An itchy, irritated rash may make getting through the day miserable. Chickenpox, scabies, hives, psoriasis and lice may cause a rash on your skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. To determine the cause of your specific condition, consult a doctor. If he recommends it, you can use home remedies to help soothe the itchiness and discomfort of your rash.
Oatmeal
The Mayo Clinic recommends taking a cool oatmeal bath to soothe a rash. Place a handful of colloidal oatmeal into cool or lukewarm running water in the bathtub, and then soak until your itching and irritation subsides. Colloidal oatmeal is available at drugstores, but if you can't find it, you can also use regular oatmeal. Colloidal oatmeal is a fine powder so it won't clog the drain of the bathtub. If you are using regular store-bought oatmeal, remove the oats with a strainer before draining the tub to prevent clogging.
Cold Compress
Placing a cold compress over the itchiest areas of the rash may help prevent you from scratching and soothe discomfort, notes the Mayo Clinic. Wet a clean towel, washcloth or piece of gauze with cold water. Wring it out and place it gently on the rash. The cold water will draw heat out of the rash, soothing irritation and eliminating itchiness. Additionally, placing a compress on top of the skin will help deter you from scratching, particularly while sleeping. Change the compress when it begins to get warm.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C may help reduce the irritation and itchiness of a rash because it contains antioxidants, says Douglas Darr, Ph.D., assistant medical research professor at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. Crush over-the-counter vitamin C tablets with the back of a spoon and place them in a glass. Add a few drops of water to the glass to make a thick paste. Carefully rub the paste on the rash, being careful not to scratch the skin with the granules of the vitamin C. Leave the vitamin C on the skin to soothe irritation.
