Skin rash treatment using over-the-counter self-care pharmacist's recommendation

This assumes you are looking at a minor skin rash.

A skin rash can be caused by many things. See specific topics for a detailed suggestion on what to do.

For instance, if the rash is caused by a ringworm, you will need an anti-fungal cream, if due to poison ivy, there is a specific management process for that, if it is an allergic reaction, the best bet would be using an antihistamine cream or tablets.

Pharmacist's recommendation here is for a minor skin rash due to contact with something or heat rash.

With this in mind, see what is recommended below to help with a skin rash.

Lady with skin rash

For Inflammation

Hydrocortisone 1%

This will help with the inflammation of the affected area. Use this for mild cases only as this cream does not penetrate deep into the skin and as such effectiveness is limited.

For Whole Body Itch

Itching all over the body?

1. Diphenhydramine tablets
This is an antihistamine that will ease the itching. Will make you drowsy. If you need something less drowsy for daytime use, try chlorpheniramine.

2. Sarna lotion
This contain menthol(0.5%), camphor(0.5%) which are very good ingredients for itchy skin. It is also steroid free.

3. Calamine lotion
Combines anti-itch with antiseptic and astringent effect.

4. Oatmeal bath
Prefer if the skin is dry, itchy and irritated. Oatmeal can help restore the skin's natural pH, provide temporary skin protection and restore moisture to the skin.

Go to the store and get the colloidal oatmeal bath powder packets.Aveeno is a good brand. It would be hard to get a good effect if you make it on your own.

For Spotty Itch

Hydrocortisone 1%
Steroidal anti-itch cream or lotion. Apply to affected area only.

Benzocaine, Lidocaine
Will temporarily numb the itchy area. It may cause skin sensitization so do not use in children.

Diphenhydramine cream, spray
More specific for itching. The rash will have to disappear on its own with time. If you have the cash, probably mix this with hydrocortisone 1%.

Cold compress
We recommend you start with this before applying any anti-itch cream or lotion

Last updated by pharmacist on : 03/26/2018

Know this about the safe and effective use of this recommendation.

Our disclaimer

Recommendation is the opinion of a registered US Pharmacist currently practicing as a community pharmacist.
Recommendation is not an attempt to discuss all possible self care or treatment approach to this health challenge.
The responsibility of the recommending pharmacist is limited to this question:
"If a patient presents with these symptoms, what will you recommend and why?"
It is not an attempt to publish an article on the treatment of any condition. Just what would you tell a patient who present with so and so in the usual course of your practice.
The pharmacist image presented in this article may or may not be the actual image of the authoring pharmacist.
Because we insist on using articles written by currently practicing community pharmacists, these pharmacists may choose to remain anonymous especially if they are employed by an employer to avoid being pressured to recommend a particular product to drive sales.
Please read the policies and terms of use for self-care OTC, selfcarepharmacist.com and it's affiliates by clicking on the button below.

What if you are currently experiencing the conditions listed below?

Or if you have a question for the pharmacist?

You have a question

Please contact the pharmacist. He or she will gladly answer your questions.

Contacting the pharmacist

You may have to unlock the contact form using social networking tools (facebook, twitter, google+, linkedIn) we have made available to you.

If you can't do this, you will have to wait a few seconds depending on the number of users at the time.

Contact Pharmacist

What to expect

Expect a reply as soon as possible.
If the authoring pharmacist cannot reply within 24 hours, the system will push your email to the rest of the team. Any available pharmacist will answer your question as soon as possible.

If you have a comment and not a question, please post it in the comments section for all to read.

What can't be done:

No replies to vulgar, disrespectful emails.
The system is programmed to look for certain words that are disrespectful and will automatically delete such emails. They don't get to the pharmacist. This will blacklist your email address automatically.

Email addresses or questions are not saved.
They are deleted once answered and not stored in a database. Should you need to follow up, copy the previous question(s) along with the new message for quick reference.

The pharmacist does not reply to emails that are not relevant to the topic he or she authored. They are forwarded to the author of the topic and are under no obligation to reply.

We encourage pharmacists to respond to questions but are under no obligations to answer questions.

No comments or ratings on this recommendation yet. How about being the first to say something?

Home

Adult Symptoms

Child Symptoms

Product Comparison

Medication Dosing

Drug Savings

Nearest Health Care

About This App

Pharmacist