How to Reduce Skin Rashes

Rashes are patches of inflamed skin characterized by changes in color and texture. Atopic dermatitis or eczema, and contact dermatitis are two of the most common types of rash. Contact dermatitis occurs when skin comes into direct contact with irritants, such as household detergents, perfumes, cosmetics, and nickel-plated jewelry. Eczema tends to be a recurring or ongoing condition caused by allergies, or issues with the immune system; but nobody really knows.

Things You'll Need

• Soft towels
• Barrier repair moisturizer
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Humidifier

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Instructions

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

• 1

  Determine whether the skin inflammation is symptomatic of atopic dermatitis. Consider your medical history and whether your rash is characterized by red or brown colored patches, itching, small raised bumps and/or cracked and scaly skin.

• 2

  Identify and avoid possible triggers, such as extremes of temperature, stress, specific foods, sweating and environmental allergens.

• 3

  Avoid letting common household irritants, including harsh detergents and perfumed products, come into contact with affected skin.

• 4

  Take a bath in lukewarm water daily. Pat the skin partially dry. Do not rub and use a soft towel.

• 5

  Apply a barrier repair moisturizer, available over-the-counter, and a topical steroid product containing at least one percent hydrocortisone, to damp skin immediately after bathing. Re-apply regularly, as directed.

• 6

  Take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine -- also known as Benadryl -- to relieve severe itching.

• 7

  Humidify dry indoor air using a humidifier, or by draping damp towels over radiators, to prevent dry skin.

• 8

  Wear loose-fitting, smooth-textured cotton clothing to discourage rubbing and sweating.

• 9

  Monitor the rash for changes, such as swelling or tenderness, which could be a sign of infection that may require treatment with antibiotics.

Contact Dermatitis

• 10

  Identify the cause of the skin irritation by considering whether your activities of the last 48 to 72 hours have brought you into contact with suspect plants like poison oak or poison ivy; household irritants such as perfume, detergents, cosmetics, or metals in jewelry or belt-buckles -- or environmental allergens like pollen and pet dander -- especially if the potential irritant has been newly introduced, or previously triggered an allergic reaction.

• 11

  Avoid exposure to the substance or materials you suspect caused the rash.

• 12

  Gently cleanse the affected area with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance free soap. Pat dry using a soft towel.

• 13

  Apply an over-the-counter topical steroid product containing at least one percent hydrocortisone. Re-apply regularly, until the symptoms clear.

• 14

  Take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine to relieve severe itching.

• 15

  Wear loose-fitting, smooth-textured cotton clothing to prevent rubbing and sweating.

• 16

  Apply a wet compress or soak the affected area in lukewarm water as needed, to relieve the symptoms.

• 17

  Monitor the rash for changes such as swelling or tenderness, which could be a sign of infection that may require treatment with antibiotics.