Your Care Instructions

A rash is any irritation or inflammation of the skin. Rashes have many possible causes, including allergy, infection, illness, heat, and emotional stress.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Wash the area with water only. Soap can make dryness and itching worse. Pat dry.
• Put cold, wet cloths on the rash to reduce itching.
• Keep cool, and stay out of the sun.
• Leave the rash open to the air as much of the time as possible.
• Sometimes petroleum jelly (Vaseline) can help relieve the discomfort caused by a rash. A moisturizing lotion, such as Cetaphil, also may help. Calamine lotion may help for rashes caused by contact with something (such as a plant or soap) that irritated the skin. Use it 3 or 4 times a day.
• If your doctor prescribed a cream, use it as directed. If your doctor prescribed medicine, take it exactly as directed.
• If itching affects your sleep, ask your doctor if you can take an antihistamine that might reduce itching and make you sleepy, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.