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Conditions
SkinRash
Changes in the skin's appearance including redness, bumps, itching, or scaling. Can have many causes from allergies to infections.
Get your rash assessed
From $49.95 · No appointment needed
6 min
avg cert turnaround
13 min
avg doctor review
2
days a week
30%
refund if declined
Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofSkinRash
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Red or discolored patches
Itching or burning
Bumps or blisters
Dry, scaly skin
Swelling
Warmth in affected area
Spreading of the rash
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Assessment of common rashes via photos
- Treatment recommendations for eczema, mild allergic reactions
- Medical certificates if rash affects work
- Referral recommendations if needed
What needs in-person care
- Rashes requiring biopsy or skin scraping
- Complex or unusual rashes
- Rashes with systemic symptoms
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Rash that's spreading or worsening
- 2Rash with itching affecting sleep or work
- 3Rash that isn't improving with over-the-counter treatments
- 4Need to know if it's contagious for work purposes
Seek emergency care if
- Rash with difficulty breathing or swelling of face/throat
- Rash with high fever
- Rapidly spreading rash with blistering
- Rash after starting a new medication
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonSkinRash
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Skin rashes are one of the trickier conditions to assess remotely, but many common rashes - contact dermatitis, fungal infections, hives, mild eczema flares - can be diagnosed from a clear photo and a good history. What matters most is the pattern: Is it localised or widespread? Itchy or painful? Did it appear suddenly or gradually? Is there a trigger you can identify - a new detergent, medication, or food? The red flags I look for are rashes that are rapidly spreading, blistering, accompanied by fever, or causing swelling of the face or throat (which can indicate anaphylaxis). For a simple allergic rash or contact dermatitis, a telehealth consultation can get you started on the right treatment quickly - often an antihistamine or topical steroid - without waiting days for a GP appointment.
Treatment
TreatingSkinRash
Skin rash management is cause-dependent. For itchy inflammatory rashes (eczema flares, contact dermatitis, insect bites), topical corticosteroids are the primary pharmacological treatment -- matched to rash severity. Hydrocortisone 1% (OTC) for mild, face and flexures; moderately-potent topical steroids (betamethasone valerate 0.02%) for moderate rashes on limbs and trunk. Oral antihistamines address the itch component for allergic and urticarial rashes. Emollients should be used liberally alongside any corticosteroid. Fungal rashes require antifungal treatment rather than steroids.
Hydrocortisone 1% cream
Sigmacort, DermAid, HC45
Class:Mild topical corticosteroid
Typical dose:Apply thinly to affected area twice daily; limit to 1-2 week courses for facial use
PBS:Available OTC without prescription; suitable for mild rashes
- First-line for mild inflammatory skin rashes including mild eczema, insect bites, mild contact dermatitis
- Safe for the face and skin folds -- more potent steroids should not be used in these areas
- Apply thinly -- a fingertip unit (FTU) covers an area the size of two palms
- Avoid on infected skin (weeping, crusted, warm) -- treat infection first
Betamethasone valerate 0.02% cream
Celestone, Betnovate 0.02%, Diprosone 0.02%
Class:Moderately potent topical corticosteroid
Typical dose:Apply thinly to affected area once or twice daily; avoid using on face; 4-week course maximum for intermittent use
PBS:PBS listed for inflammatory dermatoses; $25.00 general / $7.70 concession (PBS, 2026)
- Appropriate for moderate eczema, contact dermatitis, and other inflammatory rashes on limbs and trunk
- More effective than hydrocortisone 1% for moderate-to-severe rashes
- Do not use on face, groin, or armpits without specialist guidance -- risk of skin thinning
- A telehealth consult can prescribe appropriate strength topical steroid based on rash description and photos
Cetirizine
Zyrtec, Zirtec, Cetirizine Sandoz
Class:Second-generation antihistamine (H1-receptor antagonist)
Typical dose:10mg once daily; can take at night to minimise any sedation
PBS:Available OTC without prescription
- Reduces itch associated with allergic and inflammatory rashes
- Second-generation antihistamine -- less sedating than older antihistamines (promethazine)
- Effective adjunct to topical treatment for significantly itchy rashes
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines -- Dermatology, 2024; Australasian College of Dermatologists guidelines for topical corticosteroid use. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Refer to a dermatologist for: rash not responding after 4 weeks of appropriate treatment, suspected psoriasis or an autoimmune skin condition, need for patch testing (allergic contact dermatitis), rashes requiring potent or very potent topical steroids, or any rash associated with systemic symptoms (fever, joint pain, fatigue). Any non-healing skin lesion should be assessed in person.
Skin Rash in Australia
Skin conditions are the most common reason for GP visits in Australia, accounting for 15% of consultations
Eczema affects up to 1 in 3 Australian children and 1 in 10 adults
Contact dermatitis is the most common occupational skin disease in Australia
Skin cancer checks are separate from rash assessment - any suspicious mole or lesion that has changed requires in-person examination
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
Allergic rashes (hives, contact dermatitis): 1-2 weeks with treatment. Fungal infections: 2-4 weeks of antifungal treatment. Eczema flares: variable, often 1-2 weeks for a mild flare to settle.
Return to work
Most rashes do not prevent you from working unless they are on visible areas causing distress, are very itchy and distracting, or are potentially contagious. Your doctor can advise on whether your rash requires time off.
When to reassess
See a doctor if your rash is getting worse despite treatment, spreading to new areas, becoming painful rather than just itchy, or if you develop a fever. Any rash with blisters, open sores, or pus needs assessment.
Self-Care
ManagingSkinRashathome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Avoid scratching - trim nails short and consider cotton gloves at night if you scratch in your sleep
Use fragrance-free soap and moisturiser - fragrances are a very common skin irritant
Lukewarm (not hot) showers - hot water strips natural oils and worsens most rashes
Take clear, well-lit photos of the rash for your telehealth consultation - include a close-up and a wider shot showing the affected area
Apply a cold compress or calamine lotion for itch relief
Wear loose, breathable cotton clothing over affected areas
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutSkinRash
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Many common rashes can be assessed via clear photos and your description of symptoms. However, some rashes do need in-person examination.
It depends on the cause. Fungal infections and some viral rashes are contagious, while eczema and allergic reactions are not. A doctor can help determine this.
This depends on the type of rash. Generally, keeping the area clean and dry is important. Avoid scratching and use gentle, fragrance-free products.
Seek urgent care if the rash is accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or if it's spreading rapidly with blistering.
Ready to get help with Skin Rash?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
Full refund if the doctor declines.