RASHES, LOCALIZED AND CAUSE UNKNOWN

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR LOCALIZED RASHES (pending talking with your doctor)

  1. Avoid the Cause: Try to find the cause.  Consider irritants like a plant (e.g. poison ivy or evergreens), chemicals (e.g. solvents or insecticides), fiberglass, a new cosmetic, or new jewelry (called contact dermatitis). A pet may be carrying the irritating substance (e.g. with poison ivy or poison oak).
  2. Avoid Soap: Wash the area once thoroughly with soap to remove any remaining irritants. Thereafter avoid soaps to this area. Cleanse the area when needed with warm water.
  3. Local Cold: Apply or soak in cold water for 20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours to reduce itching or pain.
  4. Steroid Cream: If the itch is more than mild, apply 1% hydrocortisone cream (no prescription needed) every 2 hours until it feels better, then 4 times per day.
    • Caution: do not use a steroid cream on suspected Athlete's Foot, Jock Itch, or ringworm.
  5. Avoid Scratching: Try not to scratch. Cut your fingernails short.
  6. Contagiousness: Adults with localized rashes do not need to miss any work or school.
  7. Expected Course: Most of these rashes pass in 2 to 3 days.
  8. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Rash spreads or becomes worse
    • Rash lasts longer than 1 week
    • You develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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