RASHES, WIDESPREAD AND CAUSE UNKNOWN

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

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

Reassurance: There are many causes of widespread rashes and most of the time they are not serious. Common causes include viral illness (e.g. cold viruses) and allergic reactions (to a food, medicine, or environmental exposure).
For Non-Itchy Rashes: No treatment is necessary, except for heat rashes, which respond to cool baths.
For Itchy Rashes: Wash the skin once with soap to remove any irritants. Use Benadryl or take an Aveeno bath to reduce the itching.
Benadryl for Itching: Take an antihistamine (e.g. diphendryamine/Benadryl) for widespread rashes that itch. The adult dosage of Benadryl is 25-50 mg by mouth 4 times daily.
- Do not take antihistamine medications such as Benadryl if you have prostate enlargement.
- Antihistamines may cause sleepiness. Do not drink, drive or operate dangerous machinery while taking antihistamines.
- Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
Oatmeal Aveeno Bath for Itching: Sprinkle contents of one Aveeno packet under running faucet with comfortably warm water. Bathe for 15 - 20 minutes, 1-2 times daily. Pat dry with a towel - do not rub.
Contagiousness: Avoid contact with pregnant women until a diagnosis is made. Most viral rashes are contagious (especially if a fever is present). Your can return to work or school after the rash is gone or when your doctor says it's safe to return with the rash.
Expected Course: Most viral rashes disappear within 48 hours.
Call Your Doctor If:
- You become worse or 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.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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