Note that if scratching is particularly tempting, try wearing gloves or mittens while at home. If this is uncomfortable for you, clipping your nails can also help. Anything to delay the instant gratification of scratching deters you from indulging in the behavior.
Moisture and heat of any kind can sometimes irritate a skin rash, so make sure the clothing is lightweight and made from a material that dries quickly, such as cotton. If your symptoms are severe; a damp dressing may help. Find a soft cotton garment like a long-sleeve t-shirt or long underwear, soak it in cool water, wring it out, and then put it on. Wear a loose-fitting garment over the dressing. 4
Most contact sports - like football, rugby, and hockey - should be avoided altogether as it’s hard to avoid touching and further irritating the skin. Exercises like aerobics, running, and weightlifting can be fine. However, sweating can be harmful to a skin rash so if you choose to participate find fast-drying workout clothing that does not have too much contact with the affected area.
Avoid soap products that contain sodium laurel sulfate as this chemical often irritates an allergic reaction. [5] X Research source Unscented, gentle cleansers such as Dove, Aveeno, Cetaphil, or Shur-clens are good options.
Calamine Lotion, which should be applied as needed unless otherwise directed. However, be careful not to leave calamine lotion on the skin too long as this can irritate the rash more. [7] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Aloe Vera should be applied two or three times a day until the area begins to heal. [8] X Research source
Low-strength (. 5 or 1%) hydrocortisone creams are typically applied one to four times a day until symptoms begin to clear up. Hydrocortisone cream comes in the form of an ointment, lotion, foam, liquid, gel, spray, and a moist towelette. Choose whichever form you’re most comfortable using, and follow the instructions on the label. [10] X Research source Ointments tend to be more soothing to irritated skin. Lotions can sting and are best for covering larger areas.
Clay can provide a cooling sensation and thus decrease the need to itch a rash. Use virgin, untreated clay. Mix the clay in a bowl or cup of water until it has a creamy consistency, dab it on itchy or irritated areas, let it dry, and then peel it off. If peeling the clay is causing any further irritation, try re-wetting the clay and gently removing with a soft, wet towel. Apple Cider Vinegar has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that relieve itching. Dab a few drops on a cotton ball or washcloth and apply to the affected area. [11] X Trustworthy Source National Eczema Association Nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with eczema through research and education Go to source Peppermint or peppermint leaves can provide an instant cooling sensation that relieves irritated skin. Crush up some peppermint leaves and rub them directly on the skin. [12] X Research source Basil leaves contain anti-itch compounds called camphor and thymol. Rubbing fresh basil leaves on the skin can relieve some symptoms.
It’s best to use colloidal oatmeal, which is oatmeal ground into a finer powder. It dissolves easily and leaves less mess to clean up afterwards. If unavailable, you can grind regular oatmeal into a powder using a mixer. The oats can also be placed in a muslin bag or cheesecloth and hung in the water. Some people find adding a few teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil to their bath helps, as it is a natural moisturizer. If you choose olive oil, be careful when getting in and out of the tub as it will make the area slippery.
The rash covers a large portion of your body The rash gets worse, rather than better, with time and home treatments The rash lasts longer than 1-2 weeks You show signs of infection, including increased redness or pain, swelling, and drainage of pus
Only apply the cream to the area affected by the skin rash, and only as often as and where your doctor instructs you to apply it. Once or twice a day is usually all that is necessary. Apply the cream sparingly and ask your doctor approximately how much you should use. When side effects do occur, which they rarely do, it is generally from incorrect use. Many people are wary of corticosteroid creams because of the steroid factor, but this fear is mostly unfounded. Topical steroids are very safe when used correctly, and as they are not intended for longterm use the kind of dependency associated with other kinds of steroid use is uncommon.
If you take blood thinners or dietary supplements that have a blood-thinning effect, your doctor might recommend avoiding such medications before the injection. [18] X Research source When you receive your injection, you may have to change into a hospital gown depending on where the irritated skin is located. The area around the injection site is cleaned and an antiseptic spray may be used to numb the needle. You will likely feel pressure when the needle is inserted and the medication is then released. Some people report redness or a feeling of warmth of the chest or face after the injection. The doctor will likely want you to protect the area around the injection site for a day or two, apply ice as needed to relieve pain, and watch for signs of infection such as pain, redness, and swelling. [19] X Research source
The skin prick test involves placing a small amount of allergen on the skin, most often the forearm, upper back, or neck. The skin is pricked so the allergen goes under the surface, and your health care provider watches for signs of a reaction. Results are usually seen within 15 to 20 minutes and multiple allergens can be tested at the same time. Skin patch testing consists of an application of various allergens to an area of skin (usually your back). The areas are covered with bandages, then reactions are evaluated a couple of days after application. [21] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source The intradermal skin test involves injecting a small amount of the potential allergen to the skin. Your healthcare provider then watches for signs of a reaction. This test is more often used to find signs of serious allergens, such as bee venom or penicillin. [22] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Ask your doctor for a list of products that commonly contain the substance that you should avoid.
Soaps, especially dish soaps Household cleaners, like window cleaner and bathroom cleaners Fabric dryer sheets and laundry detergents Clothing, especially rough fabrics like wool Latex Fragrances, like perfumes and skin sprays Facial creams Nickel, which can be found in jewelry, watchbands, and zippers Sunscreen
Use moisturizers, such as all-natural lotions that include ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and propylene glycol. Such components are known to produce longer lasting moisturizers. Ideally, a good moisturizer can help skin stay strong and healthy, which helps fight off allergic reactions. Petroleum jelly, found in most supermarkets, can provide a protective layer over skin, lessening the exposure to irritants. It’s also a good idea to put petroleum jelly on cracked, dry skin overnight to help it heal. Any open wounds or sores can increase the likelihood of skin being affected by an allergen. Wearing a pair of thick rubber gloves when working with chemicals or cleaners can lessen the likelihood of direct skin contact and, therefore, an allergic reaction. Rubber gloves are a good investment for any household, and be sure to slip a pair on when cleaning your kitchen or bathroom. If you do come into contact with a known or suspected allergen, time is important. The quicker you get the substance out of your system, the better. Thoroughly wash the exposed area with soap and warm water directly after exposure.
