An allergic reaction on the skin usually shows up as a red, itchy rash. The skin can sometimes feel warm to the touch, and the symptoms appear when you come in contact with a substance that the skin mistakes for a threat. Poison ivy is one of these, but soaps, moisturizers, and even clothing can cause an allergic reaction. Home remedies for allergic skin reactions are among the best treatments. You can use cool compresses to ease the pain and itchiness.
Soak in an oatmeal bath
Bathing the skin in colloidal oatmeal has also shown good results in providing relief for allergic skin rashes. “Oatmeal is a humectant, meaning it helps moisturize skin, and it contains inflammation-quelling compounds,” Ranella Hirsch, MD a Boston dermatologist, told Prevention . Oatmeal baths are also great home remedies for eczema and psoriasis. Add one to two cups of colloidal oatmeal to slightly warm water and soak for half an hour. Be sure not to use hot water, as it can make the itchiness worse.
Or try a baking soda bath
Baking soda is a great home remedy for itchy skin rashes. Use a cup of baking soda in a cool bath and soak for about half an hour for maximum relief. These are other brilliant home remedies for baking soda .
Dab on some calamine
There’s a reason calamine lotion was a staple in your mom’s medicine cabinet. The anti-itch medicine causes a soothing cooling feeling as it evaporates from your skin, making it a good remedy for an allergic reaction rash.
Sleep with a humidifier on
For chronically dry skin that leads to rashes, you can try a humidifier. These are machines that add moisture to the air. Bonus: Dermatologists swear by humidifiers to help their skin look younger while they sleep.
Make moisturizer a habit
Moisturizers are a great home remedy for dry skin rashes. You can choose just about any OTC brand to help relieve your dry skin. To make your moisturizer even more soothing for your dry, rashy skin, keep your skin covered after you apply it. For instance, put on a moisturizer and wear socks for dry, scaly feet. Here’s what you can do to moisturize your skin in the shower .
Keep hydrocortisone cream on hand
Hydrocortisone cream can really work in a pinch for when the itchiness just won’t stop. Excessive scratching can lead to a vicious cycle of more itchiness—and even infection and scarring, so it’s important to stop the itchiness in its tracks. You can also try Benadryl to help relieve a rash from an allergic reaction. But be careful—it does cause drowsiness.
Get relief from your rash with apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar may help with allergic reactions, dry skin, and itchy skin. You can use apple cider vinegar on a poison ivy rash by applying a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the problem area. In fact, you can use a cotton compress with apple cider vinegar to allow it to continue to pull the toxins out of the skin. Anti-septic and anti-fungal, apple cider vinegar can also help with many skin infections. Another benefit of apple cider vinegar for skin rashes is that it also helps with dry skin. It helps to balance the acid-base level of the skin and can increase moisture.