A rash is seldom an emergency. A rash is an area of irritated or swollen skin. Many rashes are itchy, red, painful, and irritated. Some rashes can also lead to blisters or even patches of raw skin. Rashes are a symptom of many different problems(such as contact with irritating substances or an allergic response). Certain genes can also make people more likely to get rashes. For example, hives are a common type of rash where a raised, itchy rash appears on the skin. You get the rash where you have touched something you are allergic to, like pet dander.
Some rashes develop right away. Others form over several days. Although most rashes clear up fairly quickly, others are long-lasting and need long-term treatment.
Because rashes can be caused by many different things, it’s important to figure out what kind you have before you treat it. If it is a bad rash, if it does not go away, or if you have other symptoms occurring at the same time, you should contact us. Treatments may include moisturizers, lotions, baths, steroid creams that relieve swelling, and antihistamines, which relieve itching.
Until your child can see the provider you can apply some calamine lotion which may help most rashes.
