Health & Beauty

Herbal Remedies for Skin Allergy!!

When skin is irritated by some allergen and becomes red, bumpy, scaly or itchy. Skin rashes can be caused due to changing weather, excess sun exposure or scratchy clothes, any food, cosmetics or may be due to any medication. Mild skin allergy can be treated at home but see a doctor if it is severe (welts & blisters).

Home Remedies:

Cold compress: Fastest and simplest way to reduce the pain and itch is to apply cold. A cold compress, cool showers, or a damp cloth can relieve you immediately from swelling and inflammation.
Take an ice bag, plastic bag with ice or a cloth soaked in cold water and place it over your skin (never place ice directly on your skin).

Oatmeal bath: We have been using Oats (Avena sativa) for centuries to treat many skin conditions like eczema, burns. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties relieve skin itchiness, dryness, and roughness.
Fill your bathtub with warm water mixed with one cup (or one packet) of colloidal oatmeal and soak yourself for 30 minutes.

Aloe vera (fresh): We use Aloe vera gel to heal wounds due to its antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Please perform an allergy patch test before using. The clear gel that comes from the aloe leaves can soothe itchy and irritated skin.
Wash and pat dry the affected area and apply fresh aloe vera gel from the plant to soothe itchy and irritated skin.

Coconut oil: Coconut Oil is a natural antiseptic that is wonderful for our skin but try using virgin (unprocessed) coconut oil for skin rash for better results. It relieves the inflamed skin and provides moisture.

Tea tree oil soothes dry and itchy skin but always use it with some moisturizer or carrier oil as it can be drying. Apply on your skin after a shower. Do not ingest.

Baking soda: It is the oldest household remedy for itchy skin. Baking soda soothes rashes, bug bites and maintain the skin’s pH balance. Try a baking soda bath or mix water with baking soda to make a paste and apply it to the affected area.

Indigo Naturalis is a dark-blue powder with pharmacological properties from a dried Chinese herb. Mainly used for skin infections and skin issues. Use Indigo Naturalis as an ointment and apply twice a day to the affected area.

Apple cider vinegar: A centuries-old remedy for skin and other ailments. You can use apple cider vinegar to relieve an itchy scalp. Apply its full strength or by diluting it a few times a week. But don’t use it if you have cracked or bleeding skin on your scalp as it can further irritate the skin.
Some people find relief in an apple cider vinegar bath.

Epsom salts (or Dead Sea salts): This salt contains magnesium sulfate which has traditionally been used in a warm bath in order to relieve itching and scaling. Soaking in Epsom salt moisturize the skin, reduce inflammation and also relaxes your muscles.
Arrange a warm bath with some Epsom and soak for 15 minutes. Rinse off, pat dry, and use a moisturizer.

Plant oils: Each oil has different effects on the skin but majorly moisturizes and soothes itchy skin. Plant oils improve skin elasticity, repair and calm the skin. Try olive oil, safflower seed oil, argan oil, jojoba, chamomile oil. These are commercially available alone or in preparations in the market.

Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial which makes it the best treatment for any skin condition, including eczema and atopic dermatitis. Make a paste apply to the skin and wash it off after 20 minutes.

Honey: It has been used for ages to promote rapid tissue healing, encourage new skin growth, and prevent bacterial growth. Apply honey directly to the skin 2-3 times daily. Leave it for at least 30 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.

Lemon: lemon juice is beneficial both internally and externally in the healing of skin allergies. For best benefits, drink lemon water in the morning on an empty stomach or apply lemon juice to skin rash with a cotton ball.

Neem: Neem is antibacterial and cure many skin and stomach problems. You may eat five to six tender neem leaves daily to purify the blood hence making your stomach an skin healthier. Make a paste with neem leaves and turmeric and apply on the skin. Neem also treats acne and hair issues.

Quick Tips:

Never scratch the rash or affected area as it only worsens the care. Always take a patch test before applying anything directly to your skin. Avoiding harsh & perfumed soaps, detergents or lotions. Using an antihistamine or steroid cream may also help. Ointments like calamine lotion can really do wonders.