PlushCare / Online Doctor / Primary Care / Rash and Dermatitis
In order to treat your rash, consult with one of our medical professionals online today to prescribe the right corticosteroid or antihistamine medication for you. Get a new prescription to treat your rash or refill an existing prescription today.
Medication services available 24/7 for adults and kids (3+)
Top quality, board-certified doctors
No insurance needed
Same-day prescriptions available*
*Prescriptions provided at doctor’s discretion.
Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less. Otherwise, new patient visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $69 for members.
Step 1
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Step 1
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
How pricing works
To request rash treatment and get a new prescription or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
$14.99/month
First month free
Copay
For all visits
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
$14.99/month
First month free
$129
Repeats only $69
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $69 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
A rash is an area of irritated or swollen skin on the body. Many skin rashes are itchy, painful, and appear differently on different skin tones. While rashes are typically described as red, they may look purple, gray, or white on different skin tones.
Although most rashes are not life-threatening, some rashes can signal more serious health problems. If you experience any symptoms of a skin rash, it’s important to talk to your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Skin rashes are also called dermatitis, a general term that describes skin inflammation. Contact dermatitis happens when your skin comes into contact with something that causes inflammation, such as:
•Chemicals in rubber, latex, and elastic products
•Cosmetics, soaps, and laundry detergents
•Dyes and other chemicals in clothing
•Poison ivy, poison oak, or sumac
Another type of dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, appears in red patches around the face. If seborrheic dermatitis happens on your scalp, you might notice dandruff. The causes of seborrheic dermatitis include:
•High stress levels
•Fatigue
•Hot and cold extremes
•Infrequent shampooing
•Harsh soaps, lotions, and skincare products
Other common causes of a skin rash include:
•Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Eczema often affects people with allergies. It causes skin redness and itchiness.
•Psoriasis: Psoriasis leaves red, scaly patches on the joints and along the scalp. It can also cause itchy skin.
•Impetigo: Impetigo happens when bacteria enter broken skin. The rash begins as red, itchy sores. Over time, these develop into blisters, burst open and leak a clear fluid, and form a yellowish-gold crust.
•Shingles: Caused by the same virus as chickenpox, shingles usually cause a red rash with small, fluid-filled blisters.
•Childhood illnesses: Chickenpox, impetigo, scarlet fever, and fifth disease can cause skin rashes in young children.
If home remedies don't ease your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce itching and pain. Depending on the cause of your rash, your healthcare provider may prescribe:
Steroid creams, such as hydrocortisone cream, can be applied to the affected area to soothe the rash. Talk to your healthcare about how many days to apply cortisone creams and for how many weeks.
Oral antibiotics can help combat a bacterial infection.
Oral antihistamines can help relieve itchy eyes, hives, swelling, and other symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Corticosteroids can help treat skin conditions, including eczema.
Most skin rashes improve with skin care. If you have contact dermatitis, you can lower your risk of rashes by avoiding allergens and irritants. Some effective preventive measures include:
•Avoid scratching or scrubbing your skin.
•Use gentle cleansers and skincare products.
•Avoid applying scented lotions or harsh soaps directly on a rash.
•Clean your skin with warm (not hot) water.
•Pat your rash dry instead of rubbing it.
Most rashes are not medical emergencies. However, if a rash occurs, it’s important to talk to your doctor to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. You should also talk to your doctor if:
•You’re experiencing joint pain, a fever, or a sore throat.
•The rash comes on suddenly and spreads rapidly.
•You notice new redness, swelling, or tender areas.
•You’re taking a new medication.
•You have a tick bite.
•Home remedies don’t work or your symptoms worsen.
Seek medical attention or visit the nearest emergency room immediately if:
•You’re short of breath, experiencing throat tightness, or your face is swollen.
•Your child has a purple rash that resembles a bruise.
If you notice any symptoms of common skin rashes, the first step is to talk to your doctor. Your doctor may be able to diagnose your rash by asking about your symptoms and performing a physical exam. If you have contact dermatitis, your doctor may recommend a patch test to determine the cause of your rash.
If you have a minor rash, home treatments can relieve itching until your reaction clears up:
•Apply a cold compress to your rash to relieve mild pain and itching.
•Take a lukewarm bath in colloidal oatmeal to treat an itchy rash.
•Apply aloe vera or calamine lotion to soothe painful and itchy skin.
•Take over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines to treat inflammation.
The symptoms of rashes vary depending on the cause of the rash. Some common symptoms of skin rashes include:
While some rashes develop suddenly, others form over several days. Although most rashes go away on their own, other rashes may require long-term treatment.
Some common skin rashes that can be treated online include:
•Hives
•Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
•Contact dermatitis
•Insect bites, including spider bites, chiggers, and bed bugs
What you should (and shouldn’t) put on your rash depends on the type of rash. For example, if you have skin redness from poison ivy, over-the-counter itch creams can help reduce itching.
Before you start treating your rash with home treatments, meet with a doctor online to get a proper diagnosis.
Yes, most rashes will go away on their own. Rashes typically happen when the skin comes into contact with an irritant, causing inflammation and skin redness. Once the irritant is removed, your skin will likely calm down.
Yes, applying Vaseline to your rash can help relieve discomfort, itching, and pain. Avoid applying Vaseline to your rash if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients.
Your rash may be serious if:
•You experience fever and/or pain.
•Your notice bruise-like lesions on your body, or purple spots on your hands and/or feet.
•Your rash worsens or doesn’t improve within a few days.
•Your rash is circular.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may have a medical emergency. Seek medical attention or call 911 immediately.
Common treatments for rashes include:
•Steroid creams and ointments, such as cortisone creams
•Moistening lotions and emollients, such as Vaseline and calamine lotion
•Topical medications, such as cool tar, anthralin, and retinols
•Prescription medications, such as antibiotics, antihistamines, or pain relievers
Home remedies can also help relieve itching and soothe skin sensitivity. Some of the best home remedies for skin reactions include:
•Placing a cool cloth or cold compress on the affected area
•Taking a lukewarm bath with baking soda or colloidal oatmeal
•Covering the wound to prevent further irritation
•Using mild soaps and non-scented lotions on your skin
Several factors can cause rashes, including:
•Direct contact with allergens or irritants (contact dermatitis)
•Environmental triggers or genetics (eczema)
•Poor circulation due to a sedentary lifestyle (stasis dermatitis)
•High levels of stress
•Hormonal changes
•Irritating substances
•Insect bites or stings
•Harsh soaps and skincare products
Medical conditions can also contribute to rashes, such as:
•Lupus erythematosus (an immune system disease)
•Rheumatoid arthritis, especially the juvenile type
•Kawasaki disease (inflammation of the blood vessels)
•Body-wide (systemic) viral, bacterial or fungal infections
•Childhood illnesses, including fifth disease, scarlet fever, and chickenpox
•Chronic skin conditions, such as rosacea or psoriasis
