Skin Rashes

What you should know

Skin Rash Hero

What causes a rash?

An itchy rash can be concerning, especially when it seems to appear out of nowhere. With so many potential causes, identifying the source of a mysterious rash isn't always straightforward.

Even if you know the cause like realizing that vine you touched was poison ivy a rash is more than just irritating; it can be painful and unsettling. Without knowing what's causing the bumps, blisters, or swelling, using the wrong treatment could make the rash worse.

Urgentcare.com board certified providers treat thousands of patients with rashes each year. Most never even need to make an appointment to be treated. Answer a quick questionnaire and if needed upload an image of your rash and let our providers do the rest.

Rashes can start for many reasons and out of nowhere. Most common causes are:

Posinous plants
Posinous plants(Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac)
Allergies
Allergies
Medication Reactions
Medication Reactions
Viruses
Viruses
Insect Bites
Insect Bites
Heat
Heat
Adverse reactions to dyed productions, latex, or other allergens
Adverse reactions to dyed productions, latex, or other allergens
Intertrigo
Intertrigo (friction rash)

Symptoms of Rashes

Rash symptoms can often appear similar, regardless of the cause. A rash is a visible sign of inflammation, whether your skin is red, dry, scaly, welted, blotchy, blistered, or itchy. However, certain types of rashes have distinct characteristics:

  • Irritant contract dermatitis: redness, severe itching, swelling, bumps, and blisters.
  • Eczema: itchy, red, cracked, rough skin.
  • Insect bites: red, swollen skin, hives, intense itching, burning.
  • Heat rash: small, stinging red lumps or clear, itchy liquid-filled bumps.
  • Drug reaction: red bumps, blisters, or hives.
  • Poison Ivy, Oak, or Sumac: intensely itchy, red blisters.
  • Viral rash: patches of splotchy red spots.
  • Intertrigo: red or reddish-brown rash, raw, itchy, cracked skin.

What treatments are available for rashes?

Depending on the type of rash, a doctor can recommend the most suitable prescription or over-the-counter medication, or suggest home remedies that may help:

Over-the-counter treatments and Medications
  • Corticosteroid cream or ointment
  • Antibiotics
  • Prednisone
  • Antihistamines
  • Calamine lotion
  • Medicated shampoos, if rash is on the scalp
  • Menthol creams
Home Remedies
  • Moisturize with a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic cream or lotion.
  • Humidifier
  • Oatmeal baths in lukewarm water
  • Cool, moist compresses
  • Avoid irritants that may trigger rashes (such as detergents, overly hot baths, cleaning products)

How can you get help without going to a doctor's office?

If you can't identify a mystery rash or need quick relief, a provider can evaluate and help alleviate your symptoms. Urgentcare.com provides reliable 24/7 healthcare, allowing you to share your symptoms with a board-certified provider in minutes and get a prescription sent to your preferred pharmacy if necessary.