You may develop a rash due to an allergy, contact with an irritant, or exposure to some substance or chemical solution. If you believe the cause is attributable to an allergy or irritating material and the symptoms don't seem severe, you can try a home remedy. Otherwise, if the rash is itchy, uncomfortable, red and seems to spread to other parts of the body, the best thing to do is to contact your doctor for a prescription for a specific drug.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using a Natural Remedy
Step 1. Make a cold pack
Applying an ice pack or cold washcloth to irritated skin is an easy way to find relief. Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth, then gently place it on the inflamed area. You can leave the cold pack on for up to 20 minutes. If you want to repeat the treatment, wait at least an hour.
- Alternatively, wet a clean cloth with cold running water, then wring out the excess water. Apply it to the area affected by the skin rash.
- To prevent the infection from spreading, use a clean cloth each time. For convenience you can replace it with a paper handkerchief.
Step 2. Rinse the skin with water, then let it air dry
If you feel that the rash may come from contact with an irritating plant substance, such as poison ivy, immediately rinse your skin with warm soapy water, then let it air dry to avoid further irritation by rubbing it. This will prevent the spread of irritation as it will eliminate the allergen released by the plant, which could otherwise transfer to someone else's skin in case of physical contact.
- If the rash is caused by an allergic reaction, you can wash the skin with a mild soap and then let it air dry on its own. Doing so will help relieve the discomfort and redness.
- After letting your skin dry, put on a soft, clean garment. A tight fabric could further irritate the part. Choose a garment made from light, natural fibers, such as a cotton T-shirt or loose-fitting linen trousers.
Step 3. Immerse yourself in an oatmeal bath
For centuries, colloidal oat baths have been used to relieve rashes and reduce itching. The gluten contained in oats has moisturizing properties. Once immersed in an oatmeal bath, your skin will be coated with a protective sheath capable of reducing irritation and itching.
- Colloidal oats can be found in herbalist shops, pharmacies and the most well-stocked supermarkets.
- Pour it into the hot tub water, then soak for about 20 minutes. Follow the directions for use on the packaging.
Step 4. Use baking soda
Add a small amount to warm bath water to relieve the symptoms of the rash. If you don't have colloidal oats available or if you have an allergy to oats, you can soak in a solution of water and baking soda.
Pour a cup of baking soda into the hot tub water, then relax by soaking in this emollient solution for about 20 minutes
Step 5. Make a soothing compress using chamomile tea
Chamomile is known for its calming properties. You can drink a warm infusion or apply it directly to the skin. Among the many benefits offered by chamomile we can include its ability to reduce skin irritation, therefore it can help you to alleviate the symptoms of the rash.
- To make a soothing compress, steep two to three teaspoons of chamomile flowers in 240ml of boiling water for about five minutes.
- After the indicated time has elapsed, use a colander to filter the flowers, then wait for the infusion to reach room temperature.
- Dip a clean cotton cloth into the chamomile tea, then squeeze it to get rid of excess liquid.
- Apply the compress to irritated skin. Leave it on for about ten minutes.
Step 6. Try using arnica ointment
It can be a good remedy when you want to relieve the symptoms of a rash. This natural ingredient has been used for centuries to heal insect bites, acne and blisters. Follow the instructions for use in the package carefully.
- Check that the ointment does not contain more than 15% arnica oil, otherwise it could further irritate the skin.
- You can buy arnica ointment at a herbalist's shop or pharmacy.
Step 7. Consider using tea tree
Its essential oil (also known as tea tree essential oil) has been shown to be effective against a wide variety of microorganisms, such as candida and staphylococcus aureus. Its use is particularly recommended in the event that the rash derives from a mild or moderate fungal infection. If you are suffering from a fungal disease, such as athlete's foot, inguinal mycosis or tapeworm, tea tree essential oil can prove beneficial.
- Select an ointment that contains 10% tea tree oil to apply to the rash. If you don't notice any improvement after a few days, see your doctor.
- Remember that tea tree oil has not been shown to be as effective as some prescription or non-prescription drugs for external use.
Step 8. If it is miliaria, a rash caused by heat also known as sudamine, immediately refreshes the body
If you have been exposed to intense heat and have developed red blisters on your skin accompanied by lightheadedness and fatigue, it could be sweat. In this case, take shelter from the sun immediately by sitting in a cool and air-conditioned environment. Remove any wet or sweaty clothing, then take a cold shower to lower your body temperature.
