Not everyone has read my blog from the beginning, but my interest and research in rashes began when I woke up one morning in June 2007 (out of town) with an itchy rash all over my upper legs, waist area and arms. Not only was it difficult due to being out of town , but my nephew’s graduation was that evening. The weekend was also packed with other family events including an all day sports play-off game two hours a way. What did I have, was it contagious and how was I going to get through the weekend?

Fortunately, I was friends with a local doctor and informally showed it to him. He said it was not contagious and that he thought it was some kind of allergic reaction or drug rash. The week before I had strep and a bad respiratory infection. I had been taking an antibiotic called cefdinir, also known as omnicef. I think I have a pretty high tolerance and ability to ignore however the itching was constant and unbearable. I was taking benadryl during the day which is not advised. Do NOT do this and if you will be driving definitely avoid doing this as it can be very dangerous due to the drowsiness. You can take an anti-drowsy antihistamine to cope with an itchy rash if necessary. These are designed for being able to go to work or school.

Once I returned home, I continued to have the rash and itch and began the appointments with dermatologists and other doctors. I received diagnoses including scabies rash , erhythema multiforme minor, drug allergic reaction rash and nummular eczema. I used the permethrin cream in case it was scabies as well as cortisone creams, prednisone and took antihistamines day and night.

This continued for over three months during the hottest time of year in Florida. Eventually, I did see
a dermatologist who also believed it to be nummular eczema . He said moisturizing was key for this, staying hydrated and good nutrition. I took flax seed oil, modified my diet, applied different oils from the health food store including neem, coconut oil, olive oil and did more yoga and meditation again. It began to subside and disappear. Then I noticed a few spots again re-appearing a few days later. I got stricter with my diet and made sure to moisturize throughout the day. Finally my skin healed. I still am not sure if it may have been a strep rash, medication rash or if the nummular eczema diagnosis was correct but my skin has remained clear. Because I have had several psychotherapy patients come in around rash distress I’ve developed a strong interest in this area. A friend of mine recently was diagnosed with pupps rash and I see this has turned her world upside now.

Here’s some mistakes I made. First of all, I used very hot water taking baths and showers. I thought I could use heat to get rid of the problem. That was completely an error! I even scrubbed vigorously with wash cloths and loofahs. Do NOT do this! Use lukewarm or cool water and do not rub the body. When you get out of the bath or shower pat the body dry with a towel and again don’t irritate your skin. Apply the moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Remember to replenish the skin a few times a day. Note, that this is for an eczema situation as fungal rashes and other types of rashes may not require moisturizing.

Psychologically, it is important to be able to not panic and get into a state of despondency. I noticed when my breathing was slow and deep that the itching was less severe. The mind plays an important role so it is very helpful to go to a quiet place like a park or the ocean to do slow breathing. Meditate on the gifts of your life. Remember that your rash isn’t terminal and you will resolve it. Practice gratitude for the people you’ve had in your life, your teachers over the years and the capacities that you have.

A sound machine can be helpful to relax and peaceful cds of classical music, nature sounds or new age music works well for many people. Use flax seed oil capsules to ease the itching as well as antihistamines as needed. When your mind starts to pull you down let it know you aren’t going to buy into the fears and thoughts. You can read more stress reduction tips for a boost. If your child has a rash, staying calm is the best thing you can do for them as they pick up fear. Your belief in their recovery will help them.

Don’t hesitate to get another opinion if you aren’t satisfied with your doctor. After using a scabies cream with no difference and getting a second opinion, I knew that the initial diagnosis was wrong. Rashes can look similar and it can take a lot of detective work if it isn’t an obvious situation such as chicken pox or shingles. The tools you learn during the period of your rash are something you’ll be able to use the rest of your life because staying calm during adverse situations is an important skill that will help you through other health issues, financial or relationship stressors.