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How Do I Choose the Best Cream for Rashes?

A.M. Boyle
A.M. Boyle

Rashes generally fall into one of three categories, specifically, bacterial, fungal, and viral. They can also be caused by allergy or skin irritants. There are several different types of rash creams available, including antibiotic, antifungal, and anti-itch. Choosing the best cream for rashes is therefore a matter of determining what type of rash you are dealing with.

All rashes are basically inflammations of the skin. Fungal rashes can appear scaly and red with tiny blisters. They usually occur on the parts of your body that tend to sweat or become moist, such as the armpits or between the toes. If you suspect this type of skin irritation, the best cream for rashes of this nature are ones that contain anti-fungal ingredients. Look for creams that contain one percent terbinafine or one percent clotrimazole, both of which are potent anti-fungal medications.

Allergic reactions or skin irritations, to things like laundry soap, may cause rashes.
Allergic reactions or skin irritations, to things like laundry soap, may cause rashes.

People often confuse bacterial rashes with fungal rashes because they are similar in appearance. If you are treating a rash as fungal, but it is not responding to the medication, you might have a bacterial rash. When that is the case, the best cream for a bacterial rash contain antibiotic ingredients such as bacitracin zinc and neomycin. However, these creams may not be strong enough to get rid of the infection. If your rash does not get any better or appears to get worse after applying the cream for a couple of days, you may need a prescription-strength cream that contains a stronger medication such as mupirocin.

A woman applying an anti-itch cream to her hands.
A woman applying an anti-itch cream to her hands.

Certain types of viruses can also cause rashes. Sometimes, if the rash is from a viral infection of the skin, such as shingles or herpes, it is localized. Other viral rashes are widespread over the body and might be accompanied by other viral symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, or fever. The best cream for rashes that stem from viral infections are ones that treat the symptoms and help alleviate the discomfort. For instance, ointments that contain steroids such as hydrocortisone can help relieve the itching, while lotions that contain aloe vera might help soothe any burning sensations.

The aloe vera plant can be used to treat itching and inflammation caused by rashes.
The aloe vera plant can be used to treat itching and inflammation caused by rashes.

Allergies and skin irritations can also cause rashes, often recognized as hives. As with viral rashes, the best cream for rashes that are allergy related are designed to treat the symptoms. Usually, the symptoms include severe itching and burning, and creams that contain camphor, menthol, or aloe vera can help ease those reactions. Also, creams that contain a mild steroid such as hydrocortisone can help reduce inflammation that may accompany these types of rashes.

The shingles virus causes a painful rash on the skin.
The shingles virus causes a painful rash on the skin.

If your rash is caused by skin irritation, it might also be helpful to use a rash cream that has a skin protectant, such as petrolatum or zinc oxide. These ingredients will create a protective barrier on the skin, helping to soothe the discomfort and protect against further irritation. As with any rash, however, if the symptoms don’t improve after a few days, or the appear to get worse, you should have it evaluated by a health care professional.

Discussion Comments

donasmrs

Any mommies here with a little one suffering from diaper rash? I think I've found the best diaper rash cream! It's a cream sold at the pharmacy with lanolin and zinc oxide. It works so well!

candyquilt

@ZipLine-- Steroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications. A corticosteroid cream is effective against most rashes but be careful with it. If you overdo it, it might make things worse for you. I've heard that overusing steroid creams can weaken the immune response and make people more susceptible to rashes.

Using a steroid cream once a month might be okay, but if you need it very frequently, you need to see a doctor. Some rashes might not need steroids.

For example, I have contact dermatitis. It's an allergic reaction to detergents. I develop dry, scaly skin when I use hand soap and dish detergent with chemicals and perfumes. I don't use a steroid cream for it though. I do my best to avoid irritants. The only creams I use are nourishing hand creams with natural ingredients like shea butter and beeswax. These protect my skin and help get rid of the flakes.

ZipLine

Yesterday afternoon, I developed a weird rash on my legs. I have no idea what triggered it but I must have contacted something. I got these large, raised, itchy bumps all over my legs.

It came on very quickly and freaked me out. I basically rushed to the pharmacy and asked the pharmacist what I can do. She took a look at my rash and recommended a corticosteroid cream and an allergy medication. I bought both and took the tablet and applied the cream.

I'm sure the tablet helped as well, but the corticosteroid cream gave me instant relief. The itching stopped and the bumps started to go away. The rash was completely gone within an hour.

I haven't gotten the rash again, thankfully. But I'm going to keep a tube of this cream at home just in case. It's great stuff.

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    • Allergic reactions or skin irritations, to things like laundry soap, may cause rashes.
      By: ptnphotof
      Allergic reactions or skin irritations, to things like laundry soap, may cause rashes.
    • A woman applying an anti-itch cream to her hands.
      By: April Cat
      A woman applying an anti-itch cream to her hands.
    • The aloe vera plant can be used to treat itching and inflammation caused by rashes.
      By: cedrov
      The aloe vera plant can be used to treat itching and inflammation caused by rashes.
    • The shingles virus causes a painful rash on the skin.
      By: Angel Simon
      The shingles virus causes a painful rash on the skin.
    • Topical hydrocortisone can be used to treat poison ivy rashes.
      By: librakv
      Topical hydrocortisone can be used to treat poison ivy rashes.
    • Antifungal creams such as clotrimazole are typically applied to the skin on the feet, hands or groin or to the nails to kill fungus.
      By: agephotography
      Antifungal creams such as clotrimazole are typically applied to the skin on the feet, hands or groin or to the nails to kill fungus.
    • Prescription antibiotic cream can be used to treat some types of rashes.
      By: jovanmandic
      Prescription antibiotic cream can be used to treat some types of rashes.