Home treatment for minor rashes

Home treatment often can relieve discomfort and itching until a rash clears up. If you have come in contact with a substance that causes contact dermatitis (such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac), immediately wash the area with large amounts of water.

Nonprescription medications may help relieve itching. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label for using the medication. Some nonprescription medications may caution against use in the genital area or caution use for children.

• Zinc oxide ointment is soothing to irritated skin.
• Calamine lotion is helpful for contact dermatitis, such as poison ivy or oak rashes.
• For severe itching, apply hydrocortisone cream (1%) 3 times a day until the itch is gone.
• Try an oral antihistamine to help interrupt the scratch-itch cycle. Examples include chlorpheniramine maleate (such as Chlor-Trimeton) and diphenhydramine (such as Benadryl). Oral antihistamines are helpful when itching and discomfort are interfering with or preventing normal activities, such as school, work, or sleep.