Alternative to Steroids for Rash

@mabbs24 The clue is here: "... They came on suddenly after I had C-Diff but I don't know if that's related..." Rashes that come on after a course of antibiotics are often a secondary infection by a different pathogen - these opportunists jump in and take up residence when our immune system is busy fighting elsewhere, or our normal "bacterial flora" (we all have it) are incidentally weakened or killed by antibiotics prescribed for another illness.
Did your ophthalmologist tell you not to take steroids? Or did you just see the warning label on the tube? According to my ophthalmologist, only the warning is meant only for certain types of Glaucoma, but the drug labelling requirements only say they need to list the condition in general, not specific details. If in doubt, ask the eye doc. They may OK a short course of steroid cream.

But, don't be surprised if the relief is only temporary. It could be a different bacteria, or it could be fungal. In either case, the steroid probably won't cure it, just relieve the itch temporarily. It is better to find out just what it is if it doesn't go away in a few days.

It is possible that you have either a different bacterial infection or a fungal infection causing this. The best treatment is specific - a scraping of the rash (or rashes if they are different to a trained eye) are sent to the lab to be cultured - then you find out exactly what it is and treat with the correct medication, either topical or systemic.

Can you call and ask your eye doctor for advice on Monday?
Sue

Thank you for your response, Sue.
I have open angled Glaucoma which is the type that shouldn't be taken with Steroids. I will call my ophthalmologist on Monday and discuss it with him. The rashes are on my lower back and lower abdomen. I know that the closer steroids are to your eyes the greater the risk so I might be able to apply a thin layer of the cream on my back and abdomen. I also have an appointment with an infectious disease doctor in 2 weeks because I'm not feeling well generally after 4 months.

It is not likely that topical steroid creams applied to your body below your jawline should cause any problems with glaucoma. Most warnings relate to using steroid creams applied on or about the eyelids. Steroids in the eye
would almost never be advisable for glaucoma without consulting an ophthalmologist.
In a case of rash evolving after an infection the timing is important.
Your dermatologist would consider a drug eruption it were close to the treatment with antibiotics. Acute onset dermatitis is most often treated
with steroid creams externally and unlikely to cause glaucoma.
You can consult your eye doctor for his recommendations on using cortisone
lotions on your scalp area for your condition there. The dermatologist should be willing to confer with them on your treatment plan.

in reply to @mabbs24 I suffer from rashes due to dry skin and a liver issue, and my dermatologist recommended using Aquaphor, which I have found to be very helpful. In fact, she even recommended I use the Aquaphor as a night cream because my skin is so dry, and since I have been using it more frequently, I have noticed a huge difference in terms of itching and the overall appearance of my face. I do have prescriptions for the steroid ointments and creams, and like you, wanted to avoid them, but for different reasons. Another product I have found to be helpful with rashes/itching is Bactine spray, which is also very soothing, especially on my back and torso. I did try using the OTC steroid spray but that left a strange "film" on my skin so I stopped using it. Best of luck to you.

Thank you for your reply @frances007. I will definitely try the Aquaphor. It sounds as if it will be very soothing not only on the rashes but also on my dry winter skin. The Bactine spray
might help the itchy rash on my lower back which are hard to reach. Thank you so much!