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] X Research 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.
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] X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MDFAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Expert 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.
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] X Research 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.
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] X Research source
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] X Research 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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] X Research source
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.
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.
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.
