Hair, Skin & Rash
Rashes & Irritated Skin — Online Evaluation & Treatment
Itchy, red, or inflamed skin? A rash that appeared after contact with something, or a flare-up of a condition you have dealt with before? A licensed provider can evaluate your symptoms, assess the likely cause, and recommend appropriate next steps — including prescription-strength options if appropriate.
Start a VisitAbout these conditions
🌿 Rashes and irritated skin — what you need to know
Skin is the body's largest organ, and rashes are one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. Most rashes are not serious — but identifying the cause matters, because the right treatment depends entirely on what is driving the irritation. A topical steroid that helps an eczema flare may not help a contact rash from the wrong trigger. An antihistamine that calms hives won't treat poison ivy the same way a short steroid course would.
This page covers rashes and irritated skin conditions that are inflammatory in nature — meaning the skin is reacting to something rather than being infected by bacteria or a fungus. If you are concerned your rash may be infected (spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever), see our Skin & Minor Infections page. For recurring or chronic skin conditions like psoriasis or ongoing rosacea management, see our Chronic Skin Conditions page.
What we treat on this page
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) flares, contact dermatitis, poison ivy and poison oak reactions, hives (urticaria), heat rash, and other non-infectious rashes and irritated skin conditions. Evaluated by a licensed provider who helps identify the likely cause and recommends appropriate treatment including prescription topical steroids and other therapies.
The conditions on this page:
- →🔁 Eczema (atopic dermatitis). A chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, intensely itchy, inflamed skin that flares periodically and often runs in families alongside asthma or seasonal allergies. Common in children but very common in adults too. During a flare, affected skin is red, dry, and may be weeping or crusted. Eczema tends to occur in characteristic locations — inner elbows, behind the knees, on the neck and wrists — though it can appear anywhere. Management focuses on restoring the skin barrier, reducing inflammation during flares, and preventing future flares. For ongoing eczema management beyond acute flares, also see our Chronic Skin Conditions page.
- →☠️ Poison ivy, oak, and sumac. A contact allergic reaction to urushiol, the oily resin found in these plants. Causes an intensely itchy rash with redness, swelling, and blisters that typically develops 12 to 72 hours after exposure. The rash does not spread from scratching — it only appears where the oil contacted skin, though different areas may react at different rates. Highly treatable with topical or oral corticosteroids depending on severity and extent.
- →🧪 Contact dermatitis (irritant and allergic). A rash that develops when the skin comes into contact with an irritating substance or allergen. Irritant contact dermatitis (from harsh soaps, detergents, chemicals, or prolonged moisture) is the most common type. Allergic contact dermatitis is a true immune reaction to a specific substance — common triggers include nickel, fragrances, preservatives, latex, and certain cosmetic ingredients. The rash is typically confined to the area of contact and may take hours to days to appear after exposure to an allergen.
- →🌡️ Hives (urticaria). Raised, itchy, red or skin-colored welts that appear suddenly and can occur anywhere on the body. Individual hives typically resolve within 24 hours but new ones may continue to appear. Hives may be triggered by infections, medications, foods, insect stings, heat, pressure, or other factors, although no cause is identified in many cases. Respond well to antihistamines. For hives associated with throat tightening, difficulty breathing, or significant facial swelling, seek emergency care immediately — this may be anaphylaxis.
- →🌡️ Heat rash (miliaria). Occurs when sweat ducts become blocked and sweat is trapped under the skin. Presents as clusters of small red bumps or blisters, typically in areas where skin folds trap heat — neck, armpits, groin, elbow creases. Usually resolves when the skin cools and stays dry. Typically does not require prescription treatment unless the rash becomes infected or persists.
- →🌿 Other inflammatory rashes. Many other skin reactions — including drug rashes, seborrheic dermatitis, and pityriasis rosea — may be evaluated through telehealth when the presentation is consistent with a non-emergent, non-infectious skin reaction. For rashes associated with systemic symptoms (fever, joint pain, mouth sores, or significant widespread involvement) in-person evaluation is preferred.
