This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society.
Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. 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. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. Read More To treat skin rash caused by an allergic reaction, apply an over-the-counter topical treatment like hydrocortisone to the affected area twice daily for 2 weeks.
If the rash is caused by athlete's foot or some other fungal infection, apply an anti-fungal medication that contains miconazole or clotrimazole every day for up to 3 months until the rash resolves. Be sure to wash the area with warm water and gentle soap 3 times per day and try not to scratch, since this can worsen or even spread the rash.
For tips on easing pain related to a skin rash, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers.
Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 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. 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. 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. 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. 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? In some cases, you may be referred to a specialist in skin diseases dermatologist. Here is information to help you get ready for your appointment and to know what to expect from your doctor. Write down your signs and symptoms, when they occurred, and how long they lasted.
Also, make a list of all medications, including vitamins, herbs and over-the-counter drugs, you're taking. Or take the original bottles and a written list of the dosages and directions.
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Tracking down the cause of your itch can take time and involve a physical exam and questions about your medical history.
If your doctor thinks your itchy skin is the result of a medical condition, you might have tests, including: Blood test. A complete blood count can provide evidence of an internal condition causing your itch, such as anemia. Tests of thyroid, liver and kidney function. Liver or kidney disorders and thyroid abnormalities, such as hyperthyroidism, may cause itching. Chest X-rays. A chest X-ray can show if you have enlarged lymph nodes, which can go along with itchy skin. More Information Chest X-rays.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. What ingredient should you look for? Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Fazio SB, et al. Pruritis: Overview of management.
Accessed Sept. If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment. Having acne can feel devastating for a teenager. Here are 5 things you can do to help your teen.
Find out what helps. If your child develops scabies, everyone in your household will need treatment. Follow this advice to treat everyone safely and effectively. Join the AAD virtually as we hike across the country.
A chronic skin condition can make attending summer camp unrealistic for some children. Camp Discovery changes that. When it comes to treating the skin, plenty of people say they have expertise.
Only a board-certified dermatologist has these credentials. A rash from poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac is caused by an oil found in these plants called urushiol. When this oil touches your skin, it often causes an itchy, blistering rash. Most people can safely treat the rash at home. Immediately rinse your skin with lukewarm, soapy water. If you can rinse your skin immediately after touching poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, you may be able to rinse off some of the oil.
If not washed off, the oil can spread from person to person and to other areas of your body.
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