Acute Rash

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

A rash

is irritated, red, or itchy skin or mucus membranes, such as the lining of your nose or throat. Acute means the rash starts suddenly, worsens quickly, and lasts a short time. Common causes include a disease or infection, a reaction to something you are allergic to, or certain medicines.

Seek care immediately if:

• You have sudden trouble breathing or chest pain.
• You are vomiting, have a headache or muscle aches, and your throat hurts.

Call your doctor or dermatologist if:

• You have a fever.
• You get open wounds from scratching your skin, or you have a wound that is red, swollen, or painful.
• Your rash lasts longer than 3 months.
• You have swelling or pain in your joints.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Common types of rashes:

• Eczema causes inflamed, itchy areas. Your skin may be dry, scaly, and thick. The outer layer may be damaged. Irritants, stress, or a family history of eczema make you more likely to get it.
• Contact dermatitis causes a small, itchy growth that may be flat or raised. It appears after you touch something that damages your skin or causes an allergic reaction. Examples include chemicals, metals, dye, soaps or detergents, and latex.
• Atopic dermatitis causes small, itchy, blister-like growths along skin lines and folds. The growths may ooze fluid and become scaly, crusted, or hard. You may have sore, dry skin or swollen eyes. This rash usually forms after you are around an allergen, are overheated, or wear rough clothing.
• Urticaria (hives) appears suddenly as patches and raised areas of swollen skin or mucus membrane. The area may itch or burn. Common causes include allergens, latex, certain foods, a bee sting, smoke, or a blood transfusion.
• Pityriasis rosea may appear before you get a disease caused by bacteria or a virus. The rash may look like a patch on your chest, back, or abdomen. The rash may spread to become small, red, cone-shaped bumps that usually grow in groups.

Treatment

will depend on the condition causing your acute rash. You may need any of the following:

• Medicines may be used to decrease itching or inflammation, or prevent or treat a bacterial infection. Medicines may also help your immune system fight infection or stop it from attacking your skin.
• Ultraviolet phototherapy means the rash is put under light. Light therapy helps treats atopic dermatitis or eczema that does not get better with steroids. It can help pityriasis rosea heal faster and decrease itching.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Zyrtec
• Xolair
• Allegra
• Dupixent
• triamcinolone

Prevent a rash or care for your skin when you have a rash:

Dry skin can lead to more problems. Do not scratch your skin if it itches. You may cause a skin infection by scratching. The following may prevent dry skin, and help your skin look better:

• Help soothe your rash. Apply thick cream lotions or petroleum jelly. Cool compresses may also soothe your skin. Apply a cool compress or a cool, wet towel, and then cover it with a dry towel.
• Use lukewarm water when you bathe. Hot water may damage your skin more. Pat your skin dry. Do not rub your skin with a towel.
• Use detergents, soaps, shampoos, and bubble baths made for sensitive skin.
• Wear clothes made of cotton instead of nylon or wool. Cotton is softer, so it will not hurt your skin as much.

Follow up with your healthcare providers as directed:

A dermatologist may help find the cause of your rash or help plan or change treatment. A dietitian may help with meal planning if you have a food allergy. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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