How to Treat Skin Rash

Rashes can happen for a variety of reasons. While most of them aren't serious, it's important to learn how to treat basic rashes to keep you and your family safe. Learn how to diagnose common rashes and care for them at home.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Diagnosing Rashes

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1
Examine the spread and location of the rash. Rashes can start for a variety of reasons, but most of them are easily treatable. The treatment of a particular rash will depend on the cause. First look at the way the rash is distributed.^{[1]XResearch source} Where is it? When does it show up?
- If the rash is generalized all over your body (has spread everywhere), it's more likely to be an allergy to something you've eaten, either a medication or food.
- If a rash is only under your clothes, it could be either an allergic reaction to the material you're wearing or to heat. The cause of spot rashes is usually environmental.
- If your rash is accompanied by other symptoms, including fever, nausea, chills, or pain, visit a doctor. You may have caught a virus that causes a rash as one of its symptoms.^{[2]XResearch source} If you also have an itchy throat or are having trouble breathing, then call emergency services because this may be a life-threatening situation.
2
Examine the rash itself. The color and texture of the rash can tell you a little about what the likely cause might be, so you'll be able to treat it more effectively. Try to leave the rash alone as much as possible while you look, and avoid scratching or prodding at it too much. Rinse it with cool water and natural soap and pat it with a clean, dry towel to dry the rash thoroughly. ^{[3]XResearch source}
- If it is red, itchy, and goes white when you press it, it might be an allergic reaction, or contact dermatitis from some local irritant.^{[4]XExpert SourceMohiba Tareen, MD
  FAAD Board Certified DermatologistExpert Interview. 26 March 2020.}
- If a rash has a strange pattern, is scaly, very itchy, or has an odor, it's likely a fungal infections.
- If the rash follows a straight line away from a single red bump, it's probably insect bite.
- If the rash is elevated and yellowish with a red base, and is quite painful to the touch or has fluid draining from it, then it's infected and needs to be shown to a doctor.
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3
Try to determine the cause of the rash. All rashes are caused by something. To treat the rash effectively, you need to try to determine the cause. Ask yourself the following questions to try to narrow down the causes:
- Have you come into contact with any fabrics, chemicals, or animals that may have triggered a skin rash? Is the rash located in an area that gets particularly sweaty on your body? If your rash seems to worsen when you sweat, or in the middle of the day under your clothes, it's likely that the rash is caused by some environmental irritant, like a fabric or a product. Have you switched any soaps, fabric softeners, or used a new hygiene product recently? This could be the cause.
- Have you eaten anything unusual recently, that may have caused an allergic reaction? Have you used any new cosmetic, cream, or medication? Some over-the-counter or prescription medications may also cause skin rashes. If your rash is accompanied by other symptoms, including swelling, difficulty breathing, or nausea, it might be a sign of an allergic reaction that needs treated immediately.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Does the rash seem to come and go with no warning or signs at all? Some skin rashes may be caused by autoimmune disorders that are genetic. While these may be treated with over-the-counter options, the root cause of rash will need to be addressed by a doctor.
4
Talk to your doctor. Make an appointment to speak with a doctor regarding any unusual skin rashes, or rashes that don't heal quickly. Often, skin rashes are difficult to diagnose and many look very similar, making them difficult to treat on your own. Any rash that does not resolve within two weeks of topical treatment should be reported to a doctor.
- Skin rashes can be caused by many things, such as various autoimmune disorders and plain old stress. Any rash that is extremely painful or won't heal with over-the-counter medication in about a week needs to be checked out by a doctor.^{[6]XResearch source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Treating Rashes

