List of 12 Best Medicines for Skin Rashes – Composition, Dosage, Popularity & More
A rash is a noticeable change in the texture or color of your skin. Your skin may become scaly, bumpy, itchy, or otherwise irritated.
Possible causes of rashes include the following:
- A rash can sometimes develop in the area of a bug bite, such as a flea bite. Tick bites are of particular concern because they can transmit disease.
- Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a rash that primarily occurs in people with asthma or allergies. The rash is often reddish and itchy with a scaly texture.
- Psoriasis is a common skin condition that can cause a scaly, itchy, red rash to form along the scalp, elbows, and joints.
- Seborrheic eczema is a type of eczema that most often affects the scalp and causes redness, scaly patches, and dandruff. It can also occur on the ears, mouth, or nose. When babies have it, it’s known as crib cap.
- Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that triggers a rash on the cheeks and nose. This rash is known as a “butterfly,” or malar, rash.
- Rosacea is a chronic skin condition of unknown cause. There are several types of rosacea, but all are characterized by redness and rash on the face.
- Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a distinctive ring-shaped rash. The same fungus that causes ringworm of the body and the scalp also causes jock itch and athlete’s foot.
- Diaper rash is common skin irritation in infants and toddlers. It’s usually caused by sitting too long in a dirty diaper.
- Scabies is an infestation by tiny mites that live on and burrow into your skin. It causes a bumpy, itchy rash.
- Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin. It usually appears as a red, swollen area that is painful and tender to the touch. If left untreated, the infection causing the cellulitis can spread and become life-threatening.
Apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to the affected area if the rash is very itchy and causing discomfort. Calamine lotion can also help relieve rashes from chickenpox, poison ivy, or poison oak.
Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) in moderation for mild pain associated with the rash. Talk to your healthcare provider before you start taking these drugs, and avoid taking them for an extended period because they can have side effects.
List of Top 12 Medicines for Skin Rashes
- Hydrocortisone
- Prednisone
- Diflorasone
- Prednicarbate
- Tetracaine
- Tacrolimus
- Pimecrolimus
- Capsaicin
- Doxepin
- Diphenhydramine
- Terbinafine
- Zema lotion
Top 12 Medicines for Skin Rashes in India (Tablets, Syrups, Ointment & More)
1. Hydrocortisone: Cure’s skin rashes and itching
- Brand name – Locoid, Cortaid
- Composition – Hydrocortisone
- Popularity level – 8
- This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (e.g., insect bites, poison oak/ivy, eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash, itching of the outer female genitals, anal itching). Hydrocortisone reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. This medication is a mild corticosteroid.
- Dosage – Wash and dry your hands before using. Clean and dry the affected area. If you are using the lotion or foam, shake it well just before using. If you are using the spray, check the product package to see if it needs to be shaken before each use. Apply a small amount of medication to the affected area and gently rub in, usually up to 4 times a day or as directed by your doctor or the product package. Dosage and length of treatment depend on the type of condition being treated. Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the area unless directed to do so by your doctor. If used in or near the diaper area on an infant, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.
- Price – The cost for Locoid Lipocream topical cream butyrate 0.1% is around $793 for a supply of 45 grams.
2. Prednisone: Cure’s skin rashes and itching
- Brand name – Prednisone
- Composition – Prednisone
- Popularity level – 7
- Prednisone belongs to a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. It decreases your immune system’s response to various diseases to reduce symptoms such as swelling and allergic-type reactions.
- Dosage – Take this medication by mouth, with food or milk to prevent stomach upset, as directed by your doctor. Take the tablet form of this medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
- Price – A pack of 100 tablets costs $26.
3. Diflorasone: Cure’s skin rashes and itchiness
- Brand name – Apexicon
- Composition – Diflorasone
- Popularity level – 5
- Diflorasone is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (e.g., eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash). Diflorasone reduces the swelling, itching and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. This medication is a strong (high-potency) corticosteroid.
- Dosage – Wash and dry your hands before applying. Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a thin film of the medication to the affected area and gently rub in, usually 1-3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Do not bandage, wrap or cover the area unless directed to do so by your doctor. If used in the diaper area on an infant, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.
- Price – The cost for ApexiCon E topical cream 0.05% is around $481 for a supply of 30 grams.
4. Prednicarbate: Cure’s skin rashes and itching
- Brand name – Dermatop
- Composition – Prednicarbate
- Popularity level – 5
- This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (e.g., eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash). Prednicarbate reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. This medication is a medium-strength corticosteroid.
- Dosage – Apply a thin layer of the cream on the affected area, twice a day.
- Price – A 5g tube of the cream costs ₹60.
5. Tetracaine: Numbs the area of skin with rashes/itching
- Brand name – Pontocaine
- Composition – Tetracaine
- Popularity level – 6
- Tetracaine acts a topical anesthetic, thus it helps to ease the pain associated with skin rashes and/or itchiness.
- Dosage – Apply a thin layer of the cream on the affected area, two to three times a day.
- Price – A 30g tube of the cream costs $12.16
6. Tacrolimus: Cures eczema
- Brand name – Protopic
- Composition – Tacrolimus
- Popularity level – 4
- This form of tacrolimus is used on the skin to treat a skin condition called eczema (atopic dermatitis) in patients who have not responded well to (or should not use) other eczema medications.
