1. Get It Clean
A little detective work is required when diagnosing a skin rash. The first step is to clean the skin without further irritation. The simplest way is to thoroughly clean the bathtub, fill it with water and baking soda and submerse the body in it. Gently move the water around the rash to remove any irritants. Use a non dermatological or baby soap to gently wash the skin. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing as it just irritates the rash and may even spread it. Pat the skin dry with a clean towel and avoid rubbing the skin.
2. Get Out the Magnifying Glass
Get a magnifying glass, notepad and a pencil and take a close look at the rash. Determine if is a series of small rashes or one large skin rash. Look at the rash and determine if it is a wet or dry rash. Review the texture of the rash, small bumps or raised, rough skin. All these details are clues to help you diagnose the skin rash. Use latex gloves to protect yourself when inspecting a skin rash.
3. Types of Rashes
A contact rash is restricted to a specific area and does not spread over the body. It relates directly to physical contact with an irritant. Sooth the rash by running cool water over the area, as this flushes the irritant away. An allergic rash can be localized to a specific area, but usually appears in multiple locations, arms, legs and chest. Allergic rashes tend to be dry but very itchy. Allergic rashes can appear to spread and change location over time. Rashes caused by a virus are always wet with broken skin or blisters.
4. Responses to Treatment
Treat allergic rashes with over the counter antihistamines, hydrocortisone creams and lotions. The intensity of the itching should decrease within 4 hours of taking the antihistamine and the rash itself should begin to heal within 2 days of applying the hydrocortisone cream. If there are no positive responses, then it is likely a virus rash, since viral rashes don't respond to over-the-counter treatment.
5. When to Seek Advice
When self-diagnosing a health issue, it is very important to know when you need expert advice. Any spreading rash on a child under 6 requires a doctor's attention. A physician must see rashes that are wet, seeping pus, blood or a clear liquid immediately. If over-the- counter medication is not providing relief, do not continue to self-medicate. Many prescription medications heal skin rashes, so consult your doctor for advice.
