A rash is your skin's reaction to an allergen, an insect bite or a response to an underlying medical disorder. Rashes may appear in one localized area, or they may spread over the entire body. They can appear red and swollen with blisters or scales or they may be bumpy or flat. Some rashes contain small pus-filled blisters. Because rashes have so many triggers, treating them with home remedies focuses on alleviating the itch, the pain and discoloration. If you have a rash that does not go away with home treatment, see your physician.
Diet and Supplements
The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine suggests increasing your intake of the essential fatty acids present in some types of fish, including salmon, mackerel and herring. In some individuals, this may reduce itching and swelling.
Vitamin supplements that promote skin health may also be beneficial in treating some rashes. Vitamin C, vitamin A and B-complex might assist in repairing irritated skin, while vitamin E may decrease skin dryness.
Babies
An infant's tender skin may develop a rash from contact with a wet diaper, chemicals in laundry soap, lotions or from a reaction to a new food. Changing a baby's diaper promptly reduces the risk of diaper rash.
Wash an infant's skin with a gentle baby soap that contains no added scent. Allowing a baby's bottom to air-dry promotes healing. If the infant develops a fever, if blisters form or if the rash does not go away despite the use of home remedies, consult a pediatrician.
Allergic Rashes
Rashes caused by an allergen, such as poison ivy, or an allergic reaction to a food or a drug may result in redness, swelling, blisters or scales. Most allergic rashes occur soon after contact with the offending substance, although some medications may not produce a rash for a few days.
Eliminating the cause of allergic rash is the only sure way to heal your skin. If the rash appears around your mouth, try switching to a different toothpaste or mouthwash. MotherNature.com advises that toothpastes with tartar-control ingredients may cause rashes in some individuals.
You may take over-the-counter antihistamines to reduce the spread of an allergic rash. In addition, you may use cortisone creams or ointments to reduce itching and irritation. Some allergic rashes may result in a secondary infection. If you have an aloe vera plant at home, break off a bit of a leaf and smooth the thick, clear gel inside on mild rashes to promote healing and to reduce irritation.
If the rash spreads while taking an antihistamine, or if your skin becomes thick or you run a fever, call your doctor promptly.
Skin Soothers
While not every home remedy will work for everyone, a number of soothing items you may have in your cupboard may offer some relief. Add a handful of oatmeal to warm bathwater and soak in it to soothe irritated skin. Apply castor oil or olive oil to a mild rash or mix a pinch of cinnamon in a teaspoon of honey and apply to the skin. Baking soda, garlic and a wash made from chamomile tea may also offer some relief when applied topically.
References
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 3"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- Mother Nature: Rashes
- Stanford Wellsphere: Skin Rash Home Remedies
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