The file or script requested was not found on this server. If you typed in this URL by hand, please verify that you have the correct spelling and try again. One of the best parts of the spring and summer months is being able to spend time outdoors. Unfortunately, the warmer seasons see a spike in skin rashes as heat, various plant life, and chemicals found in sunscreen, bug spray, laundry detergent, lotions, and fabrics may cause rashes for many people. Most rashes can be treated at home, but occasionally a severe or persistent rash may require a trip to your nearest urgent care for treatment and fast relief. Rash Types and Symptoms General rash: Redness, red streaks, and itching on the skin. Heat rash: Small red bumps or dots, which look like tiny pimples, generally found on the head, neck, and shoulders. Hives: Redness, small bumps, or larger raised areas on the skin. Blisters: Fluid-filled bumps that look like bubbles on the skin’s surface. In rare cases, some people develop blood-filled blisters that can turn black and become shiny dark spots.

Different types of rashes can be attributed to different causes. Poison ivy, oak, sumac, and nettle are common itchy rash- or blister-causing plants. Heat rash can occur in babies and adults in hot weather when sweat ducts become clogged and swell, leading to itchy skin. Many people develop rashes when exposed to nickel or chemicals found in fabrics or household or cosmetic products. Scabies, shingles, and impetigo are rashes caused by parasitic, viral, or bacterial infections. For some people, stress can cause rashes or hives. If you have a known allergy, avoid contact with the substance that causes the allergy, as well as any plants or chemicals that are known skin irritants. If you come into contact with a known irritant or notice a rash developing on your skin, follow these steps: Initial Self-Treatment for a Rash If you have come in contact with a substance, such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac, immediately wash the area with large amounts of water. Following the initial cleansing, use soap and water sparingly.

If a rash develops, leave it alone as much as possible. Leave the rash exposed to the air whenever possible.White Damask Fabric If you have a rash, you should not be in contact with children or pregnant women. Weight Loss Picture GeneratorMost viral illnesses that cause a rash are contagious, especially if a fever is present.Outdoor Cat Run Furniture If you believe that you or your child has developed a heat rash, loosen clothing and move to a cool, shady spot. Keep the skin cool and dry. Keep the itchy area cool and moist. Put cloths soaked in ice water on the rash a few times a day. Too much wetting and drying will dry the skin, which can increase itching. Keep cool and stay out of the sun. Heat makes itching worse.

An oatmeal bath can help relieve itching. Wrap one cup of oatmeal in a cotton cloth or sock and boil as you would to cook it. Allow it to cool to room temperature; use it as a sponge and bathe in cool water without soap. You may also buy a product at the store, such as Aveeno Colloidal Oatmeal bath. Avoid scratching as much as possible. Cut nails short or wear cotton gloves at night to prevent scratching in your sleep.Do not wear wool and synthetic fabrics next to your skin. Use gentle soaps, such as Basis, Cetaphil, Neutrogena, Dove, or Oil of Olay, and use as little soap as possible. Avoid heavily scented soaps or deodorants. Wash your clothes with a mild soap, such as CheerFree or Ecover, rather than a detergent. Rinse twice to remove all traces of the soap. Do not use strong detergents. As stress can make rashes and itching worse, try to take breaks throughout the day and before bed for a relaxation exercise. Sit or lie down, and concentrate on relaxing every muscle in your body, starting with your toes and going up to your head.

Purchase a nonprescription medicine for itching, such as topical calamine lotion, 1% topical hydrocortisone cream, or an oral antihistamine such as Benadryl (credit diehl). Always follow all label directions on the medicine bottle or box, and check with a doctor before giving any antihistamines to children. Seek treatment at your nearest NextCare Urgent Care location if: A rash does not go away or gets worse following self-treatment. Symptoms become so bad that you are very uncomfortable. Other symptoms, such as a fever, feeling ill, or signs of infection, become present or worsen. A rash lasts longer than seven days. A rash that has been diagnosed lasts longer than two weeks, or is not following the expected healing course. Symptoms become more severe or happen more often. Herpes zoster - treatmentShingles is a painful, blistering skin rash that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles is also called herpes zoster.

An outbreak of shingles usually follows the following course: Blisters and pimples appear on your skin and cause pain.A crust forms over the blisters and pimples.In 2 to 4 weeks, the blisters and pimples heal. They rarely come back.Pain from shingles lasts for 2 to 4 weeks. You may have tingling or a pins-and-needles feeling, itching, burning, and a deep pain. Your skin may be very painful when it is touched.You may have a fever.You may have short-term weakness of certain muscles. This is rarely lifelong. To treat shingles, your health care provider may prescribe: A medicine called an antiviral to fight the virusA medicine called a corticosteroid, such as prednisoneMedicines to treat your pain You may have postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) pain. This is pain that lasts longer than a month after symptoms of shingles start. To relieve itching and discomfort, try: A cool, wet compresses on the affected skinSoothing baths and lotions, such as colloidal oatmeal bath, starch baths, or calamine lotionZostrix, a cream that contains capsaicin (an extract of pepper)Antihistamines to reduce itching (taken by mouth or applied to the skin) Keep your skin clean.

Throw away bandages you use to cover your skin sores. Throw away or wash in hot water clothing that has contact with your skin sores. Wash your sheets and towels in hot water. While your skin sores are still open and oozing, avoid all contact with anyone who has never had chickenpox -- especially pregnant women. Resting in bed until your fever goes down is advised.For pain, you can take a type of medicine called NSAIDs. You do not need a prescription for NSAIDs.Some examples of NSAIDs are ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), naproxen (such as Aleve or Naprosyn).If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or have had stomach ulcers or bleeding, talk with your health care provider before using these medicines. You may also take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) for pain relief. If you have liver disease, talk with your health care provider before using it.You may be given a narcotic pain reliever. Take it only as directed. These medicines can:Make you sleepy and confused.