Rash Overview

Rash is not a specific diagnosis. Instead it refers to any sort of inflammation and/or discoloration that distorts the skin’s normal appearance. Common rashes include eczema, poison ivy, hives, and athlete’s foot. Infections that cause rashes may be fungal, bacterial, parasitic, or viral.

Depending on the cause of the rash, there are several options for treatment. Some of the most common treatments are listed below. If a fungal or parasitic infection is suspected, a prescription medication will most likely be recommended.

Treatments

STEROIDS

» Topical: Topical corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions and also suppress the immune response. Topical corticosteroids are used based on their potency, the area of the body to which they will be applied, and type of skin condition being treated.
» Injectable and Oral Steroids: Injectable AND ORAL corticosteroids help suppress inflammation caused by skin conditions. This can reduce the signs and symptoms and relieve pain and discomfort caused by rashes. These are by prescription only and require an office visit to assess the rash.

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BIOPSY

Rashes that do not respond to typical treatments will sometimes require a biopsy to help determine the cause of the rash. A biopsy is a small sampling of the skin tissue. The area is numbed with local anesthetic and then a small piece of tissue is removed. Depending on the type of biopsy taken, sometimes sutures are required.

BIOPSY CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
» Remove white dressing in the morning and then may get the site wet.
» Leave steri-strips (brown tape) intact until suture removal.
» IF using a Silverlon dressing (square silver bandage), leave on or one week (may get wet).
» *IF steri-strips fall off: clean twice a day with mild soap and water, then apply a thin layer of Vaseline (NOT Neosporin) and cover with a bandaid.

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BLEACH BATHS

Bleach baths can be used to help with itching and to prevent the formation of staph, secondary to scratching.

BLEACH BATH PROTOCOL:
» 1/4 cup household bleach in 1/2 tub-full of water
» Soak for 15 minutes
» Repeat once within the week
» If itching returns, you may restart the protocol

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