Rashes on the skin, hives, and itchy patches flaking or swelling- these are common symptoms of an allergic reaction. A skin allergy is something everybody would have experienced. Since the skin is the first thing that comes in contact with the outside world, the exposure to allergens begins here and so do the allergies. What steps can you take to remedy a skin allergy? Read on to know more about what skin allergy is, the types of skin allergies, and effective, natural home remedies to treat the allergies.
What is Skin Allergy?
A skin allergy is normally a reaction to an invading irritant or allergen- allergy-causing substance.
When the skin senses a foreign substance that could be potentially harmful, the body produces an immune response to it which is characterised by many of the symptoms of allergies such as rashes or hives. Some allergies also have underlying causes that are different from allergens; the results, however, are mostly similar. An allergic reaction can be triggered by many substances such as
- Pollen, plants such as poison ivy
- Insect bites
- Foods
- Metals used in jewellery, nickel
- Cosmetics, soaps, shampoos
- Sprays, cleaning products, fragrances
- The latex used in certain clothing, condoms, gloves and balloons
The most common signs and symptoms of skin allergies include:
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Dry and flaky skin
- Infection on wounded areas
- Small fluid-filled blisters
Some of the common types of skin allergy are:
- Contact Dermatitis: This type of allergy is one that almost everybody would have experienced once in their lifetime. Rashes are triggered by an allergen coming in contact with the skin.
- Diaper Rash: Common in babies and adults who wear soiled diapers for a long time. It is also a form of contact dermatitis.
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): A condition that turns the skin red and itchy. Eczema or atopic dermatitis is more prevalent in children than adults and can be triggered by many factors such as harsh soaps, allergens, change in weather, etc.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: More commonly known as dandruff, it is a condition that affects the scalp and face making the skin dry and flaky.
- Heat Rash: A type of allergy caused by the blockage of sweat ducts during hot and humid weather conditions.
- Hives: A sudden onset of itchy bumps that are red and go away on their own in a few hours.
- Psoriasis: It is a scaly and bumpy eruption on the skin that is seen on elbows, knees and the scalp.
Effective Home Remedies to Treat Skin Allergies Naturally
Most types of skin allergies produce symptoms that can be treated with one of these natural cures. Depending on the underlying condition, some would work better than the others.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a wonder cure for many ailments. It has plenty of acetic acid which has strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These two combined can help treat rashes involved in many types of skin allergies.
What You Need
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup of warm water
- Cotton pads
What to Do
- Mix one cup of warm water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Stir well and soak up some solution with a cotton ball.
- Dab the solution on the affected area and let it dry.
- Wash it after 15 to 20 minutes with clean water.
- Repeat twice a day until it heals.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is used in many natural healing preparations because of its medicinal and anti-inflammatory properties. It speeds up the recovery process and offers soothing relief, making it one of the best remedies for skin allergies on the body.
What You Need
- Aloe vera gel
What to Do
- Extract one teaspoon of the gel from the leaf or scoop one teaspoon of gel from a purchased aloe vera product.
- Spread the aloe vera gel directly on the area affected by the allergy.
- Let it stay on for about 30 minutes before washing.
- Apply this remedy thrice a day for a few days.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is alkaline and acts on the skin to restore the pH value of the affected area. This is useful in treating certain kinds of rashes to speed up its healing time.
What You Need
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 cup of water
- Mixing cup
What to Do
- Mix a fairly thick paste of water and baking soda by adding the required amount of ingredients and mixing them well in a cup.
- Spread the baking soda paste on the affected area of the skin.
- Let it stay for about 10 minutes before washing it off.
- Do it several times a day for relief from irritation.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the safest home remedies for skin allergies in babies and children. It has moisturising properties, thanks to its medium-chain fatty acids which are helpful for dry, scaly skin allergies. It also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which make it a wonderful remedy for many skin conditions.
What You Need
- Virgin coconut oil
What to Do
- Warm a teaspoon of virgin coconut oil and apply it over the affected area.
- Leave it in place for about 30 minutes.
- Wash it with warm water and pat the skin dry.
- Repeat this 3 to 4 times a day until the rash heals.
5. Peppermint Oil
The presence of menthol in peppermint oil exhibits anti-inflammatory properties which can give immediate relief when applied over a painful or itchy rash.
What You Need
- 5 to 8 drops of peppermint oil
- 1 teaspoon of carrier oil such as olive, coconut or jojoba oil
What to Do
- Mix several drops of the peppermint oil with a teaspoon of the carrier oil.
- Apply the mix directly over the affected area.
- Leave it on the skin for 40 to 60 minutes before washing it off.
- Repeat the procedure 3 to 4 times every day.
6. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is widely used to naturally treat many skin conditions, thanks to its medicinal properties. The oil is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial in nature which gives immediate relief from a rash and prevents additional infections.
What You Need
- 6-7 drops tea tree oil
- 1 teaspoon of carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil
What to Do
- Add the tea tree oil to a teaspoon of carrier oil and mix well.
- Apply the mixture directly over the affected area on the skin.
- Let it stay for 45 to 60 minutes before washing it off.
- Repeat this routine thrice or four times a day for relief.
7. Tulsi (Holy Basil)
The medicinal properties of tulsi have long been known in India. It exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties that can effectively protect the skin from infections. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and itchiness, making it effective in getting rid of skin allergies naturally.
What You Need
- A bunch of tulsi leaves
- Blender
What to Do
- Pick a handful of tulsi leaves and wash them thoroughly.
- Grind the leaves in a blender until the consistency is fine.
- Apply the paste over the affected area.
- Leave it on the allergy-affected region for about 30 minutes before washing it off.
- Repeat the routine few times a day for relief.
8. Neem
Neem is another popular herb used extensively in India for its medicinal properties. It can alleviate redness, swelling and itching due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Neem is also a natural antihistamine, which is why it is used in home remedies for skin allergies on the face.
What You Need
- A handful of neem leaves, preferably fresh
- Blender
What to Do
- Grind the neem leaves in a blender until the paste has a fine consistency.
- Apply the paste over the affected area and leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Wash the paste clean and repeat it 3-4 times a day until you see improvement.
9. Petroleum Jelly
Dryness can aggravate many types of skin rashes; this is where petroleum jelly acts as one of the effective home remedies for skin allergy in winter. Petroleum jelly covers the affected area to shield it from microbes and keeps it moisturised hence speeding up the healing process.
What You Need
- A bottle of petroleum jelly
What to Do
- Apply a thin film of the jelly on the affected area.
- Leave it on throughout the day and reapply as necessary.
10. Ginger
Ginger possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which work well in treating different types of skin allergies.
What You Need
- A slice of ginger
- A cup of warm water
- Cotton pads
What to Do
- Grate the slice of ginger and add it to a cup of water.
- Boil the mix in a saucepan and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Strain the ginger liquid and allow it to cool.
- Apply the liquid with a cotton ball on the affected area.
- Wash it off after 30 minutes and repeat it 3-4 times a day.
Skin allergies can be particularly annoying to deal with. They can be caused by various allergens like metals, plants, insect bites, pet hair, and food. The remedies listed above can offer relief from pain and irritation as the condition resolves over time.
