Skin redness or inflammation; Skin lesion; Rubor; Skin rash; Erythema

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.

For psoriasis, you may need a prescription. You could also talk to your doctor about a variety of treatments, including ultraviolet (UV) light therapy.

For seborrheic dermatitis, try applying small amounts of anti-dandruff shampoo to patches of this scaly rash on your skin, especially near hairy areas like your eyebrows. Leave on for 10 minutes and then carefully rinse off. If the shampoo feels irritating or your skin becomes redder, STOP use.

For impetigo, an antibacterial cream or oral antibiotic is generally prescribed.

See article on poison ivy, oak, and sumac to learn how to treat and prevent this type of contact dermatitis.

Images

Poison ivy on the knee

Erythema toxicum on the foot

Shingles

Psoriasis, guttate on the arms and chest

Erythema multiforme on the leg

Roseola

Systemic lupus erythematosus rash on the face

Acrodermatitis

Erythema annulare centrifugum - close-up

Psoriasis, guttate on the cheek

Cellulitis

Erythema multiforme, target lesions on the palm

Poison ivy on the leg

Poison oak rash on the arm

Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands

• < Page
1 2
• >

Review Date: 08/08/2009
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)