- Drink plenty of fresh water to rehydrate your body and help it recover from heatstroke.
- Avoid touching the blisters or blisters typical of this rash.
- If after two or three days you do not notice any improvement or if your symptoms become more severe, for example if you have vomiting, headache, nausea or dizziness, see your doctor.
Method 2 of 3: Using Over-the-Counter Drugs
Step 1. Apply calamine cream
Calamine is a mixture of minerals useful for relieving numerous skin ailments, especially rashes caused by poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac or insect bites. You can buy calamine cream at a pharmacy without a prescription.
Apply the cream on irritated skin twice a day or follow the doses and times indicated inside the package
Step 2. Take an over-the-counter antihistamine
If the rash is due to an allergic reaction, you can treat it by taking an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Allergan) or hydroxyzine (Atarax). In addition to reducing itching, these drugs help the body counteract the action of histamine that is released when it comes into contact with major allergens, such as cat hair, grass and pollen.
Antihistamines are also useful for relieving hives, especially when it is caused by an allergic reaction
Step 3. If you have an allergic skin reaction, try applying a cortisone cream
If you've been exposed to a known allergen, such as pollen, nickel, or cat hair, you can relieve skin discomfort or swelling by applying a cortisone cream. At the same time, you should be taking an anti-allergic medication to help reduce other symptoms, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and eye irritation.
At the pharmacy you can buy a cream that contains hydrocortisone. Some products are also available without a prescription, but it is still advisable to discuss this with your doctor first. Follow her instructions by applying the ointment to the skin affected by the rash several times a day (usually one to four times). Cortisone's job is to reduce the irritation, redness, inflammation, and discomfort caused by the rash
Method 3 of 3: Seek Medical Help
Step 1. If symptoms are severe, see a doctor
If the rash appears to be spreading to other parts of the body or shows no signs of improving despite the remedies you have taken, it may be time to ask your doctor for advice. After examining the rash, he or she may prescribe a specific medication or treatment to treat it.
As mentioned, if the symptoms are severe, for example difficulty breathing and swallowing, fever, skin or limb swelling, do not wait and go to the emergency room immediately. The rash could be a sign of a more serious condition that requires medical attention
Step 2. Allow the doctor to examine the rash closely
The doctor or dermatologist will first look at the main and most obvious characteristics of the irritation. It may be able to determine if it is circular, linear, curvilinear or ring-shaped, also noting its density, color, size and temperature (hot or cold to the touch). Finally he will want to analyze how the rash is distributed over the body, highlighting if it appears only in particular areas.
- It may also be necessary to perform laboratory tests, for example to analyze a sample of skin tissue under a microscope. An allergy test could help determine if you are allergic to certain substances.
- You may need to have a blood test before your doctor can figure out if the rash is a symptom of a viral infection or disease.
Step 3. Discuss the possibility of taking a specific drug with your doctor
If you are diagnosed with a non-infectious rash due to an allergic reaction or contact with an irritant, your doctor may prescribe the use of a cortisone cream or ointment.
- If your doctor thinks the rash is a symptom of eczema, they may prescribe you to use a topical steroid medication specially formulated to treat this inflammatory skin condition.
- If the rash is a symptom of a fungal infection, such as tapeworm or tapeworm, your doctor may prescribe an oral or external antifungal medication.
- If the rash is a symptom of a viral infection, such as herpes, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug to be taken by mouth or intravenously.
Step 4. Ask your doctor to change the medications you normally take
If you think the rash or hives may be the side effect of a drug you have recently started taking, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor. Never stop using a drug without its approval. Also, never change a prescription without asking for your consent. Medicines that can cause unwanted allergic reactions include:
- Anticonvulsants, usually prescribed to treat epilepsy.
- Insulin, commonly used to treat diabetes.
- X-ray iodinated contrast agents, used for radiographs.
- Penicillin and other antibiotics, frequently used to treat infections.
- An allergic reaction to a drug could manifest itself in the form of: hives, rash, asthma, swelling of the tongue, lips or face, itchy eyes or skin.
Step 5. Make a second appointment with your doctor
Once you have the correct diagnosis and prescription, plan to return to your doctor for a check-up the following week. On that occasion, you can check if there has been any progress and make sure that the prescribed treatment is proving effective.
