Child skin rash itch and inflammation relief using self-care over-the-counter pharmacist's recommendation

This assumes your child is experiencing a minor skin rash.

A rash can be caused by many things. It is important you followed the link to appropriate topics suggested for you before you got to this stage.

For instance, a ringworm requires an antifungal cream, poison ivy needs a specific management process, an allergic reaction requires using an antihistamine cream or tablets. We will relate here to something like a rash your child got from contact with something or heat rash.

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

Girl with itchy skin

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
This antihistamine will ease the itching. Will make your child drowsy, however. If you need something less drowsy for daytime use, try chlorpheniramine.

2. Sarna lotion
This contains 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.

Don't be tempted with DIY home oatmeal baths. We would rather you 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 with sensitive skin.

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 : 02/17/2016

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.

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