From oatmeal baths to aloe vera, these remedies can help relieve itchy, dry skin.
Rashes can be maddeningly itchy, no matter what the cause.
Doctors are likely to prescribe creams, lotions, or antihistamines for relief. They may also suggest cold compresses or other home remedies.
We all know not to scratch. That only makes it worse and may cause infection. Here are some relief measures to try, along with information about why they might work.
1. Cold
Cold can help numb the inflamed area. When you apply ice or cold water to a rash, it can help reduce swelling and inflammation and can stop itching almost immediately.
Options to try include a cold compress, a damp cloth, or simply cold water. For rashes that cover more of the body or that affect an area that is difficult to cover with an ice pack, a cool bath or shower may work better.
How to use it
- Fill an ice or plastic bag with ice or dampen a cloth with cold water.
- Place a cloth over your skin (never place ice directly on your skin).
- Hold on to your skin for about 10 minutes at a time
- Repeat as needed.
2. Oatmeal bath
Oatmeal is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant that relieves skin itchiness, dryness, and roughness.
Studies have shown that the oils in oats work together to help repair skin. Colloidal oatmeal, specifically, has also been shown to strengthen the skin barrier.
How to use it
Colloidal oatmeal can be dissolved in a bath can relieve itchiness. Commercial brands of oatmeal baths, like Aveeno, come in ready-to-use packets, measured for a single bath. Or you can very finely grind regular oatmeal in a food processor or blender and add 1 cup to bathwater.
- Fill your bathtub with warm water.
- Mix one cup (or packet) of colloidal oatmeal into the water.
- Immerse yourself in the water and soak for 15-30 minutes.
- Rinse off with a lukewarm shower.
3. Aloe vera (fresh)
The aloe vera plant has been used for centuries as an aid to health and skin care. In addition to wound healing, aloe has been used as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant.
Specifically, the clear gel from the aloe leaves can be used to soothe itchy and irritated skin. That said, although it’s widely used, more studies are needed to verify its effectiveness.
How to use it
- Wash and dry the affected area before using aloe so that you get maximum absorption.
- If you have an aloe plant, you can cut open a leaf, scrape out the gel, and apply it directly to the affected skin. Or, you can get a commercial aloe preparation from the pharmacy.
- Use aloe twice a day or more with the supervision of your doctor.
4. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is extracted from the meat and milk of coconuts. Its medium-chain fatty acids are thought to have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties.
For instance, a monoglyceride formed from lauric acid in coconut oil has been found to be an antibacterial. Lauric acid makes up about half the fat content of coconut oil.
Other research also found it decreased the severity of dermatitis and promoted wound healing.
How to use it
- Coconut oil is safe to use as a moisturizer on skin and scalp. It can be applied all over the body or on the itchy areas.
- Virgin (unprocessed) coconut oil is best because it keeps its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
- People allergic to coconut should test it first on one spot on the inner arm. If no reaction occurs within 24 hours, it should be safe. Discontinue use if irritation develops.
5.The tea tree oil
The tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is native to Australia, where it was originally used by the aboriginal people as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It’s an essential oil that’s steam-distilled from the plant.
Tea tree oil is reported to work against bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal skin infections, though the mechanism is not fully understood. The terpenes (unsaturated hydrocarbons) in tea tree oil are thought to break up the cellular material of bacteria.
How to use it
- Always dilute tea tree oil in a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil before using it directly on the skin. Used alone, it can be drying. You can also mix it into your moisturizer.
- Use it on the affected area after you bathe or shower.
- You can purchase tea tree oil by itself or in commercial products such as shampoos and foot creams.
- Always test a small patch of skin first, as some people may be allergic to it and never ingest it.
6. Baking soda
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is an old household remedy for itchy skin, such as rashes, poison ivy, or bug bites. It has even been shown to be effective in relieving inflammation related to psoriasis.
This may be because baking soda’s chemical makeup acts as a buffer, keeping solutions in a stable acid-alkali balance. For this reason, baking soda may soothe your skin, balancing its pH.
