Skin Rashes

Skin rashes are common skin problems experienced by millions of people worldwide; it is characterized by a visible change in the color and texture of the skin, this condition causes the skin to become inflamed, scaly, itchy, irritated and bumpy.

They can appear in one small part of the body or cover a large area and they can also come in many forms; it can happen to people of any age including children and they cause discomfort, anxiety, restlessness, pains, and other symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Rashes

Signs and symptoms of skin rashes are Discoloured skin which is mainly red, thick skin patch or leathery patch, raised bumps, scaly or flaky skin patch, red or Discoloured blotches and bumps, crusty swellings filled with pus, round-shaped, sores that ooze and become crusty, blisters, inflammation, and itchiness.

Causes of Rashes

There are many causes of skin rashes; the most common causes are:

  • Insect Bites
  • Allergies
  • Chemicals in cosmetics and skin care products
  • An underlying medical condition
  • Skin disease and skin infections
  • Parasites and microbes
  • Irritants
  • Dyes from clothes
  • Diaper (diaper rash)
  • Chickenpox
  • Drug allergies and side effects

Types of Skin Rash

Though there are many different types of rashes, it is divided into two main types; they are infectious and non-infectious rashes.

Infectious rashes are those rashes that can be transferred from person to person through close contact or coming in touch with bodily fluids; infectious rashes includes ringworms, chicken pox, scabies, shingles, impetigo, herpes and other rashes caused by microbes.

Non-infectious rashes cannot be transmitted between individuals and they include drug eruptions, allergic dermatitis, eczema, contact dermatitis, hives, psoriasis, rosacea, dry skin and Seborrheic dermatitis.

Potent Home Remedies for Skin Rashes

Below are effective home remedies that clear skin rash and relieve their discomforting signs and symptoms. These remedies are effective for all kinds of skin rash.

Bentonite Clay

This is a healing clay that is beneficial to the skin; it helps to expel toxins and wastes from the skin, it reduces inflammation and skin irritations. When applied to the rash infested skin part; it gets rid of it, relieves itching, it calms the body and hastens healing.

Apply this mud on the affected skin part and leave it on the skin for at least 2 hours; make sure you avoid the eyes and the area around the eyes, rinse it off with warm water. You can do this daily till you notice an improvement in your skin.

Onion juice

Onion juice

Quercetin found in onions is one of the best natural treatments for skin rashes; it fights microbes and inflammation and it disinfects the rashes, it prevents them from spreading and it hastens healing.

Crush one onion and extract the juice; use a cotton ball to apply it to the ski part with rashes, wash it off after 30 minutes. Those who have sensitive skin should mix the onions with olive oil.

Eucalyptus oil

The active ingredient in this essential oil is eucalyptol; this compound has a soothing and cooling effect on the body, it also fights inflammation and hastens healing of the skin. Dilute eucalyptus oil with either coconut oil or jojoba oil; apply this mixture to the affected skin part; let it stay overnight for quick results.

Carrot juice

Carrots are rich in vitamin A which is essential for a healthy skin; studies have linked the deficiency of this vital vitamin to skin allergies and this can cause skin rashes. Consume at least a glass of carrot juice daily when suffering from a skin rash.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw, unfiltered and organic Apple Cider Vinegar is an effective natural treatment for a lot of illnesses including skin rashes; it relieves itching and calms the skin.

Its rich content of acetic acid fights skin infections, prevent them from spreading and reduce the flares and symptoms of rashes. Dip a cotton ball in some organic ACV and use it to rub the rashes; leave it for 10 minutes before washing it off with warm water. Do this daily for visible results.

Mint leaves

Mint leaves reduce the swellings, inflammation and soothe burning sensations; crush fresh mint leaves and apply the paste to the affected skin part, leave it to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it off with water.

Coconut Oil

This oil has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties; it prevents the breakout of new rashes, prevent them from spreading and it soothes existing rashes. Pour a little quantity of coconut oil on your palms and gently rub it on the part with rashes; you can leave it on throughout the day, don’t wash it off. Do this once daily.

