Skin Rashes -Pictures & Treatments

flat (macular),
raised (papular),
small pus bumps (pustular),
small clear blisters (vesicular),
red or pink,
silvery white scales (psoriasis),
annular (circular with central clearing, like in ringworm infections),
eczematous (dry, scaly, rough, and thickened), or
excoriated (scratched areas).

Treatment Skin Rashes at Home

Most simple rashes will improve with gentle skin care and avoiding irritating substances. Follow these general guidelines:

Avoid scrubbing your skin.
Use as little soap as possible. Use gentle cleansers instead.
Avoid applying cosmetic lotions or ointments directly on the rash.
Use warm (not hot) water for cleaning. Pat dry, don’t rub.
Eliminate any newly added cosmetics or lotions.
Leave the affected area exposed to the air as much as possible.
Try calamine medicated lotion for poison ivy, oak, or sumac as well as other types of contact dermatitis.

Hydrocortisone cream (1%) is available without a prescription and may soothe many rashes. If you have eczema, apply moisturizers over your skin. Try oatmeal bath products, available at drugstores, to relieve symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, or shingles.

Other tips for treatment of Skin Rashes at home

Do not scratch your rash. If it itches, try an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (one percent). Lotion with calamine can soothe rashes caused by chicken pox and poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.

An oatmeal bath can soothe rashes caused by shingles, eczema, or psoriasis. Moisturizing lotion may help eczema symptoms.

Dandruff is caused by weather, oily skin, stress, fatigue, or not washing one’s hair enough. Dandruff can usually be treated by washing your hair and scalp regularly with dandruff shampoo. Medicated dandruff shampoo is commonly available at drugstores, though your doctor can prescribe stronger types.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following: