Rash, skin irritation and dermatitis treatment
While many rashes are minor, some may point to an underlying medical condition. A MinuteClinic® provider can evaluate your skin and guide your treatment.
- Walk in, schedule a same-day appointment online or choose virtual care
- We’re open 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends
Find care
Services are available at MinuteClinic (virtual care also available)
Insurance and pricing
Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.
Worried about a rash? MinuteClinic can help.
Care for rashes and skin irritation
Skin irritation can be caused by a variety of factors, such as allergies, infections, environmental triggers, eczema, contact dermatitis or other skin conditions.
Most rashes and skin irritations can be treated to relieve symptoms and speed up healing. Starting treatment early can help prevent complications and help your skin heal faster.
Getting care early can make a big difference, and MinuteClinic can make the treatment process quick and simple. During your visit, a provider will:
- Discuss your symptoms and examine your skin
- Recommend treatment options best for you, which may include prescriptions or home remedies
- Offer aftercare tips to help you heal and prevent future irritation
3 steps to feeling better — what to expect at MinuteClinic
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1. Start with a quick check-in
- Online check in: Use your email or text link to check in and to add your payment and insurance information.
- Kiosk check-in: Just bring your confirmation code.
- Walk-in appointment? Sign in at the kiosk.
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2. Relax while we get things ready for you
Take a seat in our waiting room. When it’s your turn, we’ll call your name and take you back for your visit.
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3. Meet with your provider
- During your visit: Your provider will review your symptoms, check your health history and do an exam.
- After your visit: You’ll get a receipt and information about your diagnosis or next steps. You can review your personalized care plan on the CVS Health Dashboard.
Skin irritation symptoms, causes and treatment
Dermatitis is a skin condition that could be caused by a reaction to an irritant or allergen. It includes several types — such as contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis (eczema) and seborrheic dermatitis — that can cause irritation, itching, dryness or inflammation.
A rash is not a diagnosis on its own. It’s a symptom that can occur with many different illnesses and conditions, including but not limited to, dermatitis and may look different depending on the underlying cause.
Skin irritation is a general term commonly used to describe uncomfortable skin changes, which may be caused by a type of dermatitis or other triggers and may include redness, itching or discomfort.
A rash itself does not usually cause a fever. However, a fever and rash can occur together in many illnesses, including viral infections such as chickenpox and hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), as well as bacterial infections like strep. Fever with a rash can also be a sign of a more serious condition in some cases. If dermatitis leads to breaks in the skin, a secondary infection may develop, which can also cause fever. A MinuteClinic® provider can evaluate your symptoms, identify possible causes and determine whether further care is needed.
No. Dermatitis is not contagious. It’s caused by the skin reacting to allergens or irritants, not by bacteria or viruses that spread from person to person. While the rash itself doesn’t spread, the underlying cause can lead to new reactions appearing on different areas of the skin. Dermatitis can be uncomfortable, but it cannot be passed to others through contact.
However, if a rash is caused by a different illness — such as ringworm, scabies or certain viral infections — or if a secondary infection develops, those conditions may be contagious.
Many rashes are mild, but some may need medical care — especially if symptoms don’t improve, become painful or show signs of infection. Because a rash can have different causes, identifying what’s behind it is an important first step. A MinuteClinic® provider can examine your skin, diagnose the cause and help create a treatment plan that offers relief.
Rashes and skin irritation are often caused by allergens or irritants that trigger a reaction in the skin. Common triggers include fragrances, preservatives, metals like nickel, latex and plants such as poison ivy. Sensitivities to certain substances or underlying skin conditions like eczema can also play a role. Because causes vary, treatment depends on identifying what’s behind the reaction