Skin Rashes

A rash (dermatitis) is any irritation or inflammation of the skin. Rashes can be caused by illness, allergy, or heat, and sometimes by emotional stress. Poison ivy and other plant rashes are often red, blistered, and itchy, and appear in lines where the leaves brushed against the skin. When you first get a rash, ask yourself these questions to help determine the cause :

Did a localized rash follow contact with anything new that could have irritated your skin: poison ivy, oak, or sumac; soaps, detergents, shampoos, perfumes, cosmetics, or lotions; jewelry or fabrics; new tools, appliances, latex gloves, or other objects? The location of the rash is often a clue to the cause.

Have you eaten anything new that you may be allergic to?

Are you taking any new medications, either prescription or over the counter?

Have you been unusually stressed or upset recently?

Is there joint pain or fever with the rash?

* Is the rash spreading?

* Does the rash itch?

Prevention

If you are exposed to poison ivy, oak, or sumac, wash the skin with dish soap and water within 30 minutes to get the irritating oil off the skin. This may help prevent or reduce the rash. Also wash your clothes, your dog, and anything that may have come in contact with the plant.

Avoid products that cause the rash: detergents, cosmetics, lotions, clothing, jewelry, etc.

Use fragrance and preservativefree or hypoallergenic detergents, lotions, and cosmetics if you have frequent rashes.

Home Treatment

Wash affected areas with water. Soap can be irritating. Pat dry thoroughly. a Apply cold, wet compresses to reduce itching. Repeat frequently.

Leave the rash exposed to the air. Baby powder can help keep it dry. Avoid lotions and ointments until the rash heals. However, calamine lotion is helpful for plant rashes. Use it three to four times a day.

* Hydrocortisone cream can provide temporary relief of itching. Use very sparingly on facial rashes.

Rashes on the feet or groin may be due to fungal infections. See page 136.

When to Call a Health Professional

* If signs of infection develop:

* Pain, swelling, or tenderness

* Heat and redness, or red streaks extending from the area

* Discharge of pus

* Fever of 100' or higher with no other cause

If you suspect a medication reaction caused the rash.

If rash occurs with fever and joint pain.

If rash occurs with sore throat. See page 104.

If a rash appears and you aren't sure what is causing it.

If rash continues after two to three weeks of home treatment