Treatment for Rash

A rash may be itchy, scaly, blistered, cracked, swollen, or painful. Causes include irritation or allergy, heat and sweat, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infection, mites, or a reaction to a medicine. Atopic dermatitis often causes itchy, dry, inflamed skin; contact dermatitis follows exposure to an irritant or allergen. Ringworm and scabies need different treatment from these inflammatory conditions.

Wash with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free cleanser, pat dry, and use a bland moisturiser. Stop newly introduced cosmetics, detergents, or topical products until the cause is clearer. Keep the area cool and avoid scratching. Do not use a steroid, antibiotic, or antifungal cream at random because the wrong product can mask the pattern or aggravate an infection. A clinician may prescribe treatment for contact dermatitis, heat rash, intertrigo, psoriasis, drug rash, or another diagnosis after examining the skin.

Seek urgent medical care for trouble breathing, facial or tongue swelling, faintness, blistering, skin peeling, purple spots, or sores involving the eyes or mouth. Arrange prompt assessment for fever, severe pain, rapidly spreading redness, pus, or a rash that began soon after a new medicine. Persistent itch at night or affected household members also deserves evaluation for scabies.

Tell the clinician when the rash began, where it started, what touched the area, recent medicines, and whether anyone else has similar symptoms. Ask which treatments to use, for how long, and which products to avoid.