Stinging Nettle

This herb has natural anti-histamine properties and can put a stop to skin allergies; it fights rashes and other skin problems. Boil the fresh leaves and take the tea daily to hasten healing and fight the allergies.

Extra-virgin Olive Oil

Extra-virgin olive oil moisturizes the skin; it heals the skin and promotes the renewal of skin cells and tissues, it relieves itching, inflammation and soothes the skin.

It has a rich content of antioxidants and vitamin E; it heals all skin problems and restores the skin to its original look and feel. Rub extra-virgin olive oil on the affected part and do not wash it off; do this daily till that skin part is completely healed.

To make it more effective, you can mix the olive oil with honey or turmeric powder; or you can form an effective oil blend by mixing olive oil, coconut oil, and castor oil, this oil blend is an effective natural treatment for rashes.

Another potent oil blend is cod liver oil and vitamin E oil; this is a popular and effective remedy for skin rash.

Witch hazel

This is a powerful natural astringent that cures skin infections and skin rashes; it is also effective in curing eczema, psoriasis and other skin ailments. Boil some of the leaves in water and use a cotton ball to apply this solution to the affected area; leave it for some minutes before washing it off. Do this once daily.

Epsom salt

Epsom salt also known as magnesium sulfate has a strong anti-inflammatory effect that helps in treating inflammation, itchiness, redness, and swellings. Pour a cup of Epsom salt to your regular bath water and soak in it for at least 30 minutes; this should be done at least once daily till you see improvement.

Holy basil

This is one of man’s ancient cures for skin rash and skin problems; crush some basil leaves, extract the juice and mix it with crushed garlic cloves, a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix all these very well; apply it on the affected area for at least 30 minutes before washing it off, do this at least once daily.

Chamomile

Both chamomile tea and chamomile essential oil are potent remedies for skin rashes; it soothes, it relieves pain, itching, irritation, and inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant properties promote quick healing and restore the elasticity and texture of the skin.

Its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties fight rashes caused by microbial infections and prevent it from spreading. Dilute chamomile essential oil with olive oil or coconut oil and apply it three times daily to the affected area until the rash is completely gone.

You can use a cotton ball to apply chamomile tea on the rash in case you don’t have access to the essential oil; let it sit for 15 minutes before washing it off. Repeat it thrice daily for quick results.

Poppy seeds

These seeds are traditional cures for skin rashes; they clear the skin part affected and relieve the symptoms of rashes. Crush a tablespoon of poppy seeds; mix it with a half teaspoon of lemon juice and a half teaspoon of water.

Mix them well and apply the mixture to the affected skin part; let it sit for at least 10 minutes, then you wash it off with water. This is one of the most effective treatments for skin rashes.

Castor oil

Its active compound ricinoleic acid has strong anti-inflammatory properties that relieve inflammation, pain, itchiness, and swellings. Apply a little quantity of castor oil on the affected skin part, leave it for 30 minutes and then wash it off.

This can be done once daily; those with sensitive skin should be careful with this oil, they can do a patch test before using this oil. Some people are also allergic to castor oil; so test it on a little space and leave it for some hours, if no reaction occurs, then it is safe for you.

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is an effective home remedy for skin problems; it is rich in polyphenols, these compounds are powerful antioxidants that fight skin problems, skin inflammation, and rapid aging.

It is also soothing to sensitive skin; it relieves rashes, fights skin degeneration, tightens the skin and improves its elasticity, prevents cell mutations in the skin, and reverses premature aging.

Apply pure cocoa butter on the skin and gently massage it into the skin until it is fully absorbed; do not wash it off, do this many times till you get the desired result. Do not use cocoa butter that contains alcohol, fragrances, and other additives; it will make the condition worse and aggravate the symptoms.

Breast milk

This helps to keep the skin hydrated and prevents the infection from spreading; even adults benefits from this, apply few drops of breast milk to the rashes and allow it to dry, reapply it again and continue to do this many times daily till you see positive results.