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1
Pick a treatment appropriate for the cause. Two major types of treatment approaches exist, which should be used based on the cause of the irritation. As always, consult with a doctor if you're not sure, to pursue a more appropriate treatment method.
- Allergic reactions are a common cause of rashes, and need to be treated with antihistamines or corticosteroid treatments, either topical or oral. Look for topical products that contain diphenhydramine. Corticosteroids such as 1.5% to 1% hydrocortisone may be used twice daily for up to two weeks to treat allergies. ^{[7]XResearch source}
- Athlete's foot and other fungal infections need to be treated with anti-fungal medications. Products that contain miconazole or clotrimazole can be used daily for up to 3 months to resolve fungal infections.
2
Apply a thin layer of over-the-counter topical treatment. Many over-the-counter options are available, made specifically for treating skin rashes. Different kinds of topical creams, ointments, and lotions are available.
- Ointments are oilier and take longer to absorb. They are best used on very dry skin.
- Creams absorb more rapidly but also add moisture. These should be used on delicate areas where skin is thin such as skin folds, the groin, and on the face.
- Lotions are the least moisturizing and the most quickly absorbed. Lotions are often preferred for use on the face as they are the least oily.
3
Keep the area free of irritation. If you think you might be allergic to a perfume, body powder, soap, shower gel, or other product, try switching to a non-allergenic brand. If you're irritated by some fabric or tight-fitting clothing, try changing your clothes more frequently and keeping yourself dry.
- If a baby has diaper rash, allow them to go diaper-free for a while. Change the baby frequently and apply some cream to the rash. This provides the baby or toddler with a waterproof layer between their skin and the diaper.
4
Wash the area with natural soap and warm water up to 3 times per day. It's important to keep the area clean and dry. Use a gentle, natural soap and warm (but not too warm or hot) water to clean the rash. Don't soak the rash, but rinse it gently and pat it dry with a clean, dry towel.
- Keep your skin dry. If your skin is too sensitive to dry it with a towel, blot it gently and allow your skin to air dry. Most rashes are not dangerous, and will heal quickly after some gentle cleaning and basic care.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes to make sure that the rash doesn't become re-irritated.
5
Don't scratch. Rashes itch, of course, but try to avoid scratching them. This can lead to secondary infection in otherwise simple rash. If you must, use only the pads of your fingers, but remember that scratching usually leads to more itching. It's best to distract yourself or use a cold compress to get relief.
- It's always important to wear loose-fitting natural fibers, and make sure your skin gets plenty of air-circulation. Don't cover rashes unless you're directed to do so by a doctor.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Using Home Remedies

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1
Use a cold compress to control pain. If your rash is itching and burning a lot, a cool washcloth can do a lot to help control pain. Just take a clean washcloth or a paper towel and soak it in very cool water. Rest the cloth on the irritated area to help soothe the skin. Let the skin dry thoroughly before repeating the treatment.
- If you use ice, don't leave the ice on for longer than 10-15 minutes. If your skin is numbed by burn or rash, it's possible to frostbite yourself with prolonged exposure to the ice.^{[8]XResearch source}
2
Apply olive oil to rashes. Extra-virgin olive oil works as a skin moisturizer, helping to soothe dry or itchy skin. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin E, making it an excellent and natural remedy for itchy skin.
- Turmeric powder has anti-inflammatory properties, and is sometimes added to olive oil to use as a skin treatment.
- Coconut oil, castor oil, and cod liver oil are also commonly used as skin treatments.
- Use caution when applying oil to a rash. If it starts to burn, wash it with soap and water and pat it with a clean, dry towel.
3
Apply baking soda. Some people like to use baking soda mixed with a little oil, like coconut or olive, to create a balm for itchy skin. Baking soda helps to dry out the skin, sometimes helping to relieve the burning and itching associated with a rash.
- If you try this, rinse it off after a few minutes and keep the rash clean and dry. Dry skin is sometimes one of the conditions of lots of rashes, including eczema, and leaving baking soda on a rash for too long can make it worse.
4
Apply oatmeal. Oatmeal baths and compresses are common remedies for heat rashes, poison ivy rashes, chicken pox, and other types of mild rashes. Oatmeal helps to soothe skin and control the itchiness associated with rashes. You can purchase an oatmeal bath at a drug store or make your own. To make an oatmeal remedy:
- Grind oatmeal finely in a coffee grinder or food processor, then mix a cup into your bathwater. Agitate the water some to mix, and soak for 15-20 minutes.

Expert Q&A

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Question
How can I make my rash less painful?
Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Answer
Try applying a cool compress soaked with whole milk to your rash. The milk will help remove any stinging or burning sensations.
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Question
What can I put on a skin rash?
Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Expert Answer
If your skin is dry and itchy, use extra virgin olive oil to moisturize your skin. A cold compress can also help if the rash is painful.
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Question
I have a lot of spots on my body due to an allergic reaction. How can I get rid of the spots?
Marsha Durkin, RN
Registered Nurse
Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.
Marsha Durkin, RN
Registered Nurse
Expert Answer
The spots should go away after you use an appropriate medication to calm the allergic reaction, such as Benadryl. If the spots do not go away, it means you are still having the allergic reaction and need to consult your doctor.
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