A back rash can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, so it is important to treat it as soon as you can. Rashes can be caused by a variety of ailments, some of which are medical skin conditions, and some of which are caused by irritants that touch the skin. In some cases, it might be necessary to see a doctor or dermatologist, particularly if the rash is causing you a lot of pain and does not go away quickly. There are store-bought and homemade remedies that can be used to treat the swelling, bumps and redness that tend to be the main symptoms of a rash.
Irritants that can cause a back rash include soaps, detergents and plants such as poison oak and poison ivy. In the case of a back rash caused by detergent or soap, it might simply be necessary to remove the item of clothing, wash your back with water and a gentle soap, and put on clothing that has been washed with a chemical and fragrance-free detergent. For irritants that cause greater problems, such as blisters and bumps, it might be necessary to wash the area and place a cold compress on it to reduce swelling. Calamine lotion can be used to treat rashes from poison oak and poison ivy.
Your back rash also might be caused by a skin condition such as psoriasis, eczema or a sunburn. Gentle creams, including aloe vera gel or a hydrocortisone cream, can help relieve some irritation and itching. In all cases, it is best to have your back exposed to air as much as possible to heal the affected area, but bandages should be used to cover any blisters in order to reduce the risk of infection. An antihistamine can be taken orally to help reduce itching and redness, but this can cause drowsiness and should be used only according to the instructions on the package.
Homemade ingredients can be used to treat a back rash if it is not too serious. An oatmeal bath has been known to stop itching and irritation caused by certain skin conditions, and ice packs can be placed on the back to cool the area. You should not expose your back to direct sunlight while you experiencing these symptoms, because the sun's rays can make them worse. A healthcare professional should be called if the symptoms do not go away after a few days, if you appear to have an infection or if a fever develops.