You know you have a bad skin rash or a skin allergy when you are all red and itchy, with small bumps or other changes in the skin’s color, appearance or texture. This could be visible on any part of the body.
This is frequently caused by problems like psoriasis, allergies, eczema, insect bites, acne, sweating, among other factors. Irritation from shampoos, cosmetics, soaps or detergents can also lead to rashes.
Rashes or skin allergies could also be triggered from underlying fungal, bacterial, or viral infections. If you have a rash that persists, you should consult a doctor.
Best Home Remedies For Rashes :
- Olive oil
Olive oil helps in healing and promotes skin renewal given it is packed with vitamin E and antioxidants. It also soothes the skin and reduces itching.Rub extra-virgin olive oil or a combination of olive oil and honey on your rash a few times daily until it heals.Also add a pinch of turmeric powder to olive oil and apply it two or three times a day for a few days. Turmeric is rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which soothes rashes and relieves itching.Apart from olive oil, castor oil and coconut oil also help heal rashes naturally. A combination of vitamin E oil and cod liver oil is also helpful
- Baking soda
Baking soda is useful in drying skin rashes as also in relieving itching and inflammation.Add one part baking soda to three parts water and apply on the affected area every day.Equally effective is a mixture of baking soda with some coconut oil for treating skin rashes.Do not leave baking soda on the skin for too long as it may cause further irritation.
- Oatmeal
When it comes to alleviating skin irritation and inflammation oatmeal serves as an effective option given its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly helpful in treating rashes triggered by poison ivy, eczema, chicken pox, sunburn and allergies.Mix a cup of finely ground oatmeal in warm bath water and soak in it for at least 15 or 20 minutes.To treat rashes on the face, apply a mixture of equal amounts of oatmeal and plain yogurt mixed with a little honey.
- Aloe Vera
Thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and emollient properties, aloe vera is excellent for treating a number of skin ailments including rashes as also soothing the skin.If fresh aloe vera gel, which is ideal for the purpose is not available, you can buy aloe vera gel or extract.
- Cold Compress
A cold compress can be beneficial in reducing rashes, especially those caused by heat, insect bites, poison ivy and shingles. It helps ease swelling, inflammation and itching and is particularly useful if a rash begins to develop into blisters.Rub ice cubes in a sealed plastic bag or an ice pack over the affected area for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can simply soak a clean washcloth in ice-cold water and place it on the rash for about 10 minutes.Note: Avoid placing ice cubes directly on the skin. - Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw and organic apple cider vinegar is a common home remedy to treat skin rashes and ease itching. Its acetic acid content helps counter skin infections or skin allergy that could be causing or aggravating the problem.Place a cotton ball dipped in apple cider vinegar over the affected areaIf apple cider vinegar causes irritation, dilute it with water before applying on the skin. If this still irritates your skin, don’t persist with it.
- Chamomile
Chamomile is very helpful in treating rashes. It relieves itching, soothes the skin, reduces inflammation and helps healing thanks to its anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties as also antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effects.Soak a cloth in chamomile tea and place it on the affected area as a compress – repeat two or three times a day.Chamomile is also applied on the affected area by diluting a couple of drops in two teaspoons of coconut oil or another carrier oil.
- Neem
In large part due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-irritant, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties, neem (also known as Indian lilac or margosa) is very useful in treating a number of skin ailments including eczema, rashes, acne, scabies, psoriasis and various infections. It also contains antioxidants that prevent ageing and revitalize skin cells.Boil some neem leaves, strain the solution and allow it to cool. Place a cotton ball soaked in the solution over the affected area for at least 10 minutes.Alternatively, you can use neem leaf extract, soap, cream or other neem products.
9. Calendula
Calendula ointment is a substance made from the flower of the marigold plant Calendula officinalis. Calendula is very effective for soothing rashes, skin irritations, ulcers, eczema, dry skin, bruises and wounds thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties.Apply calendula oil on the affected area and leave it on for a few hours, repeat at least twice daily until you see improvement.Add some calendula oil to bath water and soak in it for 15 minutes.
- Coriander (Chinese parsley)
Coriander is an effective remedy for rashes and skin irritation mainly due to its anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.Apply a paste of coriander leaves on the affected area – repeat once or twice daily for a few days.Simmer one teaspoon of coriander seeds in water, drink this tea once daily for a few days until the affected area heals.Coriander juice can also consumed directly.
Credit: HDFC Health
