RASHES, LOCALIZED AND CAUSE UNKNOWN

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR LOCALIZED RASHES

Avoid the Cause: Try to find the cause. Consider irritants like a plant (e.g., poison ivy), chemicals (e.g., solvents or insecticides), fiberglass, detergents, a new cosmetic, or new jewelry). A pet may be the intermediary (e.g., with poison ivy or oak) or your child may react directly to pet saliva.
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.
Local Cold: Apply or soak in cold water for 20 minutes every 3 to 4 hours to reduce itching or pain.
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. (Exception: suspected ringworm.)
Avoid Scratching: Encourage the child not to scratch. Cut the fingernails short.
Contagiousness: Children with localized rashes do not need to miss any day care or school.
Expected Course: Most of these rashes pass in 2 to 3 days.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Rash spreads or becomes worse.
- Rash lasts for more than 1 week.
- Your child becomes worse or develops 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 8/2004

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