Body rash can happen for many reasons, including acne, hives or allergic reaction to various types of dermatitis. Treatment for a rash depends on what kind of rash has developed, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. If a rash does not respond to home remedies within a day or two, the patient should see a doctor to determine the cause and rule out any serious medical condition.
Washing
It's important to keep the skin clean where rashes appear to prevent infection. Washing scaly skin also can help remove some of the rash, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Red bumps due to acne flare-ups can be mitigated with gentle washing twice a day. Cradle cap, a form of skin rash often seen on infants, can be gently scrubbed away with a mild soap and washcloth. Rashes that are due to poison ivy or poison oak should be washed regularly to keep the oils from the plant from spreading. Use a clean cloth for every washing and avoid touching the rash until it eventually goes away on its own.
OTC Remedies
Many skin rashes can be treated successfully with over-the-counter creams and lotions as well as pain relievers and anti-itching formulas. If the rash is due to a yeast infection, diaper rash or jock itch, anti-fungal preparations can soothe the tender areas and help to clear up the red bumps. A doctor should check rashes that are inside the vagina before remedies are applied however. Fifth disease is a condition that causes a red rash over the cheeks and usually responds to over-the-counter cold medications. While vaccines are available to prevent chicken pox, when they do appear, they can be treated with cold medicines and acetaminophen and anti-itching cream. Antihistamines and calamine lotion can be used to treat pityriasis rosea, a red rash that starts with a single scaly patch and expands quickly to a large number of small scaly patches over the chest and abdomen. Antihistamines also are used to treat hives, minor allergic reactions and insect bites.
Cooling Down
Rashes often cause the skin to heat up as the body's antibodies rush to the area to heal the spots. Other rashes, such as heat rash, are a reaction to overheating. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that people who experience a rash due to overheating should cool off by going into air conditioning or sitting near a fan. Wearing light clothing that doesn't stick to the skin can make the rash more bearable while it heals. Cool compresses also can help other rashes to heal as well as soothe the itching. Hives and chicken pox should be covered with cool compresses to reduce the itching and swelling, and shingles responds to the comfort of cool washcloths.
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