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

• Too much exposure to the sun

• An allergic reaction to a food (shrimp), plant (poison ivy), or chemical (strong detergent)

• An infection caused by a fungus (ringworm), virus (chickenpox), or bacteria (strep)

• Bites or infestation due to insects or pests, such as ticks, lice, or mites

Control Itching and Skin Damage

• Take soothing baths. Try 1 cup of oatmeal or baking soda in a tub of warm water.

• Do your best not to scratch. And clip your fingernails to reduce skin damage if you do scratch.

Keep Your Skin Clean and Dry

• Wash with mild, nonirritating soap and warm water.

• Wear clothing that breathes, such as cotton shirts or canvas shoes.

• If fluid is seeping from the rash, cover it loosely with clean gauze to absorb the discharge.

• Many rashes are contagious. Prevent the rash from spreading to others by not sharing towels.

Use Medication

• Take antihistamines to block your body’s reaction to the substance causing the rash.

• Use hydrocortisone cream on small rashes to reduce swelling and redness.

• Use antifungal medications to treat athlete’s foot and other fungal infections.

Check With Your Pharmacist If:

• You have a red, itchy rash between the toes.

• You have crusty sores that aren’t spreading.

• You have an itchy, red ring about an inch wide (a sign of ringworm).

• You see tiny, light-gray eggs on body hairs, lice on skin or clothing, bite marks, or small burrow marks under the skin.