From eczema to syphilis, there are many reasons why you might need an itchy rash treatment. If your skin is unusually red, irritated or swollen, it is important to find a doctor appointment to identify the cause of your skin inflammation so that it can be treated appropriately. It may indicate a relatively harmless condition or something more serious.
Inflamed skin can be quite uncomfortable and even painful. Thankfully, there are several types of medication for itchy rash that can ease your distress, from creams to tablets. At Instant Consult you can speak to a doctor over video call using our app and receive a diagnosis and prescription for an itchy rash treatment.
Common types of skin inflammation
Inflamed skin can be a result of many factors, such as allergens, infections, toxins or disease. While some conditions resolve quickly on their own, others do not. It is important to have a medical professional correctly identify the cause of your skin condition so that you can treat it properly. Here are the most common conditions:
Eczema
Eczema refers to a group of skin conditions that result in inflamed and/or irritated skin. Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema and affects around 10-20% of infants and around 3% of adults. It can affect any area of the skin but is almost always irritating. It may appear scaly, dry, thick, red or brown. In darker-skinned people it may affect pigmentation, causing increased lightness or darkness of the skin.
Hives
Hives is a skin condition characterised by spongy, raised areas of inflammation which affect large amounts of the skin. It is often caused by allergens or infections that trigger histamine in the bloodstream, which leak fluid into the epidermis. It may also be a response to hot or cold temperatures, stress or intense perspiration. Around 20% of people will experience hives at least once in their life.
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Ringworm
Ringworm is a common fungal infection (not an actual worm!) that forms on the top layer of the skin. It generally appears as a flat, possibly scaly red circle with smaller red areas of skin inside the circle. It may be irritating. It is contagious and can be spread through skin-to-skin contact or by touching an infected animal, object or soil.
Shingles
Shingles is a painful condition caused by the herpes zoster virus. Symptoms tend to change over time, beginning with a dull ache and increased sensitivity, followed by a cluster of small blisters (which may break into ulcers), redness and pain. If not treated, it may lead to permanent nerve pain. It is more common in older adults and affects around 1 in 3 people at some point in their life.
Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection characterised by redness, flaking, irritation and blisters on the soles of the feet or between the toes. It is easily spread in wet or damp, unclean places like spas and locker rooms.
Itchy rash treatment options
The type of itchy rash treatment used depends on the cause of the condition – viral infections will require viral medicines, whereas bacterial infections will require antibiotics and so on.
Viral
- Oral or intravenous antiviral (e.g. famciclovir, cidofovir)
- Vaccination (for prevention)
Bacterial
- Oral or intravenous antibiotics (e.g. ofloxacin, penicillin)
- Topical antibiotic
Fungal
- Topical and/or oral antifungal (e.g. terbinafine, fluconazole)
- Oral or intravenous special antifungal
Medication for itchy rash caused by allergies or autoimmune conditions generally consists of oral or topical steroids.
Why Choose Instant Consult
Fast, effective and hassle-free, Instant Consult is the optimal choice for anyone who wants to save time and money on unnecessary trips to the medical centre. We provide immediate online access to registered doctors Australia-wide.
Simply install our app, create an account and request a consult to speak to one of our fully-qualified after hours GP via video call. Our doctors provide medication for itchy rash prescriptions, referrals, medical certificates and more. And we’re super affordable!
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