- Eczema is an allergic-type condition that causes red, irritated, and itchy skin. This drug works by weakening the skin’s defense (immune) system, thereby decreasing the allergic reaction and relieving eczema. Tacrolimus belongs to a class of drugs known as topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs).
- Dosage – Wash your hands with soap and water before using this medication. Apply a thin layer to the affected areas of skin, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Rub the medication into the skin gently and completely. Wash your hands after using this product unless your hands are being treated. If your doctor recommends a moisturizer, apply it after this medication.
- Price – A 60g tube of the ointment costs $116.
7. Pimecrolimus: Cures eczema
- Brand name – Elidel
- Composition – Pimecrolimus
- Popularity level – 4
- Pimecrolimus is used to treat certain skin conditions such as eczema (atopic dermatitis) in people who should not use or have not responded to other eczema medications (e.g., topical steroids). Eczema is an allergic-type condition that causes red, irritated, and itchy skin. This drug works by changing the skin’s defense (immune) system, thereby decreasing the allergic reaction that causes eczema. Pimecrolimus belongs to a class of drugs known as topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs).
- Dosage – Wash your hands with soap and water before using this medication. Apply a thin layer to the affected areas of skin, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Rub the medication into the skin gently and completely. Wash your hands after using this product unless your hands are being treated. If your doctor recommends a moisturizer, apply it after this medication.
- Price – A 10g tube of the ointment costs ₹790.
8. Capsaicin: Cure’s pain associated with chronic itching
- Brand name – Nizer gel
- Composition – Capsaicin
- Popularity level – 3
- This medication is used to treat minor aches and pains associated with chronic itching. Capsaicin works by decreasing a certain natural substance in your body (substance P) that helps pass pain signals to the brain.
- Dosage – For the cream, gel, and lotion forms, apply a thin layer of medication to the affected area and rub in gently and thoroughly. You may want to use a cotton ball/swab or latex glove to apply the medication to avoid touching the medication with your hands.
- Price – A 30g tube of the cream costs ₹90.
9. Doxepin: Cures itching
- Brand name – Doxepin topical cream 5%
- Composition – Doxepin
- Popularity level – 3
- This medication is used to relieve troublesome itching from certain skin conditions (e.g., atopic dermatitis, eczema, neurodermatitis). It should be used only for a short time (no more than 8 days). Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is not known how this medication decreases itching. Some medication is absorbed into the body when the cream is applied. This medication may work by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. The decrease in itching may be a result of drowsiness or some other effect in the brain that causes you not to notice or be bothered by the itching.
- Dosage – Before applying the medication, clean the affected area with mild soap and water, rinse well, and pat dry. Gently rub a small amount of the medication into the affected area in a thin layer, usually 4 times a day. Wait at least 3-4 hours between applications, or use as directed by your doctor. How often the medication is applied and for how long depends on your condition and response to treatment. Usually, this medication is for short-term use only (up to 8 days).
- Price – The cost for doxepin topical cream 5% is around $514 for a supply of 45 grams.
10. Diphenhydramine: Cure’s skin rashes and itching
- Brand name – Allegra Intensive Relief Cream
- Composition – Diphenhydramine-Allantoin
- Popularity level – 8
- This medication is used to temporarily relieve itching and pain caused by minor burns/cuts/scrapes, sunburn, insect bites, minor skin irritations, or rashes from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.
- Diphenhydramine belongs to a class of drugs known as antihistamines. It works by blocking the effects of a certain natural substance (histamine) that causes itching. This product may also contain other ingredients (skin protectants such as allantoin, zinc acetate) that may help relieve symptoms such as dry skin, weeping, or oozing. Read the product package for more information.
- Dosage – Before applying, clean the affected area with soap and water. Gently pat dry. Apply to the affected area as directed, usually no more than 3 to 4 times a day. Wash hands immediately after use unless the area being treated includes the hands.
- Price – A 1oz tube of the cream costs $9.
11. Terbinafine: Cures jock itch
- Brand name – Lamisil cream
- Composition – Terbinafine
- Popularity level – 6
- This medication is used to treat a variety of fungal skin infections such as jock itch. Terbinafine is an antifungal that works by preventing the growth of fungus.
- Dosage – Use this medication on the skin only. Clean and thoroughly dry the area to be treated. Apply a thin layer of the medication on and around the affected area, usually once or twice daily as directed on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Wash your hands after using unless the area being treated includes the hands. Do not wrap, cover, or bandage the area unless directed to do so by your doctor.
- Price – A 0.45 oz tube of the cream costs $11.
12. Zema lotion: Cures skin rashes
- Brand name – Zema lotion
- Composition – Salicylic Acid, Rosorcinol, and Phenylic Acid
- Popularity level – 7
- Salicylic Acid works by correcting the abnormal shedding of skin cells, helping the skin to shed dead cells more effectively. In this way, salicylic acid helps reduce the number of pore blockages, preventing breakouts. Rosorcinol helps prevent comedones by removing the buildup of dead skin cells. It’s sed for both psoriasis and acne to soften or loosen up hardened skin. Resorcinol can be used as an anti-itching agent as well as an antiseptic. Phenylic Acid is an organic compound, also known as carbolic, which has disinfectant and antiseptic healing qualities.
- Dosage – Apply a thin layer of the lotion on the affected area and gently rub.
- Price – A 15ml bottle of the lotion costs $1.2