When rashes need in-person or emergency care
Seek emergency care for: hives or rash accompanied by throat tightening, difficulty breathing, or significant swelling of the face or tongue (possible anaphylaxis); or a new rash with skin pain, blistering, peeling, mouth or eye sores, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or fever — especially after starting a new medication. Seek same-day in-person care for: rash with high fever or systemic illness; blistering rash involving large surface area or mucous membranes; rapidly spreading rash; rash that looks infected (spreading redness, warmth, pus); or any rash you cannot comfortably describe without an in-person look. Patients who are pregnant and develop a new widespread rash should contact a healthcare provider promptly for individualized evaluation.
Signs you may need treatment
📋 Identifying your rash
Rashes that look similar can have very different causes and treatments. The location, pattern, and how the rash behaves over time are often more diagnostic than the appearance alone. Here is how to think about what you are experiencing.
| Condition | What it looks and feels like | Key distinguishing features |
|---|---|---|
| Eczema flare | Dry, intensely itchy, red, and inflamed skin; may be scaly, weeping, or crusted; skin may feel rough or thickened in long-standing areas | History of recurring rash in similar locations; itching is often severe and worse at night; associated with asthma, hay fever, or family history of eczema; improves with moisturization and topical steroids |
| Poison ivy / oak / sumac | Intensely itchy red rash with linear or streaky pattern; progresses to blisters and oozing; swelling may be significant around the eyes or genitals | Clear history of outdoor exposure; rash appears 12 to 72 hours after contact; linear or irregular streaks follow where plant touched skin; blisters do not spread the rash — fluid is not contagious |
| Contact dermatitis | Red, itchy, sometimes blistering rash in a well-defined area that corresponds to where something touched the skin; may have sharp or geometric borders | Rash confined to area of contact; common sites include neck (jewelry), wrists (watch), ears (earrings), waistband, or wherever a new product was applied; timeline from exposure to rash varies by type |
| Hives (urticaria) | Raised, itchy welts of varying sizes; may be red or skin-colored; individual lesions typically resolve within 24 hours though new ones appear; may be anywhere on the body | Rapid appearance; individual hives move around or disappear and reappear; often linked to a trigger (food, medication, infection); responds to antihistamines |
| Heat rash | Small red bumps or blisters in skin folds or areas covered by tight clothing; may be prickly or mildly itchy; not painful | Appears in hot, humid conditions or after heavy sweating; resolves when skin cools and remains dry; no discharge or spreading |
Rash or skin infection — how to tell the difference
Inflammatory rashes (eczema, contact dermatitis, hives) are typically itchy rather than painful, do not produce pus, and do not cause the skin to become progressively warmer or more swollen over hours. Skin infections tend to be painful, spread progressively, feel warm to touch, and may produce discharge. Scratched or broken eczema skin can become secondarily infected — in that case you may need treatment for both. If you are not sure, describe your symptoms to a provider and they will help sort it out. If there is any concern about infection, see our Skin & Minor Infections page.
Not sure what kind of rash you have or what to do about it? A licensed provider can evaluate your symptoms today.
Start a VisitHow online care can help
💻 Rash evaluation online — what works and what it cannot replace
Many inflammatory rashes are well-suited for telehealth evaluation. Eczema, contact dermatitis, poison ivy reactions, hives, and heat rash all have recognizable patterns that providers can often assess based on your description of the rash, its location, how it developed, and — when available — photographs. Your exposure history and symptom timeline are often as informative as the appearance of the rash itself.
The key limitation is diagnostic uncertainty. Rashes that do not fit a clear pattern, are widespread, are accompanied by systemic symptoms, or are in sensitive locations (face, genitals, mucous membranes) may benefit from in-person evaluation. Your provider will tell you clearly if that is the case.
| What online rash care can do | What it cannot replace |
|---|---|
| Evaluate symptom history, location, and exposure to identify likely cause | In-person skin examination for uncertain or atypical presentations |
| Prescribe topical corticosteroids for eczema flares, contact dermatitis, poison ivy | Skin biopsy for undiagnosed or treatment-resistant rashes |
| Prescribe oral corticosteroids for severe or widespread reactions when appropriate | Patch testing for contact allergen identification (requires in-person allergist or dermatologist) |
| Prescribe antihistamines for hives and allergic rashes | Evaluation of rash with fever, joint pain, or other systemic symptoms |
| Prescribe non-steroid topical therapies (pimecrolimus, crisaborole) for eczema | Emergency evaluation for anaphylaxis or rash with throat swelling or difficulty breathing |
| Advise on trigger identification, skin care regimen, and flare prevention | Specialist evaluation for chronic eczema unresponsive to topical therapy |
- →⏰ Same-day evaluation. No waiting weeks for a dermatology appointment. Describe your symptoms today and hear from a provider today.
