Self-Care for Skin Rashes
A rash is your skin’s reaction to a substance your body is sensitive to. Most rashes can be treated at home by keeping the skin clean and dry. But some rashes may be signs of a more serious problem. Call your doctor if you notice other symptoms with your rash, or if the rash is getting worse.
Common Causes of Rashes
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Too much exposure to the sun
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An allergic reaction to a food (shrimp), plant (poison ivy), or chemical (strong detergent)
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An infection caused by a fungus (ringworm), virus (chickenpox), or bacteria (strep)
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Bites or infestation due to insects or pests, such as ticks, lice, or mites
Control Itching and Skin Damage
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Take soothing baths. Try 1 cup of oatmeal or baking soda in a tub of warm water.
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Do your best not to scratch. And clip your fingernails to reduce skin damage if you do scratch.
Keep Your Skin Clean and Dry
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Wash with mild, nonirritating soap and warm water.
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Wear clothing that breathes, such as cotton shirts or canvas shoes.
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If fluid is seeping from the rash, cover it loosely with clean gauze to absorb the discharge.
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Many rashes are contagious. Prevent the rash from spreading to others by not sharing towels.
Use Medication
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Take antihistamines to block your body’s reaction to the substance causing the rash.
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Use hydrocortisone cream on small rashes to reduce swelling and redness.
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Use antifungal medications to treat athlete’s foot and other fungal infections.
Check With Your Pharmacist If:
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You have a red, itchy rash between the toes.
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You have crusty sores that aren’t spreading.
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You have an itchy, red ring about an inch wide (a sign of ringworm).
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You see tiny, light-gray eggs on body hairs, lice on skin or clothing, bite marks, or small burrow marks under the skin.
Call 911 If:
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Your tongue or lips start to swell.
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You have difficulty breathing.
Call Your Doctor If:
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You have a temperature over
101.0 °F. -
You have a sore throat, a cough, or unusual fatigue.
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You have an increasingly red, oozy, or painful rash (signs of infection).
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You have a rash that covers your face, genitals, or most of your body.
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You have crusty sores or red rings that begin to spread.
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You have a red bull’s-eye rash with a white center (a sign of Lyme disease).