Neem

Neem

Neem leaves are packed full of powerful antioxidant and healing properties; it treats a lot of skin problems and infections like rashes, scabies, psoriasis, acne and other skin problems. It rejuvenates the skin and prevents premature aging.

Boil neem leaves in water for 20 minutes; allow it to cool, then you strain it and use a cotton ball to apply the tea to the affected skin part. Leave it on the skin for 10 minutes before washing it off. Do this thrice daily till the rash fades away.

Hydrogen peroxide

This liquid has mild antiseptic properties; it treats infectious rashes and stops them from spreading. Use a cotton ball and apply 3% hydrogen peroxide on the rashes; let it dry before washing it off with water. Do this once daily.

Baking Soda

Also known as sodium bicarbonate, this compound dries up rashes; it relieves inflammation, redness, itching and stops the spread of the rash.

Add water to a good quantity of baking soda and apply this thick paste directly to the skin rash; leave it on the skin for at least 10 minutes, then you wash it off with warm water.

To make it more effective, you can add coconut oil instead of water; do this once every day and continue till you see results. Don’t leave it on the skin for more than 10 minutes; it can cause further irritation and worsen the problem, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Manuka Honey

It helps to relieve swelling and inflammation; it balances the pH of the affected skin part and restores its health and elasticity. Mix a tablespoon of manuka honey with two teaspoons of olive oil and rub this mixture on the rashes; leave it for one hour before you wash it off. Do this daily.

Calendula

Calendula

This herb is potent in soothing skin irritations, skin ulcers, bruises, cuts, wounds, rashes, dry skin, and eczema; it fights skin infections and prevents it from spreading to other parts of the body.

Apply calendula oil on the rash and let it sit for few hours; do this twice daily till you are healed. You can also add few drops of calendula oil to your bath water, soak in it for 15 minutes or you use calendula tea to do a warm compress on the affected skin part.

If you don’t have calendula oil; it is quite easy to make calendula-infused olive oil at home, it is effective as calendula essential oil; get some fresh calendula flowers and dry them for at least 12 hours to reduce their moisture content.

Put them in an uncovered container and place them in a double boiler; pour a large quantity of olive oil over the flowers and let it cook over a low heat for three or five hours. You strain the oil and put it in a glass jar and use regularly on your skin.

Green Tea

This tea has an abundant quantity of polyphenols which helps to keep the skin protected from damages and infections from microbes; it relieves itching, inflammation, and pains.

Add a green tea bag or a spoon of green tea to a cup of hot water; let it steep for ten minutes, drink some and use a cotton ball to apply the tea on the rash, let it sit for 30 minutes before you wash it off. Repeat this once every day till you get better.

Aloe vera

Fresh aloe vera gel is the cure-all for all types of skin problems and skin conditions; it is very effective for all kinds of skin rashes, it reduces itching, redness, and inflammation, it also moisturizes the skin and hastens healing.

Get fresh aloe vera leaf; tear it open and scope out the gel, apply it directly on the affected skin part, you can leave it on the skin, do not wash it off. Apply it three times daily and continue till you see results.

Lemon Juice

Lemons are rich in bactericidal properties; they also have a rich content of vitamin C and anti-inflammatory properties, they fight skin rashes, reduce inflammation and stop the infection from spreading.

Cut a large lemon into 2 and juice half of it; use a cotton ball and apply the juice to the affected skin part, wash it off after 20 or 30 minutes. Do this once daily.

Coriander

This is a popular remedy in Ayurveda medicine for skin rash; it fights skin irritations, relieves itching, and fights infections due to its powerful antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. It also clams and relaxes the body.

Drink fresh coriander juice daily to fight the infection from inside; you can also drink the tea by boiling few coriander seeds in water; take this once daily until the skin heals.

Another way to do this is to crush fresh coriander leaves and apply the paste on the affected skin part; leave it on the skin for 30 minutes, and then wash it off with warm water. Do this daily till you regain your skin.

