Self-help Guides

You should see your doctor if you:

• have a fever (temperature over 37.8°C)
• have a rash that covers more than 1/3 of the body or spreads quickly to other areas of the body
• have a rash that turns purple
• recently started on a new medication
• have joint pain
• have large fluid-filled blisters
• have a rash that looks infected (angry red, oozing, open wounds, hot to touch, and swollen)
• have a sore throat
• have difficulty breathing, or your face or throat is swollen - call 9-1-1 right away

Non-medication treatments

Most rashes go away on their own, but soothing the area can make things more comfortable for you.

• Minimize irritation.
  • Cleanse the area once with mild soap or a soapless cleanser to wash away any potential irritant. Once the irritant is removed, try to limit the amount of soap you use.
  • If the area looks dry, apply a fragrance-free moisturizer or bath oil after showering to keep the skin hydrated.
  • Don't bathe in hot water - use lukewarm water instead.
  • Use a cool compress to minimize itching. Soak a towel in cool water and wring it so that it's moist but not dripping. Apply it to the rash for several minutes at a time - a few minutes on, then a few minutes off - for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Don't rub, scratch, or scrub the area. Pat the area dry after a bath or shower. Keep fingernails short and clean.
  • Wear cotton or corduroy - fabrics such as wool or nylon can cause even more irritation.

Over-the-counter medications

If you are still uncomfortable or there is a lot of itching despite the non-medication treatments, you can try:

• Products to sooth the skin
  • colloidal oatmeal bath
  • calamine lotion
• Anti-itch medications:
  • Some medications (e.g., hydrocortisone* cream) applied topically (locally to the affected area) can help manage itch, redness, and swelling. Follow the directions on the label or ask your doctor or pharmacist how to use these medications properly. Usually, a thin layer can be applied 2 to 3 times a day when needed.
• Antihistamines
  • Medications such as diphenhydramine* (Benadryl®) relieve itch due to allergy and can help you manage night-time symptoms. Antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so be careful if you need to drive or operate machinery

Depending on the cause of the rash, your doctor or pharmacist may also recommend other products to help you manage your rash. Talk to a health care professional about which options are best for you.

* All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For information on a given medication, check our Drug Information database. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

The rash should gradually improve over 7 to 10 days.

However, you should see a doctor if:

• the rash does not get better in a week despite treatment
• the rash keeps coming back
• your symptoms (itching, pain, redness) get worse
• any of the signs and symptoms previously mentioned appear