Ways to treat rashes at home
Whatever the cause of the rash, it causes great discomfort whether it appears on the skin as blisters, pimples, or bumps, or the intense itching that accompanies it. Doctors suggest some medications and lotions to calm the itching, and they also suggest some home remedies. In this article, we will learn how to treat a rash at home, so read the following lines.
Treat rashes at home naturally
There are several natural ways that you can follow to treat the rash and itching caused by it, as follows:
1. Cold compresses
Compresses are one of the quickest and simplest ways to treat rashes at home to reduce pain, itching, and whatever you do, whether you apply compresses directly, put the affected area under cold running water from the tap, or take a cold shower, they are all ways to soothe itching
You can easily make compresses at home as follows:
- Put ice cubes or cold water in a plastic bag or a compress bag.
- Place the cloth on your skin first before applying the compress (never apply ice directly to the skin).
- Gently press on the rash until the pain subsides.
- Repeat it as needed.
If the rash covers more areas of your body, or is in an area that is difficult to cover with a compress, taking a cold shower can give you the same effect.
2. Oatmeal bath
Colloidal oatmeal was approved in 2003 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for skin problems.
An oatmeal bath helps to reduce itching significantly, and you can use any of these products, or prepare an oatmeal bath at home by grinding oats in a blender and then adding a cup of water to it, and here are the steps:
- Fill the bathtub with warm water.
- Add your prepared cup of oatmeal, or one bag of colloidal oatmeal.
- Immerse yourself in the water for half an hour, then rinse your body well.
3. Epsom salt
Epsom salt may help treat itching and flaking. Here are the suggested steps for an Epsom salt bath:
- Fill the bathtub with water, then add two cups of salt.
- Immerse yourself in water for a quarter of an hour.
- Rinse and dry your body well, then apply your moisturizer.
It was found that magnesium salts help improve the functions of the protective skin barrier, help moisturize the skin, and reduce inflammation.
Attention: For children, you should consult your doctor first about the amount of salt being added.
4. Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate has been used to treat skin rashes in the home since ancient times. It is also used to treat itching, poison ivy, and insect bites. It is used as follows:
- Put a cup or two of baking soda in the bathtub after filling it with warm water.
- Immerse yourself in the water for several minutes, then rinse your body and dry it well.
- Use your moisturizer.
In addition, a paste of baking soda can be made by adding a little water and then applying it to the affected area. Bicarbonate acts as an acid neutralizer for the skin.
5. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries as a home remedy for many skin problems, as it is known for its antimicrobial properties, and although it is used by many people, there is a limited number of scientific researches on it.
According to the sources, it can be diluted with water in a ratio of 1:1, and applied to the scalp, as it helps relieve itching caused by psoriasis, then the scalp is washed thoroughly.
There is controversy about the use of apple cider vinegar in other sources, and it is forbidden to use it on open wounds, bleeding, and cracked skin. To resolve this controversy, consult your doctor first before using it.
Natural oils to treat skin rashes at home
There are some types of natural oils that can be used to treat skin rashes at home, but you must first conduct an allergy test before using them, and it is advised to consult a doctor to find out the right oil for you.
1. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is extracted from the fruit itself, or from the milk inside, and has been used since time immemorial. This oil is known for its many benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
Coconut oil can be used as a moisturizer on the skin and scalp, and you can only apply it to the affected area. Unprocessed or crude oil is better because it is rich in antioxidants and inflammation.
2. Tea tree oil
There is a belief that tea tree oil acts as an antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic agent on the skin, but its mechanism of action is not fully understood. However, it is believed that the terpene compounds present in the oil break down the cellular material of bacteria.
You should know that tea tree oil may cause skin irritation, so it must be diluted in a cream, or with another oil such as olive oil or coconut oil, and it can also be mixed with your moisturizer. It can be applied to the affected area after showering, but extra care should be taken when applying these oils near the eyes.
You can find tea tree oil in many products on the market, and it should never be ingested, as it is toxic.
3. Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil has cooling properties that help relieve pain and itching. In a study published in 2012, it was indicated that peppermint oil, which contains menthol, treats itching in pregnant women.
The participants in this research were divided into two groups, a group that got peppermint oil mixed with sesame oil, and another group with olive oil, with sesame oil, and this was applied more twice a day for two weeks, and they found a significant effect for those who used peppermint oil to calm the itch.
4. Treat skin rashes with olive oil
Olive oil is known for its many benefits, including reducing inflammation, healing wounds to the skin, and it creates a protective barrier for the skin, because it consists of oleic acid, small amounts of fatty acids, in addition to 200 other chemical compounds.
5. Chamomile oil
Chamomile or chamomile is used in folk medicine to calm the skin, as it contains many compounds that give it anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties, and in a study published in 2010, it showed its effect in reducing scratches and reducing histamine levels on mice suffering from eczema.
6. Jojoba oil
This type of oil has anti-inflammatory properties as well, and is found in many cosmetic products.
In addition to the above, safflower seed oil and argan oil have anti-inflammatory properties, improve skin elasticity and moisture, and argan oil helps enhance the absorption of topical medications.
Important notice; Despite all these benefits, we always advise you to consult a doctor before trying to apply these recipes, especially oils, if you suffer from a chronic skin problem, and before applying them to children.
Rash irritants to be avoided
One of the obvious steps taken to treat a rash at home, and the itching caused by it, is to avoid irritants and triggers that make it worse, such as the following:
- Hot water: Bathing in hot water removes moisture from the skin, making it more susceptible to dryness, redness, and itching, so it is recommended to shower with warm or cold water.
- Some skin care products and soaps: they contain fragrances and artificial colors that increase skin irritation, so it is advisable to use products free of these substances.
- Woolen clothes made of synthetic fibers: These materials increase skin irritation and itching for some people. It is recommended to wear cotton clothes that help prevent overheating.
- Stress: Stress may exacerbate itching, and doctors always recommend avoiding stress through relaxation and yoga.
- Baby diapers: Baby diapers should be changed frequently to avoid diaper rash.
- Heat: Try to avoid high temperatures, stay in a place with moderate humidity and temperature, and an air humidifier can be used in the winter.