Don’t Be Rash, Treat Irritations
That little area on your arm or leg is itchy and red. It’s irritating. It’s a rash, of course--your skin’s reaction to contact with a substance to which your body is sensitive.
Rashes, of course, often go away on their own. You can self-treat a rash or talk to your pharmacist. Those cases include when you’ve had contact with or were around poison oak or poison ivy, when you’ve eaten food you know you’re allergic to and have a mild reaction, or you have bites or infestation due to pests such as fleas or lice.
Here are some measures you can take:
* Control itching and skin damage by taking soothing baths in a tub of warm water with a cup of oatmeal or baking soda. Try not to scratch. Or at least try to limit it. Clip your fingernails to reduce skin damage if you do scratch.
* Keep your skin clean to prevent any open sores from becoming infected. Wash with mild, nonirritating soap and warm water.
* Keep your skin dry because moisture slows healing. Allow air to reach the rash, and wear clothes that breathe (such as those made of cotton, and canvas shoes). If fluid is seeping from the rash, cover it loosely with clean gauze to absorb the discharge.
* Relieve the itch with over-the-counter medications such as calamine or witch hazel applied with a cotton ball. Take antihistamines. Use hydrocortisone cream on small rashes to reduce swelling and redness. If scabies or lice is the problem, see your pharmacist about medications.
Clearly, there are instances when you should call your doctor. If you notice any of the following symptoms or signs along with your rash, make that call. (Get immediate help when your tongue or lips start to swell or you have difficulty breathing.)
* You have a temperature of 101 degrees or more.
* You have a sore throat, a cough or unusual fatigue.
* You have a worsening red, oozy or painful rash (these are signs of infection).
* You have crusty sores or red rings that begin to spread.
* You have a red bull’s-eye rash with a white center (a sign of Lyme disease).
* You have a rash that covers your face, genitals or most of your body.
Source: StayWell Co.