Rashes vary in their severity. A rash can be merely uncomfortable and annoying, or it can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. To determine what type of remedy is best suited to treat a skin rash, it is first imperative to pinpoint the cause of the condition. Patients should consult a doctor before attempting to self-medicate, as a skin rash could indicate serious health conditions such as lupus or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Antibiotics
Infectious skin rashes may respond best to treatment with antibiotics. Folliculitis, which is an infection of the hair shaft, and minor skin infections such as cellulitis, boils and carbuncles, can be treated with topical over-the-counter antibiotic ointments.
Prescription antibiotics may be indicated in cases of dermatitis herpetiformis, which is a rash caused by wheat gluten allergy, as well as acne and rosacea.
Impetigo is an extremely contagious bacterial infection characterized by crusty lesions near the nose or lips. It may require treatment by both a topical antibiotic ointment and an oral antibiotic.
Doctors can determine what type of antibiotic is best suited to each individual condition.
Antihistamines
Histamine is a chemical released by cells in response to exposure to a foreign substance that the body has identified as a potential threat. These substances are referred to as allergens. When histamine is released, it causes an increase in the permeability of the blood vessels around the affected area. This increased permeability allows fluids to exit into the tissues, carrying with them white blood cells. The increase in fluid to the area results in the swelling, inflammation and itch associated with an allergic response.
Antihistamines, as their name indicates, are medications that help suppress this allergic response by counteracting histamine. Skin rashes that are caused by insect bites, allergic reactions, and hives respond to treatment with antihistamines, according to FamilyDoctor.org
It is important to note that any allergic skin rash that is accompanied by feelings of tightness in the throat, difficulty breathing or other troubling symptoms, should immediately be treated by a medical professional as this could be a sign of a serious anaphylactic reaction.
Hydrocortisone
The severe itch that accompanies some skin rashes can often be alleviated via the use of topically applied hydrocortisone cream. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, a substance that is similar to the natural steroids present in the body. It acts to reduce inflammation, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Hydrocortisone cream can be used in conjunction with antihistamines to relieve the itch caused by insect bites. Hydrocortisone cream is also used in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that is commonly referred to as "cradle cap" when it affects the scalp area in young children.
Irritant contact dermatitis, a scaly red rash that occurs after contact to a substance that damages the skin's surface, also responds to treatment with topical hydrocortisone.