- →🏪 Your prescription goes to your local pharmacy. Topical steroids, oral antihistamines, and other prescriptions sent to the pharmacy you already use. No mail-order required.
- →💰 No monthly subscription. A flat fee per visit. No required membership to access our telehealth services.
- →🩺 A real clinical evaluation. A licensed provider reviews your intake, considers the full picture, and makes an individualized determination — including routing you to in-person care when that is the right call.
★★★★★ Patient review
"I've had eczema since I was a kid but my usual prescription ran out and I couldn't get into my dermatologist for weeks. The licensed healthcare provider reviewed my eczema history, discussed what had worked before, and helped me understand the next treatment step. I was able to get the care I needed the same day instead of waiting."
Individual treatment recommendations, pharmacy timing, and results vary.
Patient, MyPhysician360
Treatment options
💊 How these conditions are treated
Treatment depends on the specific condition, its location, and its severity. The right treatment for eczema is different from the right treatment for a poison ivy reaction or hives — even when they all look like "a rash." Your provider selects the most appropriate approach based on your clinical picture.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Foundation of eczema treatment
Consistent moisturization is a foundation of eczema care. Thick, fragrance-free emollients (petrolatum-based ointments, ceramide-containing creams) applied after bathing when skin is still slightly damp help restore the skin barrier and reduce how often and how severely flares occur. Prescription medications treat flares and inflammation; consistent moisturization reduces the need for them over time.
- →Topical corticosteroids — first-line for eczema flares. Prescription topical steroids are the most widely used and effective treatment for reducing the inflammation and itch of an eczema flare. Potency is matched to the location and severity: lower-potency steroids (such as desonide or low-strength hydrocortisone) for sensitive areas including the face, eyelids, and skin folds; medium-potency steroids for the body. Applied once or twice daily during a flare and typically tapered once improvement is achieved. Prolonged use on sensitive areas or the face is avoided due to risk of skin thinning. Your provider selects the appropriate potency for your specific situation.
- →Topical calcineurin inhibitors and other non-steroidal topicals — steroid-sparing alternatives. Non-steroidal prescription options that reduce inflammation without causing skin thinning. Particularly useful for sensitive areas (face, eyelids, neck, skin folds, genital areas) where long-term steroid use is not appropriate, and for patients with mild-to-moderate eczema that recurs frequently. Pimecrolimus (Elidel) cream 1% is approved for eligible patients age 2 and older. Tacrolimus ointment 0.03% may be used in eligible patients ages 2 through 15; patients age 16 and older may use either the 0.03% or 0.1% strength when appropriate. Crisaborole ointment 2% is approved for mild-to-moderate eczema in patients age 3 months and older. Additional FDA-approved nonsteroidal topical options include roflumilast and tapinarof for eligible patients. Availability, age indications, cost, insurance coverage, and whether specialist involvement is appropriate depend on the individual situation. Medication choice is based on age, rash location, severity, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, prior treatment, and clinical judgment. A temporary burning sensation at the application site is common in the first few days with calcineurin inhibitors and typically improves. Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding so treatment can be individualized.
- →Oral antihistamines — for itch and sleep disruption. While antihistamines do not treat eczema directly, sedating antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine or hydroxyzine) may help with nighttime itch and sleep disruption during flares. Non-sedating antihistamines provide less itch relief for eczema specifically. Hydroxyzine and diphenhydramine can cause significant drowsiness — do not drive, operate machinery, combine them with alcohol, or take them with other sedating medications unless your provider says it is safe. Hydroxyzine is used with appropriate caution given its sedation risk.
