Skin rashes appear in response to a variety of triggers. Allergies, infections and environmental irritants are usually the culprits behind these often red, bumpy skin conditions. You can treat many of these rashes at home without spending money on pharmaceutical products. Nonetheless, home remedies are never a substitute for medical advice or care. If your rash persists without improvement, contact a medical professional immediately for treatment.
Oatmeal to Relieve Itching and Inflammation
Oatmeal is an inexpensive, yet effective, natural method to reduce itchiness caused by rashes. It contains the anti-itching elements sililcon, avenanthramides and beta-glucan, which block the histamines responsible for itchiness, the RN Guide to Skin Care posits. Avenanthramides are specifically special to the oats in oatmeal. They reduce inflammation while circumventing histamine from triggering itching, asserts the Archive of Dermatological Research. Allergies to pollen, animal dander or grass may cause your body to release histamine, which can physically manifest as a rash. Simply soak in a bath of oatmeal by adding one cup to a tub of warm water for large-scale rashes. Alternatively, soak a soft, absorbent cloth in an oatmeal solution and use it as a compress on the aggravated patch of skin.
Aloe Vera to Relieve Burning
The American Academy of Dermatology acknowledges aloe vera's effectiveness on sensitive skin due to its calming properties. Individuals prone to rashes generally exhibit a sensitivity to environmental agents such as pollutants or fabrics. In some cases, burning accompanies rashes from sun damage or from poisonous plants such as ivy or sumac, asserts the Healthy Skin Care website. The Mayo Clinic reports that the fleshy, inner leaf lining of an aloe plant may provide significant relief against the burning associated with rashes and sunburn. Additionally, promising preliminary studies show that aloe vera contains immunomodulatory qualities, which help reduce the inflammation that often accompanies burning.
Cucumber to Soothe Irritation and Moisturize
Cucumber helps to soothe and reduce irritation of the skin caused by rashes, the Disabled World website reports. Cucumbers and human skin share similar levels of hydrogen, making it easy for cucumber to hydrate and relieve problem areas. Additionally, it contains cooling elements while its cleansing properties also keep the skin free of impurities. Linda White says in her book "The Herbal Drugstore" that applying cucumber slices or pureed cucumber directly to rashes helps to relieve irritation caused by allergies, poisonous plants or other external causes.
