Drugs for Skin Rashes

Scratching a rash brings temporary relief, but it is not the healthiest or safest option. Skin rashes occur from a variety of things such as an infection, contact dermatitis or from an allergic reaction. Although there are various ways to treat a skin rash, treatment is dependent on the type or cause of the rash and its severity. Check with your physician before trying any new drugs and to determine the appropriate treatment option.

Antihistamines

• Antihistamines treat skin rashes that are caused by an allergic reaction. It works by preventing the creation of histamine in the body, which causes itchiness. According to the Mayo Clinic, oral antihistamines are to be taken with food, water or milk. Women who are breastfeeding are to be cautious when taking oral antihistamines as they pass through the breast milk and limit milk production. Epinephrine, which is injected into the skin, also prevents the production of histamines and is used for a severe outbreak of hives. Hives are itchy welts that appear on the body due to a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Creams that contain antihistamines are applied directly to the skin.

Antibiotics

• Skin rashes caused by bacterial infections such as impetigo are treated with antimicrobials or antibiotics. The type of antimicrobial used depends on the kind of rash affecting the skin. It is important to finish all antimicrobial medications to ensure that the treatment is successful, and to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. Fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm or a skin rash from candidiasis, a type of yeast, are treated with oral or topical antifungal medications.

Steroids

• Oral corticosteroids are strong drugs that treat persistent rashes, chronic hives, rashes associated with autoimmune disorders or severe rashes caused by plants such as poison ivy. Oral steroids are effective because they help reduce inflammation and itching; high doses cure rashes quickly. These drugs are especially helpful for chronic eczema. If possible, oral corticosteroids are not be taken for a lengthy period of time due to harmful side effects.

Other Treatments

• Aloe vera relieves and heals rashes because it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is also used to treat a heat rash or rashes that come from sunburn. Topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone cream, are common and effective against atopic dermatitis, allergic reactions and exposure to poisonous plants. Zinc oxide creams are useful against diaper rash in babies, and calamine lotion soothes itchiness associated with rashes. Moisturizers or emollients also treat eczema.