Medications

• Topical corticosteroid creams (prescription strength) - These reduce the immune response and relieve inflammatory symptoms.



• Oral corticosteroid medication (such as prednisone) - These have effects similar to those of the creams but are needed for a more severe or widespread reaction. A course of steroids can run from three days to as long as four weeks.



• Oral antihistamines - For itching. The main advantage of the prescription antihistamines is that they do not make you sleepy, allowing you to carry on your normal activities.



• Antibiotics - These are needed only if the skin becomes infected after the initial rash.