From the FDA Drug Label
Uses temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: eczema psoriasis poison ivy, oak, sumac insect bites detergents jewelry cosmetics soaps seborrheic dermatitis Directions for itching of skin irritation, inflammation, and rashes: adults and children 2 years of age and older: apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily
- Rash treatment: Hydrocortisone (TOP) can be used to temporarily relieve itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes.
- Application: Apply to the affected area (such as the chin) not more than 3 to 4 times daily for adults and children 2 years of age and older.
- Saliva: There is no direct information about saliva treatment in the provided drug labels.
- The treatment of rash on the chin can be done by applying hydrocortisone (TOP) to the affected area, but it is essential to follow the directions and consult a doctor if necessary 1 1.
From the Research
For a rash on the chin caused by saliva, I recommend first gently cleansing the area with mild soap and water, then applying a barrier cream containing zinc oxide to protect the skin. This approach is based on general principles of skin care and protection, as specific studies on saliva-induced rashes are not provided in the evidence. The evidence provided focuses on contact dermatitis caused by various topical medicaments, including antibiotics, steroids, anesthetics, and antifungals 2, 3, 4, 5. However, these studies do not directly address the treatment of rashes caused by saliva. Given the information available, the most appropriate course of action is to protect the skin and reduce irritation. Apply the barrier cream 3-4 times daily, especially after wiping the area, and keep the area as dry as possible by gently patting dry after washing and changing wet clothing promptly. For inflammation, a low-potency over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream (0.5-1%) can be applied thinly twice daily for up to 7 days, as this is a common treatment for skin irritations and allergic reactions 5. It's essential to monitor the rash for signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, pus, or spreading, and to consult a healthcare provider if the rash does not improve within a week, shows signs of infection, or is accompanied by fever. In such cases, prescription antifungal or antibiotic treatment may be necessary, depending on the cause of the infection. Current trends in the use of combination antifungal/corticosteroid creams suggest that single-agent antifungals may be more effective for fungal infections, but this does not directly apply to the treatment of saliva-induced rashes 6. Therefore, the initial approach should focus on skin protection and management of irritation, with further treatment guided by the response to initial care and the development of any signs of infection.