An itchy, bumpy, red behind is more than simply an annoyance. Babies can cry about it, but you have to go to work, pick up the kids and take care of business while trying not to scratch in public. Such rashes can have a variety of causes: an allergy, a new detergent or underwear fabric, chicken pox or scabies. If your symptoms are severe, you should see a physician for a diagnosis. But if the rash is relatively mild, you can clear it up at home.
Step 1
Fill a bathtub with cool water. Make it just a few degrees cooler then your body temperature so that it doesn't make you sweat.
Step 2
Add a cup or more of colloidal oatmeal. This will ease the itching and help dry up the rash.
Step 3
Blot yourself dry with a clean, white towel. Do not rub at the rash, which will make it worse. Put the towel in the hamper or washer immediately so that no one else uses it.
Step 4
Apply a hydrocortisone cream to the rash. If you can't reach all of it, squeeze the cream onto a clean washcloth, hold the ends at either hip with the washcloth behind you, and gently swipe it back and forth.
Step 5
Take an over-the-counter antihistamine before you go to bed. This will help clear the rash if it's caused by an allergy.
Step 6
Wear cotton underpants---or none at all---to bed so your skin can breathe. The air will also help dry up the rash.
Tips and Warnings
- Oral antihistamines can cause drowsiness. To avoid this side effect, apply an antihistamine cream instead of taking the oral medication.
- Never scratch an itchy rash. If you must, rub it gently and then wash your hands.
Things You'll Need
- Cool water
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Clean, white towel
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Clean washcloth (optional)
- Antihistamine
- Cotton undergarments (optional)
- Antihistamine cream (optional)
