Prevention

If you have a known allergy, avoid contact with the substance that causes the allergy.

Avoid infectious diseases that may cause skin rashes, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For more information, see the topic Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Treat your skin gently:

• Do not bathe too much. Soap and water dries your skin of the essential oils that hold in moisture.
• Do not scratch your skin or rub it roughly with towels.
• Avoid exposure to chemicals that may irritate the skin, such as rubbing alcohol, soaps, detergents, or solvents.

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• What is the history of your rash, including:
  • When did the rash start?
  • Where did the rash start?
  • Has the rash spread?
  • Has the rash changed?
  • Have you been in contact with anything that may have caused the rash?
  • Have you been around anyone recently who has a similar rash?
  • Has anything made the rash better or worse?
• Have you had this rash before? If yes:
  • What were the circumstances?
  • When did you last have it?
  • How was it treated?
  • How long did it last?
• What other symptoms have you had? Symptoms may include itching, burning, stinging, tingling, numbness, pain, or tenderness to the touch.
• Have you used a new food, medicine, or product, such as cosmetics, cleaning agents, detergents, soaps, chemicals, fabrics, lotions, or nonprescription medicines?
• Have you been exposed to poisonous plants. such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac?
• Have you had any other health problems during the past 3 months?
• Have you recently traveled to a rural area or to another country?
• Have you been under an unusual amount of stress at home, work, or both?
• Does anyone in your family have a skin disorder or an allergy? If so, to what?
• Are your shots and vaccines up-to-date?
• What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help?
• What nonprescription medicines have you tried? Did they help?
• Do you have any health risks?