Maine Browntail Moth Season · April – July
Browntail Moth Rash Treatment
We compound prescription-strength rash spray and lotion in-house, and carry OTC options for milder cases. Your provider will help determine which approach is right for you.
Note: These treatment options are suitable for many types of contact rashes, such as poison ivy or poison sumac.
About the Rash
What is browntail moth rash?
Browntail moth caterpillars shed tiny barbed hairs that embed in skin and release a toxin — causing a reaction similar to poison ivy. The hairs become airborne and can linger in the environment for up to three years. You don’t need to touch a caterpillar to get the rash.
Common Symptoms
- Intense itching
- Red raised welts
- Burning & swelling
Other Facts
- Lasts days to weeks
- Spreads when scratched
- Airborne exposure
Prescription-Strength Treatment Options
Compounded Rash Spray and Lotion
Our prescription-only compounded spray and lotion are often recommended for those with severe reactions. Both formulations are made in-house at Coastal Pharmacy & Wellness. Your provider will determine which option, or combination, is appropriate for your situation.
Browntail Moth Rash Spray
Often considered for widespread or hard-to-reach areas — arms, legs, back, torso. Covers large surface areas without rubbing.
- Large or widespread rash areas
- Hard-to-reach spots
- When rubbing in a lotion is uncomfortable
60 mL (~230 sprays) · 90 mL (~345 sprays)
Browntail Moth Rash Lotion
Often considered for localized patches, the face, sensitive areas, or children. Gentler application for targeted use.
- Localized patches or smaller areas
- Face or other sensitive areas
- Children (with provider approval)
60 gm · 90 gm
Prescription required. These preparations are designed to support comfort and reduce symptoms; they are not a guaranteed cure, and individual responses vary. Your provider will determine whether a compounded topical is appropriate for you.
How to Get a Prescription
Visit Your Provider
See your doctor or any urgent care. Tell them you’re interested in Coastal’s compounded browntail moth rash spray or lotion. Many area providers are already familiar.
Ask Your Provider to Send a Prescription
Ask your provider to send a prescription for “browntail moth rash spray” and/or “browntail moth rash lotion.”
We’ll Contact You
We process prescriptions as quickly as possible during peak season. You can pickup at 29 Marginal Way in Portland or have it shipped to you (we ship prescriptions to ME, MA, NH, and FL).
Call for Clinical Support
Our compounding pharmacists are available to discuss ingredients, strengths, and clinical considerations. Call us at (207) 899-0886 during pharmacy hours.
Send the Rx
Send a prescription for “browntail moth rash spray” and/or “browntail moth rash lotion.”
We Contact Your Patient
We’ll reach out to your patient when their prescription is ready and walk them through proper usage, refrigeration, and what to expect.
OTC Options for Milder Rashes
Milder rashes may respond to over-the-counter products. We carry and ship DIY rash kits with OTC versions of our compounded formulas; the basic ingredients in these kits are available without a prescription.
Common OTC Products for soothing the discomfort of contact rashes:
Hydrocortisone | Lidocaine | Diphenhydramine
Witch Hazel | Colloidal oatmeal | Soothing sprays & lotions
*Ships same day when ordered before 4 pm, Monday – Friday.
Pricing & Insurance
We want to make sure cost isn’t a barrier to getting the care you need during an uncomfortable situation.
Prescription Pricing
Pricing for compounded medications varies depending on formulation and size. Call us for current pricing. What’s included with your prescription:
- Prescription-strength compounded formulation made in-house
- Available in spray or lotion, in two sizes each
- Staff available to answer clinical questions
- Pickup at 29 Marginal Way or shipping where permitted
- Universal insurance claim form provided on request
Insurance & HSA/FSA
We are not contracted with insurance companies for compounded medications. However, options may be available:
- We provide a universal claim form for potential reimbursement, just ask
- HSA funds may be applicable for prescription compounds — check with your plan
- FSA eligibility varies by plan and diagnosis
- OTC kits available at a lower price point, no prescription required
Have questions about cost? Call us at (207) 899-0886, and our team will walk you through pricing and your options. For OTC kits, visit our online store.
What Patients & Providers Say
About Our Compounded Browntail Moth Formulas
“Myself and many patients have been spared sleepless nights of itching from browntail moth rashes by this product. It is a relief to have confidence in this prescription instead of experimenting with other topical treatments.”
— Josie Skavdahl, ND, CPM
“I’ve had browntail moth rash multiple times and recommend your product to anyone who gets the rash. Your product is like gold!”
— Park Ranger, Freeport
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Both the spray and lotion are prescription-only compounded medications.
Pricing for compounded medications varies depending on formulation and size. Please call us for current pricing.
We are not contracted with insurance companies for compounded medications, but we can provide a universal insurance claim form for patients to submit for potential reimbursement. Just ask when speaking with a Coastal staff member.
It depends on your circumstances. The spray is good for large or hard-to-reach areas, and the lotion is better for the face, smaller areas, or children. Some patients use both, depending on the area.
It can be, depending on the child’s age and the provider’s assessment. The lotion is usually preferred.
Refrigeration helps maintain product stability and provides soothing cooling during application.
Often, yes—providers may prescribe it for other instances of allergic or irritant contact dermatitis. Your provider will determine if it’s appropriate.
If you have trouble breathing, swelling of the face or tongue, fever, signs of infection, or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Have questions about your options?
Our team can help you understand what’s available, prescription or OTC, and get you moving in the right direction.
Pharmacy hours: Mon – Fri 9 am – 6 pm · Sat 9 am – noon
29 Marginal Way, Suite 4 · Portland, Maine