Rashes, Widespread & Cause Unknown

TEMPORARY CARE - Pending Talking with Your Doctor

1. Reassurance: There are many causes of widespread rashes and most of the time they are not serious. Common causes include viral illness (e.g., cold viruses) and allergic reactions (to a food, medicine, or environmental exposure).
2. For Non-Itchy Rashes: No treatment is necessary, except for heat rashes, which respond to cool baths.
3. For Itchy Rashes: Wash the skin once with soap to remove any irritants. Use Benadryl or take an Aveeno bath to reduce the itching.
4. Benadryl for Itching: Take an antihistamine (e.g., diphendryamine/Benadryl) for widespread rashes that itch. The adult dosage of Benadryl is 25-50 mg by mouth 4 times daily.
   • Do not take antihistamine medications such as Benadryl if you have prostate enlargement.
   • Antihistamines may cause sleepiness. Do not drink alcohol, drive or operate dangerous machinery while taking antihistamines.
   • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
5. Oatmeal Aveeno Bath for Itching: Sprinkle contents of one Aveeno packet under running faucet with comfortably warm water. Bathe for 15 - 20 minutes, 1-2 times daily. Pat dry with a towel - do not rub.
6. Contagiousness: Avoid contact with pregnant women until a diagnosis is made. Most viral rashes are contagious (especially if a fever is present). You can return to work or school after the rash is gone or when your doctor says it's safe to return with the rash.
7. Expected Course: Most viral rashes disappear within 48 hours.