Rash
This post is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Rashes are a common skin condition that can arise for so so so many different reasons. They can show up from allergic reactions, insect bites, medication side effects, viruses, stress, or chronic skin disorders. Because there are so many possible causes, it's often confusing to know when a rash is a minor annoyance or a sign of something more serious.
Managing Rashes at Home
If you notice a rash, there are several steps you can take at home to ease discomfort and aid healing:
Apply a cool, damp cloth to ease itching or redness.
Use over-the-counter creams or ointments with ingredients like hydrocortisone, calamine, aloe vera, or calendula for symptom relief.
Take an antihistamine if you suspect an allergy-related rash. You can ask your PCP about what antihistamine to take if you have multiple health issues or are unsure. Common antihistamines include cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), levocetirizine (Xyzal), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Out of all those medications listed, Benadryl is the only one that will cause drowsiness.
Keep the affected skin clean and avoid scratching, which can make the rash worsen or become infected.
When Should You See Your Doctor?
While many rashes clear up with home treatment, it's a good idea to see your clinician if:
The rash is spreading or growing in size
The rash is painful, warm to the touch, or shows signs of infection (such as pus or redness extending beyond its borders)
The rash is accompanied by fever
The rash involves the face, genitals, or extensive skin surface
The rash persists for more than a few days or recurs frequently
If you’re worried or unsure about your rash, it's always safest to check in with your clinician for a proper evaluation and treatment plan. Based on the surface area of the rash and what the rash looks like, your PCP should be able to give you medication (topical steroid, oral steroid, other oral medications based on the rash characteristics). If the rash is persistent or reoccurring, your PCP may suggest going to see a dermatologist so they can hopefully find out what the rash is.
Keep in mind, most times people have a rash, they are not always sure what caused it and it may go away before they can find out- there are not always answers, just educated guesses and the hope that it does not come back.
-I hope you learned something :)
Nina