- →Referral for advanced therapy. Patients with moderate-to-severe eczema that does not respond adequately to topical therapy may benefit from specialist evaluation for biologic therapies (dupilumab) or phototherapy. Your provider will discuss referral when standard topical management is not sufficient.
Contact dermatitis and poison ivy / oak
- →Topical corticosteroids — for localized reactions. For mild-to-moderate contact dermatitis or a limited poison ivy reaction, prescription-strength topical steroids applied to the affected area are typically the first treatment. They reduce inflammation, itching, and blistering more effectively than OTC hydrocortisone 1%.
- →Oral corticosteroids — for widespread or severe reactions. Oral corticosteroids may be considered for widespread or severe poison ivy, marked swelling, or involvement of sensitive areas. Rash involving the eye itself, significant eyelid swelling, vision symptoms, or genital swelling may require prompt in-person evaluation rather than a prescription alone. For severe or widespread reactions, a licensed provider may prescribe an oral corticosteroid course long enough to control the reaction and reduce the risk of rebound symptoms — significant reactions can continue evolving and often require longer courses. The dose, duration, and need for tapering are based on severity and medical history and are determined by the treating provider.
- →Trigger identification and avoidance. Treating the rash without identifying and removing the trigger leads to recurrence. Your provider will help you work through the likely cause based on your history — what new products you used, what environments you were in, where the rash appeared. For suspected allergic contact dermatitis to a specific substance, formal patch testing by a dermatologist or allergist can confirm the trigger.
Hives (urticaria)
- →Antihistamines — first-line treatment. Non-sedating second-generation antihistamines (cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) taken regularly are the primary treatment for hives. OTC antihistamines are often effective; a provider may recommend a different medication or a higher-than-standard antihistamine dose in selected patients — do not increase the dose without medical guidance. For hives associated with food, medication, or insect sting allergy, your provider will also discuss whether an epinephrine prescription is appropriate. For hives that persist beyond 6 weeks (chronic urticaria), specialist evaluation is recommended.
- →Identifying and avoiding the trigger. When a clear trigger is identified (a specific food, a new medication, an insect sting), avoiding it is the most important step. Many cases of hives have no identifiable trigger — this is not a failure of evaluation, it is a common pattern.
What is NOT recommended for eczema
Topical antihistamines are not recommended for treating eczema — they can cause sensitization and worsen the rash over time. Topical antimicrobials are also not recommended for uncomplicated eczema without evidence of secondary infection. If your skin is not infected, antibiotics will not help an eczema flare. Probiotics, dietary supplements, herbal products, and melatonin are not established first-line treatments for eczema. Some can cause side effects or interact with medications, so discuss them with your provider before use.
When will I start feeling better?
Eczema flare with topical steroids: itching typically begins to improve within 2 to 3 days; skin appearance improves over 1 to 2 weeks with consistent treatment. Contact dermatitis / poison ivy with topical steroids: improvement in 3 to 7 days for mild cases. With oral steroids: often significant improvement within 24 to 48 hours. Hives with antihistamines: individual welts typically resolve within hours; full control of new outbreaks usually within 1 to 3 days of consistent antihistamine use. If you are not improving along these timelines, follow up with your provider.
Ready to find out what is causing your rash and what to do about it?
Start a VisitWhat to expect
🗓️ Your visit, start to finish
Here is what happens from the moment you start your visit to when you have a treatment plan.
|
1
Describe your rash
Complete a short intake covering when the rash appeared, where it is on your body, what it looks and feels like (itchy, painful, dry, blistering), whether you were exposed to anything new, prior episodes and what helped, current skincare products, and medications. Photos are very helpful. About 5 minutes. |
2
Meet with your provider
You speak with a licensed provider who reviews your intake and photos, asks follow-up questions about your history and exposures, assesses the most likely cause, and determines what treatment is appropriate. This is a real clinical evaluation — and your provider will tell you clearly if in-person care would serve you better. |
3
Receive your treatment plan
Your provider explains the likely cause and the recommended approach. If prescription treatment is appropriate — topical steroids, oral steroids, antihistamines, or non-steroid topicals — it may be sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy the same day. Your provider also explains what to watch for and when to follow up. |
4
Follow up and adjust
Eczema in particular may require regimen adjustments over time. A follow-up at 2 to 6 weeks is typical to assess response, evaluate for steroid overuse, and adjust the approach as needed. For rashes that are not improving or are spreading, follow up sooner. |
Tips for describing your rash in your intake
The more specific you can be, the more useful your intake will be: note when it first appeared and how it has changed; describe the color, texture, and whether there is scaling, oozing, or crusting; note whether it is itchy, painful, burning, or numb; list all products that have touched that area of skin recently (soaps, lotions, laundry detergent, topical medications); note whether you had contact with plants, new jewelry, new clothing, or a new pet. A photograph taken in good natural light from close range gives your provider significantly more to work with.
