TRAVEL HEALTH
SKIN RASHES

Skin rashes are very common on holiday. They are usually a result of allergy (commonly to suncream), due to the sun itself (prickly heat), or infection.

Allergic rashes

Allergic reactions rarely occur the first time you use a new skin product. It often occurs on the second or third application. However, insect bites or 'mite' infestation can lead to forms of allergic rash. This is usually very itchy. The most well known is scabies or head lice.

Tablets, taken whilst on holiday or even three weeks before the rash appears, can cause an itchy rash, with wheals (blotches) on the trunk or limbs. Antibiotics and 'water' tablets are common causes.

Foods such as nuts, strawberries and shellfish may also cause allergic rashes.

Rashes due to infection

Rashes can be caused by bacterial, viral or fungal (yeast) infections. The rash often feels a little thickened, appears raised and may even crust. The most common rash is due to a fungal infection called ringworm. If it is crusty, it is likely to be due to impetigo or a similar skin condition caused by a skin bacteria.

Often, particularly in hot and humid conditions, skin infections develop and spread from cuts, grazes or insect bites.

Blisters can be caused by infection, commonly chicken pox, coldsores or shingles. (See section on Blisters)

SELF-CARE

What you can do yourself

Allergic rashes

Stop using any suncream you may have used and think about any tablets or food that you may have eaten that could have caused the rash.

Cool the skin by applying ice or soothing lotion such as calamine. Oily calamine is better than the water based mixture.

1/2% or 1% hydrocortisone cream or lotion spread very thinly is very effective.

Anti-histamine tablets such as chlorpheniramine (Piriton) 4mg three times daily will help relieve the itchiness. Remember, it can cause drowsiness. It usually only has to be used for two to three days.

Rashes due to infection

Try simple antiseptic lotions or ointments.

Bathing with cool, salty, previously boiled water may help.

If you have a bacterial rash which has not responded to antiseptics. A strong anti-bacterial ointment can be used. We suggest fucidin. This is often combined with hydrocortisone to combat the inflammation (dermatitis) in the skin.

Allergic rashes can be treated with anti-histamines.

When to seek medical opinion

If not helped by the above or if the rash/skin condition is worsening.

If the rash is accompanied by a lot of pain.

When to contact a doctor immediately

If the skin redness is spreading quickly.

If red lines are tracking up from the infected area of skin.

If the rash may be due to an important tablet that you are taking for an existing illness. It is important that this is confirmed as you will probably require new medication instead.

Go straight to Accident & Emergency (Casualty)

Swelling around the eyes and mouth can be the first signs of a serious allergic reaction. You may also develop difficulty in breathing, wheeziness or feel faint and cold. THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY AND IT MAY BE BEST TO CALL AN AMBULANCE OR TAKE THE PERSON STRAIGHT TO HOSPITAL TO PREVENT ANY DELAY IN GETTING MEDICAL ATTENTION.

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