Rashes

A rash is any irritation or inflammation of the skin. Rashes can be caused by certain illnesses, allergies, stress or heat.

Causes:

Here are some questions to ask yourself to help decide what is causing the rash:

• Have I been in contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac?
• Have I been using new soaps, detergent for clothes, shampoo, perfume, makeup or lotions?
• Have I been wearing new jewelry or clothes?
• Do I have any new tools, appliances or any other objects?
• Have I eaten any new foods?
• Am I taking any new medications?
• Am I under a lot of stress or have I been really upset lately?
• Am I itchy?
• Is the rash spreading?
• Do I have a fever, or pain in my joints (ankles, fingers, toes, wrists, elbows, knees, etc.)
  Remember that where the rash is can be a good clue as to why you have the rash.

Prevention:

• If you have been in contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac, wash your skin with dish soap and water within 30 min. to get the oil off your skin that causes it to itch and turn red.
• Make sure you also wash your clothes, pets or anything else that may have touched the plant.
• Try to avoid anything that has caused you to get a rash before like certain types of fabric, cheap jewelry, perfume, soaps or lotions.

Treatment:

• Wash the area of you’re skin where the rash is with plain water and pat dry.
• Cold, wet compresses (cloth) can help with the itching.
• If possible leave the rash uncovered. Do not use lotions or ointments until the rash goes away, unless your doctor tells you to. Calamine lotion may help with rashes caused by plants. Use it 3 to 4 times a day.
• Rashes found on your feet or around your groin (private area) may be caused by a fungus. (See sheet about tinea infections)

Return to the Emergency Department IF:

You have any signs of infection:

• Pain, swelling, or soreness at the site.
• Rash is hot to touch, red or has red lines coming out from it.
• Any drainage of pus.
• Fever with no other known cause.

You have any of the things listed below:

• You think the rash is caused by a reaction to a medication.
• You have a rash plus fever and pain in your joints.
• You have a sore throat with the rash.
• The rash lasts more than 2 to 3 weeks after treating it at home.
• You have a rash and you are not sure what is causing it or you are worried about it.