Irritated skin is painful, not to mention frustrating to live with. We all know not to scratch or it may ignite. What if I tell you there are a handful of home remedies to improve your skin’s condition! Let’s look into them.
Top Remedies for Irritated Skin
Skin irritation can happen to anyone. Unless it’s an allergic reaction, follow these remedies to improve the condition. They work just as great as grandma’s home-made remedies for cough:
1: Cold Compress
A quick relief to stop the rash or itch is applying a cold compress. You may choose a damp cloth, cool shower, cold compression or simply wash your skin with cold water to bring immediate relief. Follow these steps to apply cold compress at home:
- Take some ice cubes
- Never apply ice on your skin directly
- Cover them with a cloth
- Hold it against your skin until the pain subsides
Cold compress limits the blood flow in the inflamed area and reduces swelling. If the rashes spread to other parts of the body, it’s best to take a cold shower for a magical relief.
2: Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal has been used for treating a variety of skin conditions for centuries starting from burns to eczema. Even the FDA has approved oatmeal as a skin protectant. It’s easy to find over the counter oatmeal skin care products now.
You can also do it the old fashioned way by grinding oatmeal in a blender and add 1 cup of it into your bathwater. Just follow these steps:
- Fill the bathtub with warm water
- Add one cup of oatmeal into the water
- Immerse yourself into the water for 30 minutes
- Take a shower with lukewarm water
Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties. Its oral consumption boosts infection-fighting blood cells and improves the immunity system. Its external consumption relieves dryness and itchiness from the skin. Colloidal oatmeal works wonder for the skin.
4: Aloe Vera
The name of aloe Vera is worth mentioning in the list of remedies for irritated skin. It has amazing healing properties. It has been used as an antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. Follow these tips to use Aloe Vera for irritated skin:
- Wash the affected area and dry it
- Buy the gel from the store or cut open a leaf from an aloe plant.
- Apply the gel onto the affected area
- Use it twice a day for best results
Although this gel is safe, it may be possible that you are allergic to Aloe Vera. Verify that before applying it onto your skin.
5: Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is the best disinfectant and antiseptic. It also relieves itchy scalp. When applying it onto your skin, dilute the vinegar in water using at 1:1. Be careful applying vinegar on wounds directly. It may cause a burning sensation.
6: Moisturize
Dry or irritated skin must be moisturized at all times. It is best to apply moisturizer immediately after a shower while the skin is damp.
A good moisturizer is your skin’s best friend. If you have dry and flaky skin choose a moisturizer with high oil content. Make it a routine to moisturize your skin before going to bed to keep it hydrated throughout the night.
7: Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree has been long known as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It has anti-microbial properties and it’s highly effective for skin conditions like acne. Follow these tips to use tea tree oil on irritated skin:
- Dilute the tea tree oil
- When used concentrated, the oil can be drying
- Add a few drops of other oils (oil or coconut oil)
- Mix all these ingredients together to create a moisturizer
- Apply it on the skin after a shower
Do not ingest tea tree oil, it can toxic. The oil can also be used in itchy eyelids and scalp. You may also use tea tree oil face wash regularly to keep your skin healthy.
8: Baking Soda
This kitchen essential is very effective for irritated skin be it poison ivy, rashes, itchy skin, or bug bites. The chemicals that it naturally contains stabilize the acid-alkali balance of the skin. In other words, it normalizes the PH balance of the skin.
Follow these tips to apply baking soda on irritated skin:
- Add 1 to 2 cups of baking soda in a bathtub
- Make sure the tub is filled with lukewarm water
- Soak yourself in and rise
- Pat dry and apply a moisturizer
You may also make a paste by mixing a little bit of water in baking soda and apply it to your skin. Leave it overnight to do its magic.
Irritants to Stay Away From
Those with sensitive skin must avoid these irritants at all cost:
Fragranced Products
Fragranced skincare products include acritical colors and additives that worsen the skin’s condition. Even if it’s the best night cream from a reputable brand promising to reduce dark circles, if it’s fragranced, don’t buy it.
Temperature Changes
Changes in temperature such as humidity can make the skin flaky and itching. Use an indoor humidifier to keep humidity in check.
Hot Water
Don’t shower in extremely hot water. It removes moisture from the skin, causes itchiness, and even burns if you have sensitive skin.
Stress
Many skin problems stem from alleviated levels of stress. Learn stress mitigating techniques such as mediation and yoga.
Fabric Selection
Synthetic fiber, wool, and other fabrics that feel rough against the skin result in irritation. Choose loose fitted cotton clothing if you have sensitive skin.
When to See a Doctor?
With effective cleansing and moisturizing and these remedies for irritated skin, your skin problems will go away in no time. However, you must see a doctor if you experience these symptoms:
- The skin remains irritated for more than 2 weeks
- Itching is accompanied by swelling, rash or bumps
- Signs of infections appear
- Skin irritation spreads on the entire body
These symptoms could be an indication of an underlying health problem that needs medical attention. See a doctor immediately for relief.
Note: Do not use follow these skincare tips during pregnancy without consulting your doctor.