Egg whites

This is commonly used to treat diaper rash in babies; it speeds up healing and forms a protective layer over the skin thereby protecting the skin from irritants and further infections.

Depending on the size of the affected part, break one or two eggs and carefully remove the yolks; whisk them rapidly and apply this as a layer over the affected skin part. Let it dry, then you apply another layer; do these till you have applied three or four layers, let it sit for an hour or two and then you wash it off.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is an effective home remedy for skin rash; its soothing properties relieve inflammation, itching, and dryness. It effectively treats rashes caused by sunburn, poison ivy, allergies, eczema and chicken pox.

Add one cup of grind oatmeal to your regular bath water and soak in it for at least 15 minutes; do this every day till the rash clears off. You can also mix grind oatmeal and plain organic yogurt and rub it directly on the affected skin part; leave it to rest for 30 minutes and then you wash it off with warm water, do this daily till you see results.

Garlic

Allicin, the active compound of garlic helps to fight inflammation, dry the rashes and hasten healing. Crush fresh garlic cloves and apply it to the affected skin part; leave it for 30 minutes and then wash it off. Do this twice daily.

Tea Tree Oil

This herb has strong anti-inflammatory properties; it reduces inflammation, rashes, and redness and prevents infections caused by microbes due to its antimicrobial properties. Dilute tea tree oil with either coconut oil or jojoba oil; apply this mixture at least once daily to the skin part affected by rashes, do this daily till the rash disappears.

Ginger

Gingerol, a compound present in ginger fights inflammation and infections caused by microbes; it treats irritation and clears skin rashes.

Boil freshly crushed ginger roots in water and let it cool, strain it and use a cotton ball to apply it to the skin rash. Let it stay for 30 minutes, and then you wash it off. This should be done twice daily for effective results.

Cold compress

Cold compresses are effective in relieving rashes caused by insect bites, shingles, heat and poison ivy; it also stops itching, inflammation, and swellings and prevents the rash from developing into blisters.

Soak a clean cloth in a bowl of ice-cold water; squeeze it lightly and apply it on the rash for about 10 minutes. You can use ice cubes by placing them in a sealed plastic bag; place it on the skin rash for some minutes, do this many times daily till the condition improves. Don’t put ice cubes on the skin directly; it can worsen it.

Grapefruit seed extract

This fruit can treat skin rashes due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties and its rich content of bioflavonoids; put few drops of grapefruit seed extract on the rashes and allow it to be absorbed fully before washing the skin part. Do this twice daily.

Lavender essential oil

Lavender essential oil can relieve the symptoms of skin rashes; it relieves swellings, itching, inflammation, pain, and redness. Dilute lavender oil with coconut oil and apply this mixture on the affected skin part once daily.

Jojoba oil

This oil is very rich in vitamin E; this makes it a good skin moisturizer, it fights skin rash, inflammation, dryness, microbial infections and other skin problems. Apply this oil to the affected skin part at night and leave it to stay on the skin overnight; wash it off the next morning, do this daily.

Precautions

Some skin does not require treatment; they go away on their own after sometimes while some skin rash requires immediate treatment.

Some may require immediate medical attention, especially if they are resistant to treatment, this may be a sign that the rash is caused by an underlying medical condition.

In this case, the patient needs to see a medical doctor immediately; so that serious medical conditions can be ruled out or if it is so that treatment can start immediately.

When you see these signs and symptoms when having a skin rash; you should see a doctor immediately, the signs and symptoms to watch out for are:

  • Joint pains
  • High body temperature
  • Severe pain or increasing pain
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Itchy throat or tightness in the throat
  • If it was caused by an insect bite or an animal bite
  • The area surrounding the rash becomes tender or red streaks appear
  • Pus
  • Severe pain in the neck or head
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Facial swellings or swellings of the extremities

If you notice any of these, please see a doctor so that he/she can rule out any serious infection or start treatment immediately.