From oatmeal baths to tea tree oil, these home remedies can help soothe rashes. But remember to never scratch your rash, as it only makes it worse and may lead to infection.
If a long list of ingredients scares you away from over-the-counter products, try making your own. These natural skin treatments can help relieve itching, irritation and dryness.
Aloe Vera
The Aloe vera plant has been used to soothe mild sunburns since ancient times. Aloe’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties may help relieve itching and pain associated with sunburn. It also acts as a natural moisturizer and can reduce the appearance of age spots and freckles by fading discoloration over time.
The gel inside the leaves of the Aloe vera plant has been found to promote skin healing by stimulating cell growth and reducing inflammation. The plant’s antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties can also help prevent infections, such as cold sores and psoriasis. It also acts as an astringent, meaning it shrinks pores and flushes out excess sebum, dirt, and microbes that can contribute to acne breakouts.
Another benefit of the Aloe vera plant is its ability to reduce inflammation and speed wound healing. The plant’s juice or latex (a bitter yellow fluid derived from the outer layer of the leaves) contains polysaccharides and gibberellins, which have been shown to decrease swelling and redness of the skin. Studies have shown that these substances may also accelerate skin wound healing and reduce scarring.
Aloe vera is known to have a wide variety of additional health benefits, including boosting the immune system, soothing ulcers, and promoting digestive function. It can also be useful for treating inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and herpes simplex sores.
When purchasing an Aloe vera product, it’s important to choose one that doesn’t contain any ingredients that might irritate or cause allergic reactions. Avoid products that contain added dyes and stabilizing agents, astringents, concentrated essential oils, and retinol. You can also use fresh aloe vera from the plant itself by slicing off a leaf and washing it thoroughly before applying it to your face or body.
Milk Compresses
The lactic acid in milk can help rehydrate skin and reduce signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles. It also promotes collagen formation, making your skin firmer and more elastic.
You can apply a raw milk compress to any skin condition that requires soothing, such as burns, acne and psoriasis. It soothes irritated and damaged skin by promoting healing, while it also helps remove excess oil from the skin that can contribute to acne breakouts. You can get a raw milk formula from your local health food store or online.
Milk can help moisturize dry skin, too. It contains a rich amount of vitamin E, which makes it incredibly nourishing for your skin. Plus, the lactic acid in it helps soften dead skin cells and exfoliate.
If you’re prone to eczema or psoriasis flares, the lactic acid in milk can calm redness and itching caused by these conditions. The moisturizing effects of milk are also helpful for soothing itchiness associated with rosacea and hives.
You can also use a natural oil, such as coconut or olive oil, to restore your skin’s natural protective barrier that may be damaged by frequent hand and face washing with water and drying soaps, per the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). If you’re unsure of which one to try, ask a dermatologist for recommendations. They can recommend oils that are free from irritants and suitable for your skin type.
Dead Sea or Epsom Salts
Dead Sea salts are rich in minerals including magnesium, calcium, potassium and sulfur. This makes them an excellent choice to help relieve the itching and scaly skin of psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, and other inflammatory conditions. They can also aid in reducing the pain and swelling of arthritis or rheumatism, as well as detoxifying the body. By following these skin care tips, you can enjoy smoother and more beautiful skin.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in thick, scaly patches called plaques. While there is no cure for this condition, soaking in a bath with Dead Sea or Epsom Salts can alleviate symptoms and reduce inflammation and itching.
Another common skin problem is contact dermatitis, which occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen like chemicals, soaps, detergents or metals. While there is no cure for this allergy, regular soaking in a bath with Dead Sea salts can ease itching and inflammation.
Capsaicin
Chili peppers are known for their pungency, but this spice is also a potent pain reliever. Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their kick, has been found to reduce inflammation and relieve pain from a number of conditions. It can be applied directly to the skin, or as a cream or patch. It is even used in some types of pain medications to help with arthritis and other chronic pain conditions.
When applied topically, capsaicin works by blocking nerve receptors that communicate with the brain to make us feel things like pain and itchiness. It may be used to treat skin issues like eczema and psoriasis, and it can also reduce the growth of precancerous skin cells and slow the aging process. It can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription at a pharmacy.
Capsaicin can cause a burning sensation in the areas where it is applied. It can last for several hours or days and can be made worse by heat. If you are using a capsaicin topical, it is best to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. You should also avoid contact with hot or cold surfaces until the medicine is dry. If you accidentally get capsaicin on other parts of your body, wash that area right away. Get medical attention if you have severe burning, redness, swelling, blistering, or irritation after you apply this medicine.
Some drugs can interact with capsaicin, including aspirin and bronchodilators that are used to treat asthma. Capsaicin can raise your stomach acid, which can irritate the lining of your throat. It can also raise your body temperature, which can be uncomfortable for people with acid reflux or heartburn.
Natural Oils
Natural oils have a variety of benefits that can help treat blemishes and other skin problems. These plant-derived oils can moisturize, heal scarring and reduce inflammation. They can also act as antioxidants, which can promote healthy skin cells to help combat the aging effects of sun damage. Using these products can be effective for those dealing with mild acne, but it’s important to consult a dermatologist or physician for more severe cases of the condition.
Oils that can be used for mild acne include jojoba and argan oil. These are non-comedogenic, meaning they don’t clog pores or increase the likelihood of developing acne. These are also light in texture, so they won’t leave your skin feeling greasy. They’re also great for restoring moisture to dry areas of the skin that may have been zapped by harsh cleansers.
For more serious acne, look for essential oils that have been diluted in a carrier oil. This helps to make them less potent and more likely to be safe for use on the skin without causing an allergic reaction. Tea tree oil and thyme oil have been shown to be especially useful in suppressing the bacteria that cause acne.
Peppermint oil and chamomile oil also have anti-inflammatory properties to reduce the itching caused by acne rashes. Additionally, several herbs such as heartsease (Viola tricolor), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-gacum), mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) contain a substance called mucilage that soothes the skin by absorbing excess moisture.
Other great oil options for blemished skin include shea butter, which is extracted from the nuts of the Shea tree native to West Africa. Shea butter is rich in phenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Another popular cooking oil, grapeseed oil is a good choice for blemished skin because it contains omega-3 fatty acids and has antioxidant properties.