Supporting your treatment
🏠 What to do alongside treatment
For all types of inflammatory rash, how you care for your skin between and during treatment significantly affects how quickly you improve and how often you flare.
For eczema:
- →Moisturize immediately after bathing, while skin is still slightly damp. Use a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment — not a light lotion. Petrolatum (plain Vaseline) is among the most effective and least expensive options. Apply generously and frequently, at least twice daily.
- →Use only fragrance-free, dye-free soaps, shampoos, and laundry detergents. Fragrances are one of the most common eczema triggers and are found in many products that do not smell strongly. Look specifically for "fragrance-free," not just "unscented" (which may still contain masking fragrances).
- →Bathe in lukewarm (not hot) water for short periods — 5 to 10 minutes. Hot water strips the skin barrier and can worsen eczema.
- →Apply topical medication and moisturizer according to your provider's instructions. Use medication only on the areas and for the duration recommended.
- →Continue treatment for the duration recommended by your provider. Do not extend or restart a topical steroid without guidance, especially on the face, eyelids, skin folds, or genital skin. Use topical steroids on or near the eyelids only when specifically directed by a healthcare provider and only for the prescribed duration.
- →Keep nails short and smooth to minimize skin damage from scratching. Scratching breaks the skin barrier and can increase the risk of secondary bacterial infection.
- →Identify and avoid your personal triggers. Common triggers include sweat, heat, stress, wool or scratchy fabrics, pet dander, dust mites, and mold. Some patients have clearly identified individual food triggers — do not eliminate major foods solely because of eczema unless a licensed healthcare provider recommends evaluation or a supervised dietary trial.
- →Wear loose, soft, breathable clothing — cotton is generally the best fabric for eczema-prone skin. Avoid wool and synthetic fabrics directly on affected areas.
- →Pat skin dry gently with a soft towel after bathing — do not rub.
For contact dermatitis and poison ivy:
- →If you know you have been exposed to poison ivy or another contact allergen, wash the affected skin with soap and water as soon as possible. Also clean under the fingernails and wash clothing, tools, pet fur, and other items that may still carry plant oil — urushiol can remain active on surfaces for a long time.
- →Do not scratch blisters — this introduces bacteria and increases infection risk. The fluid in poison ivy blisters does not spread the rash; the urushiol oil is the cause, and it may have been on your skin in different concentrations in different areas, which is why the rash appears to spread at different rates.
- →Cool, wet compresses can help relieve itch and reduce blister weeping. Colloidal oatmeal baths (like Aveeno) are also soothing during the acute phase.
- →For contact dermatitis to a product or substance, stop using everything new that was introduced to that area of skin in the two weeks before the rash appeared. Discuss safe next steps with your provider. Recurrent or unclear reactions may benefit from formal patch testing rather than deliberate re-exposure at home.
For hives:
- →Take antihistamines regularly, not just when hives are at their worst. Consistent use provides better control than reactive dosing.
- →If hives repeatedly occur soon after the same food, record the food, timing, symptoms, and any other exposures, and discuss the pattern with a provider. Avoid broad elimination diets without medical guidance.
- →Avoid heat, alcohol, and tight clothing during a hive outbreak — these can worsen symptoms.
- →Cool compresses provide temporary itch relief.
