WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT FOR A BODY RASH?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

1. The treatment of a body rash is similar to the treatment of a facial rash, however, the body has thicker skin then the face area. Therefore, higher strength hydrocortisone can be used on the body if necessary. The face has thinner skin and therefore requires more caution to be used, specifically only low dose cortisone lotions are usually used on the face.

2. If a body rash is thought to be due to a chemical irritant, then a corticosteroid cream can be used. There are various potencies of steroid creams that can be used. The strength of the cream used depends on the severity of the rash and its location on the body.
A. hydrocortisone butyrate 1% *
b. desonide 0.05% *
c. fluticasone propionate 0.05% *
d. tramcinolone 0.05% to 0.1% *
e. flucinolone 9.025% *
f. mometasone 0.1% *
g. betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% *
h. desoximetasone 0.05 - 0.25% *
i. clobetasol 0.05% *
j. halobetasol 0.05%*
k. diflorasone 0.05% 8

3. If a rash is thought to be due a virus such as herpes, then an antiviral oral medication is used.

4. If a rash is thought to be due to a bacteria, then either topical antibiotic or an oral antibiotic can be used.

5. If a rash is thought to be due to a fungus, then either a topical anti-fungal or an anti-fungal oral medication can be used.

CAUTION:

1. All medication, including all lotions, creams and ointments, have a risk of side effects.

2. When starting new creams and lotions always try the cream or lotion on a small skin area first.

3. Possible mild side effects are constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light skin rash.

4. Possible severe side effects are a severe rash or an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), or Clostridioides difficile infection (C-Diff), or an irregular electrical heart beat, leading to heart attack.

5. If an anti-viral medication is used for a herpes infection, a lower dose is needed for a person who has reduced kidney function.

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A BODY RASH?

A rash on light skinned people appears a red toned patch or patches of skin. On darker skinned people a rash often times appears as purple, gray, or white patch or patches.

WHAT CAUSES A BODY RASH?

There are various reasons for body rashes. A rash can be caused by an overgrowth of a fungus on the skin, a bacterial infection of the skin, a virus on the skin, and from some type of irritant that touched the skin.

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO DIAGNOSE A RASH?

The diagnosis of a body rash can be made with a careful history and visual assessment of the skin.