since it makes the condition worse. If you take take your pet outside use a sunblock on the face (apply into the fur and edge of nose). Corticosteroids are prescribed to keep the immune system under control. Sources:Mueller, R. S.The Dog with Papules, Pustules and Cysts Scott, D. W., Miller, W. H., Griffin, C. E. MerckVetManual.com From Canine Skin Rash to More on Canine Skin Diseases Dog Health Guide Home
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