⚠️ Seek care promptly if:
- Hives are accompanied by throat tightening, difficulty breathing, or significant facial swelling — seek emergency care immediately (possible anaphylaxis)
- Your rash develops signs of infection: increasing warmth, spreading redness, pus, crusting that looks yellow and spreading, or fever
- Eczema is not improving after 2 to 3 weeks of consistent treatment with topical steroids
- Poison ivy reaction involves the eyes, genitals, or airways, or is widespread across the body
- A rash with no clear cause is accompanied by fever, joint pain, or feeling unwell — this pattern warrants in-person evaluation
- Hives persist beyond 6 weeks (chronic urticaria) — specialist evaluation is recommended
Care connected to your pharmacy
🏪 Your prescription. Your pharmacy. Same day.
Pharmacies are the front door of healthcare in most communities. We built MyPhysician360 to respect that. When treatment is appropriate, your prescription goes to the pharmacy you already trust, filled by the pharmacist who already knows you.
Already at the pharmacy looking at OTC hydrocortisone wondering if there is something stronger? Many of our partner pharmacies have a MyPhysician360 QR code right at the counter. If prescription treatment is appropriate, it may be sent electronically to your selected pharmacy. Medication availability, cost, insurance requirements, and dispensing time vary.
- ✓Prescription sent electronically to your pharmacy same day your visit ends
- ✓Pick up at your neighborhood pharmacy or any major chain
- ✓Home delivery available by request at many local pharmacies
- ✓No required memberships to access our telehealth services
- ✓If we cannot treat you online, you will not be charged
Frequently asked questions
❓ Questions about rash and skin care online
Straight answers to what patients ask most before their first visit.
Can I get a prescription for eczema treatment through telehealth?
Yes. A licensed provider can evaluate an eczema flare through a telehealth visit and prescribe appropriate treatment, including prescription-strength topical corticosteroids, non-steroidal topicals (pimecrolimus, tacrolimus, crisaborole), and oral antihistamines for itch relief. Your provider selects the appropriate treatment based on the location and severity of the flare, your age, your history of eczema, and any prior treatments you have used. If your eczema has been treatment-resistant or requires specialist-level care, your provider will help you understand the next steps.
How do I know if my rash is eczema or contact dermatitis?
Both can look very similar — red, itchy, and inflamed — but they have different causes and slightly different patterns. Eczema tends to recur in the same locations (inner elbows, behind the knees, wrists, neck), has usually been present since childhood or early adulthood, and is driven by a combination of genetic and immune factors rather than a specific external trigger. Contact dermatitis appears where something touched the skin and often has a distinct border matching the shape of the trigger — a watchband, an earring, a waistband, or a product applied to that area. If a new rash appeared in a well-defined area after you started using a new product or wore new jewelry, contact dermatitis is the likely explanation. Your provider can help distinguish these based on your history and description.
I got into poison ivy. When do I need a steroid prescription?
A prescription-strength topical steroid is appropriate for limited poison ivy reactions — a small to moderate area of affected skin. When the reaction is widespread or involves the eye itself, significant eyelid swelling, or vision symptoms, or genital swelling, prompt in-person evaluation may be needed rather than a prescription alone. For severe or widespread reactions, a licensed provider may prescribe an oral corticosteroid course. Significant reactions can continue evolving, and courses often extend for approximately two weeks or longer to reduce the risk of rebound — but the exact regimen is determined by the treating provider based on your specific severity and medical history. If you are not sure how severe your reaction is, describe it to your provider and they will recommend the appropriate approach.
Do I need to know exactly what I'm allergic to before getting treatment?
No. For most contact dermatitis and allergic skin reactions, treatment — primarily topical or oral corticosteroids — can begin based on the clinical picture without knowing the specific trigger. Identifying and avoiding the trigger is important for preventing recurrence, and your provider will help you work through the most likely cause based on your history. Formal patch testing to identify specific contact allergens is performed by dermatologists or allergists and is most useful when reactions are recurrent or the trigger is unclear despite elimination efforts.
My eczema keeps coming back. Is there anything beyond topical steroids?