How to use it
Put 1 to 2 cups of baking soda in a tub of lukewarm water and soak. Then rinse off, pat dry, and use your moisturizer. You can also make a paste with a little water and baking soda and apply it to the affected area.
7. Indigo naturalis
Indigo naturalis is a dark-blue powder from a dried Chinese herb (Qing Dai) that may be effective as a topical treatment for skin conditions caused by inflammation such as atopic dermatitis.
The exact mechanism for how indigo naturalis reduces inflammation isn’t fully understood. It’s thought to involve the herb’s tryptanthrin and indirubin, which interact with inflammation-producing interleukin-17. Research is ongoing into the substances that make up indigo naturalis.
How to use it
You can find indigo naturalis as an ointment, which you can apply twice daily to the affected area.
Note that there are risks when using any herbal remedy, including a lack of standards in purity and dosing, potential interactions with prescribed medications, and the danger of damaging organs such as the liver or kidneys. Speak with your doctor before you try any new herbal remedy as a treatment.
8. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a centuries-old remedy for skin and other ailments.
A 2018 study analyzed how apple cider vinegar affected common inflammation-causing bacteria: E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans. The study also found that in laboratory cultures, apple cider vinegar was extremely effective in limiting the cytokines that produce inflammation.
In addition, there is evidence that it may help reduce itching, though it isn’t necessarily effective in protecting the skin barrier. More study is needed to understand how it can help with skin conditions.
How to use it
Use apple cider vinegar to relieve an itchy scalp by applying it full strength or diluted a few times a week. But don’t use it if you have cracked or bleeding skin on your scalp. You may also find relief in an apple cider vinegar bath.
9. Epsom salts (or Dead Sea salts)
Soaking in Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) has traditionally been used to soothe muscle aches and pains.
Magnesium salts may help improve the skin barrier function, help the skin retain moisture, and reduce inflammation, though the mechanism isn’t fully understood.
How to use it
- Add 2 cups of Epsom salts or Dead Sea salts to a warm tub. (Consult with your doctor on the amount for children.)
- Soak for 15 minutes.
- Rinse off after soaking, pat dry, and use a moisturizer.
Other herbal
Other herbal remedies may be used to relieve skin inflammation caused by various skin conditions, from eczema to psoriasis. These may include:
- St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.)
- evening primrose (Oenothera biennis L.)
- licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.)
- turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)
- lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.)
- sage (Salvia officinalis L.)
- rhubarb (Rheum palmatum L.)
- Green tea (Non-Fermented Camellia sinensis L.)
How it works
How you would use such remedies to relieve itch depends on the herb. Some herbs can be distilled into essential oils that are commercially available alone or in preparations that can be used as skin lubricants as needed for moisturizing.
Other herbs might be used as an extract that can be applied topically or taken orally. Speak with a dermatologist to understand which specific herbal product might work best for you.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a rash?
The treatment for a rash will depend on its cause. In many cases, you can try home remedies, but in some, you may need medical treatment. Only a dermatologist can examine your rash, determine the cause, and recommend the best treatment.
How long do rashes take to go away?
Depending on the type of cause, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for it to clear. It’s best to see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
It’s especially important to see a doctor if the rash gets worse or doesn’t go away or if you also have other symptoms like fever, pain, difficulty breathing, joint pain, sore throat, swelling, confusion, or dizziness.
Itch relief has a long history and many of today’s remedies are age-old cultural traditions. Research is ongoing into what exactly makes some of these remedies work.
These are just a few of the home remedies that can relieve itching from rashes. Many are also inexpensive common ingredients you may have in your pantry. Commercial products containing the same ingredients are often more expensive.
Note that most plant-based remedies can have side effects, and some of these remedies have not been thoroughly researched for safety. Every individual reacts differently. Check with your doctor before trying a remedy that may have side effects. Also, check with your doctor before using any new substance on your child’s rash. Caution is needed when applying anything on the skin of the elderly. If the application of any product makes the rash worse, discontinue immediately and apply cool clothes.
First published on healthline
