Home remedies for rashes, like soaking in an Epsom salt bath or applying a compress with peppermint essential oil, for example, can help to soothe and hydrate the skin. These home remedies can help to reduce itchiness, redness, irritation or swelling.
Rashes are an inflammatory response that can emerge on many areas of the body, like the neck, legs, hands, belly, mouth, armpits or back. It may be related to various factors, like insect bugs, skin dryness or even a fabric allergy.
Some home remedies for rashes should only be used when the skin is intact and wound free. Be sure to wash the area first and then dry it. If symptoms do not resolve within 1 to 3 days, or if they worsen, you should see a dermatologist for assessment and possible treatment.
Home remedies
Some natural ways to treat a rash at home include:
1. Baking sodium and coconut oil paste
Paste made with baking soda and coconut oil helps to balance skin pH. This combination also contains anti-inflammatory and hydrating action, which helps to relieve symptoms of rashes, like itchiness, irritation, redness or swelling.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- 12 tablespoons of coconut oil
How to prepare:
In a clean and dry bowl, mix the ingredients together until they form a paste. Scoop up come paste with a cotton ball or gauze, and gently apply to the rash. Let it sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse off with cold water.
If you do not have coconut oil, you can use 12 tablespoons of water instead.
2. Wild pansy compress
Wild pansy, scientifically known as Viola tricolor, contains anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiallergic properties. It is a great home remedy to use topically, soaked in a compressed. It helps to reduce symptoms of a rash, like redness, itchiness or swelling.
Due to its properties, wild pansies can also help with the treatment of psoriasis or eczema.
Ingredients:
- 20 to 30 g of fresh or dried wild pansies
- 500 mL of boiling water
How to prepare:
Add the wild pansies to the boiling water, and allow to infuse for 15 minutes. Once cool, strain and soak a gauze in the solution. Apply to the affected area twice per day.
3. Chamomile compress
Chamomile is a medicinal plant that contains substances like azulene, bisabolol and farnesene. These contain anti-inflammatory and anti allergenic action, making chamomile a great option for treating rashes. It can be used a compress to relieve symptoms like redness, swelling or itching.
Ingredients:
- 20 to 30 g of fresh or dried chamomile flower
- 500 mL of boiling water
How to prepare:
Add the chamomile to the boiling water and allow to infuse for 15 minutes. Then strain, soak a gauze/cotton ball/clean cloth, and pat it over the rash at least twice per day.
4. Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint essential oil is rich in menthol and menthone, which contain antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. These substances help to combat itchiness and redness from rashes.
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 1 cup of water
How to prepare:
Add the essential oil to the water and mix. Then soak a cotton ball or gauze in the solution and apply to the rash at least twice per day.
5. Epsom salt bath
Epsom salts are rich in sulphate and magnesium, which are easily absorbed by the skin. These minerals can help to build a stronger skin barrier to keep in moisture and reduce swelling or inflammation from rashes.
Epsom salt baths are an easy way to relieve swelling and redness, and can also be great for relaxing.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of Epsom salts
- 1 L of warm water
How to prepare:
Mix the Epsom salts in the warm water until fully dissolved. Then pour this solution into a prefilled bathtub and soak yourself for 15 to 20 minutes. Then dry off your skin and apply a moisturizer. You should do this 3 times per week.
6. Rosewater and aloe vera gel
A rosewater tonic mixed with aloe vera gel can be a great way to soothe irritated skin. It contain anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and healing properties that help to relieve rashes and manage symptoms like itching and irritation, as well as heal and moisturize the skin.
Ingredients:
- Fresh red rose petals
- Aloe vera leaf
How to prepare:
Cut an aloe vera leaf lengthwise and extract the gel. Wash the rose petals. Mix the gel and petals in a blender, then strain and store in a clean and dry glass jar. Soak a gauze or cotton ball in this solution and apply to the affected area once per day.
It is important to avoid using any other part of the aloe vera leaf, as it may have toxic effects. Extract the aloe vera gel only.
7. Medicated marigold paste
Pot marigolds, scientifically known as Calendula officinalis, contains anti-inflammatory properties that make it a great home remedy for topical use. It can be prepared as a paste that contains infused marigolds to reduce inflammation and decrease itching.
Ingredients:
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of pot marigold flowers
- 150 mL of boiling water.
How to prepare:
Place the marigold flowers in the boiling water and allow to soak for 5 minutes. When cool,. Strain and soak a clean compress in the infusion. Apply the compress over the rash and allow to sit for 30 minutes before removing. You can complete this 3 times per day.
8. Apple cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains anti-inflammatory and alkalizing properties, making it a great option for relieving redness, swelling and itching.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup of water
How to prepare:
Mix the vinegar and water and soak a clean gauze or cotton ball in the solution. Pat over the rash and allow the solution to act for 5 to 20 seconds. Then rinse the skin, dry and apply a daily moisturizer.
Apple cider vinegar can be made at home using natural ingredients, or purchased at a grocery stores. Learn more about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar and how it can be used.
9. Broadleaf plantain leaf tea
Broadleaf plantain leaf tea contains natural antiallergenic properties that help to manage itching and redness from rashes.
These leaves also contain properties that decrease skin irritation, and can be used for sunburns.
Ingredients:
- 30 g of broadleaf plantain leaves;
- 1 L of boiling water
How to prepare:
Add the leaves to the boiling water, then cover and wait for it to cool. Then strain and rinse the affected skin with this solution 2 to 3 times per day.
