Rashes happen to the best of us. Even if you’re careful with what you come in contact with on a daily basis, these pesky skin conditions are especially common to experience during this time of year. If you have developed a rash, there are things you can at home to reduce the itch and discomfort.

Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Mooresville further elaborates on rashes and their treatment.

• Why rashes appear: All rashes aren’t the same, but most rashes are caused by exposure to environmental allergens such as food, weather, sunlight and even stress. Many of these can be treated effectively with over-the-counter medications and other home remedies. In some cases, however, your skin may be telling you that you have a more serious condition.
• Here’s what to do if you develop one: The first thing you should do is avoid scratching your rash. Even though it provides immediate relief, scratching the rash could cause it to become infected, which can cause further complications and discomfort.
• What to do after: Wash the rash with water only and pat dry. Soap can make dryness and itching worse.
• What to do next: Apply cold to the rash. Whether you choose a cold compress, cool showers or a damp cloth, cold water can bring immediate relief and can help stop swelling, ease itching and slow the progression of a rash.
• When to visit the doctor: Most rashes can be treated at home and will go away over time without any treatment at all, but some symptoms, such as infection, are a reason to seek medical care. If you have signs of infection, such as red streaks coming from the rash, pus draining from the rash or swelling, visit our AFC center to get treatment.
• Action steps to take: Most rashes are caused by contact with a skin allergen, such as poison ivy. When outside, make sure to be aware of where you are walking and wear pants if you are in an area with lots of plants that are unfamiliar.
• If your rash interferes with your daily activities: Take an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin). Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Doctor recommendations: Like we said earlier, most rashes will go away on their own, but a trip to the doctor is necessary for signs of infection and severe discomfort. If this is the case for your rash, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the rash.

Still have questions about your skin rash? Our AFC Urgent Care Mooresville team is here for you, so don’t hesitate to reach out or visit us today!