How to Treat an Arm Rash

According to MyOptumHealth.com, symptoms of arm rash include skin inflammation of the arm, redness, and itchiness. Arm rashes can be categorized as simple (minor skin irritation) or seborrheic (scaly rash patches). There are many different causes of an arm rash, and treatment depends on proper diagnosis. Always contact a doctor concerning a new arm rash.

Things You'll Need

• Cortisone creams
• Antibiotic Creams

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Instructions

• 1

  Treat arm rash as an allergy. Apply an anti-inflammatory cortisone cream to the arm to treat irritations caused by poison oak. The cortisone cream will shrink the irritated tissues and relieve itching. Medicine.net recommends applying a 1% topical steroid cream to stubborn arm rashes for similar treatment. Avoid jewelry that causes rashes, such as nickel. Consider changing laundry detergents and avoiding scented lotions or colognes. See a doctor for allergy testing if your arm rash persists after treatment.

• 2

  Treat arm rash for psoriasis. See your doctor for treatment or prescriptions, as no cure currently exists for psoriasis. Look into UV (ultraviolet light) therapy to treat your arm psoriasis, to speed the regeneration of healthy cells and shorten healing time.

• 3

  Treat the rash for eczema. Avoid aggravating your arm rash by over-washing, as eczema thrives on moisture. Minimize irritation by applying cortisone creams. Medicine.net recommends soaking in a lukewarm tub with Burow's solution or oatmeal to dry out the rash.

• 4

  Treat arm rash for impetigo, a contagious skin infection caused by staph bacteria entering the skin through animal bites or cuts. Avoid scratching your arm rash, as it spreads very easily across the body. Avoid physical contact with others until your rash is treated and no longer contagious. Wash your rash several times a day with antibacterial soaps to remove any crusting and clean any drainage. Obtain a prescription antibacterial cream to heal your rash, or try oral antibiotics for stubborn cases. Seek treatment immediately if you develop impetigo, as clearing your infection is key in healing.