Yes. For eczema that recurs frequently or is difficult to control with topical steroids, several options exist. Non-steroidal topicals including tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, and crisaborole can be used for sensitive areas or as steroid-sparing maintenance therapy. Newer agents including roflumilast (Zoryve) and tapinarof (Vtama) are available for appropriate patients and may be considered when first-line options are insufficient. Biologic therapies (dupilumab/Dupixent and others) and phototherapy are options for moderate-to-severe eczema and require specialist management. If standard topical therapy is not controlling your eczema, that is a strong indication that a referral to a dermatologist is appropriate, and your provider can help facilitate that.
I have hives. Should I go to the ER?
Hives alone — red, itchy welts without other symptoms — are not typically an emergency and can be evaluated through telehealth. If hives are accompanied by throat tightening, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, significant swelling of the face or tongue, a rapid or weak pulse, or dizziness, that is a possible anaphylaxis and requires emergency care immediately — call 911. Do not attempt to manage these symptoms with antihistamines alone. For hives associated with an allergic reaction to a food, medication, or insect sting without those severe symptoms, a telehealth visit is appropriate to evaluate and recommend treatment, including whether an epinephrine prescription is warranted.
Why doesn't my eczema get better with OTC hydrocortisone?
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone is available at only 1% concentration and is categorized as the lowest-potency topical steroid available. For many eczema flares — particularly on the body, thighs, or arms — a higher-potency prescription topical steroid is needed to adequately control inflammation. OTC hydrocortisone is appropriate for mild, limited eczema on sensitive areas, but is often insufficient for a significant flare. A licensed provider can prescribe a more appropriate potency based on your rash location and severity.
Can I use my prescription topical steroid on my face?
It depends on which steroid was prescribed. High- and medium-potency topical steroids are generally not appropriate for use on the face, eyelids, or skin folds because these areas are more susceptible to the skin-thinning and other side effects that can occur with prolonged steroid use. Lower-potency steroids may be used on the face for short periods under provider supervision. For sensitive facial areas, non-steroidal topicals (tacrolimus or pimecrolimus) are often preferred for longer-term management. Always follow your provider's instructions about where and how long to apply any topical steroid, and let them know if you are applying it to your face.
Does scratching make eczema worse?
Yes, significantly. Scratching eczema skin directly worsens inflammation through a process called the itch-scratch cycle — scratching damages the skin barrier, which triggers more inflammation, which causes more itch. Scratching also breaks the skin barrier and can increase the risk of secondary bacterial infection, which can make the eczema much harder to manage. Keeping nails short, using cold compresses instead of scratching during severe itch episodes, and treating the underlying inflammation are all important ways to break the cycle. Some providers also recommend antihistamines at bedtime to reduce nighttime scratching during sleep.
Is this visit HSA or FSA eligible?
Yes. MyPhysician360 consultations are HSA and FSA eligible. Your visit cost is reimbursable through your Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, making this accessible through your existing health benefits even without insurance.
Helpful resources
📚 Learn more
Your provider may reference these educational materials during your visit. Links go straight to the source.
|
🔁 Eczema Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) — Overview and Treatment National Eczema Association Visit NEA → |
☠️ Poison ivy Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac — Rash, Treatment, and Prevention American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Visit AAD → |
|
🧪 Contact dermatitis Contact Dermatitis — Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Mayo Clinic Visit Mayo Clinic → |
🌡️ Hives Hives (Urticaria) — Overview, Causes, and Treatment American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Visit AAAAI → |
Dealing with a rash that won't quit? Let's figure it out together.
Answer a few questions, meet with a licensed provider same day, and get a personalized treatment plan. No required membership. Available in most states. Your prescription, if appropriate, goes straight to your pharmacy.
HSA & FSA eligible | No required membership | No charge if we can't help
Medical disclaimer & sources: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions requires clinical evaluation by a licensed provider. Not all rashes are appropriate for telehealth management. Rashes associated with anaphylaxis require emergency care — call 911 immediately. Rashes accompanied by fever, systemic illness, or rapidly spreading infection require in-person evaluation. Eczema content is informed by the MyPhysician360 Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Clinical Protocol and the National Eczema Association guidelines. Topical steroid prescribing is determined by a licensed provider on a case-by-case basis based on individual clinical presentation. Topical antihistamines and topical antimicrobials are not recommended for eczema without evidence of secondary infection. MyPhysician360 services are available in most states. Services are not currently available in Mississippi or Alaska.