How to Get Rid of a Rash
No matter your age, you’ve probably experienced a rash at some point in your life, but do you know how to get rid of an outbreak? Rashes come in so many varieties.
Sometimes the reason may be apparent (like a rash caused by poison ivy), while other times, it can be tough to put your finger on the root cause.
Rashes can be caused by an allergen or food irritant, clothing, or household chemicals. Medications, poor digestion, or illness may also cause rashes or hives.
Some rashes come out of nowhere, while others take several days to form on your skin.
How long does it take for a rash to go away?
It depends on a few factors, including what type of rash it is and how quickly the inflammation can be reduced.
Some will go away as quickly as they appeared, while others may linger for more extended periods.
The good news is many natural rash home remedies can work fast without adverse side effects.
If you’re experiencing a rash this very moment, I’m sure you’re eager to know how to get rid of a rash fast!
What Is a Rash? + Signs and Symptoms
A skin rash is a change of the skin that affects its color, appearance, and texture.
A rash can also be defined as an area of irritated or swollen skin.
A fancier, medical word for a rash is dermatitis. An itchy rash is called allergic contact dermatitis.
Rashes can occur all over the body. Sometimes they are very localized, while other times, they are widespread.
There is a wide variety of symptoms and characteristics of skin rashes, including:
- Red or discolored skin
- Raised, red welts
- Red or discolored blotches
- Red or discolored bumps
- Ring-shaped
- Blisters
- Itchiness
- A lacy and slightly raised patch of skin
- Oozing sores that become crusty
- Pus-filled, crusty swellings
- Scaly or flaky skin patch
- Thick and leathery skin patch
When it comes to how to get rid of rashes and their unpleasant symptoms, there are many natural rash home remedies, but first, let’s talk about types of rashes.
Types of Rashes
Saying you have a rash is not an exact medical diagnosis.
Instead, it’s just a way of describing the skin inflammation and discoloration you are currently experiencing.
You know that your skin does not look like it usually does, something is off, and you may or may not know the real medical reason behind the rash.
Many types of rashes can better explain and pinpoint the cause of the change in your skin’s appearance.
For example, some of the most common rashes include:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff)
- Diaper Rash
- Poison Ivy
- Eczema
- Chickenpox
- Measles
- Heat rash
- Stress rash
- Rosacea
- Hives
- Sun rash
Before we get to how to get rid of a rash naturally, let’s look at the common causes and risk factors of an outbreak. The type of rash can also explain the purpose of the explosion.
For example, if you have a stress rash, then the cause is stress, and a poison ivy rash is caused by poison ivy.
Causes and Risk Factors
In general, rashes are caused by skin inflammation, which, in turn, can have many reasons.
One of the most common forms of a rash is contact dermatitis, which occurs when a substance of some sort irritates the skin.
Contact dermatitis may cause mild redness of the skin or a rash of small red bumps. A more severe reaction may cause swelling, redness, and more massive blisters.
Common causes of contact dermatitis and its resulting rash include:
- Poison ivy or poison oak
- Soaps, detergents, shampoos, deodorants, perfumes, and lotions, especially ones with dangerous synthetic scents
- Household chemicals like bleach
- Hand sanitizers
- Latex allergy
- Food allergies
Other common causes of rashes:
- Viral infection (like herpes zoster)
- Fungal infection
- Bacterial infection
- A parasitic infection (like scabies)
- Acne
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Lyme disease (commonly causes a “bull’s eye” rash)
- Lupus (usually causes a “butterfly” rash underneath the eyes and across the cheeks)
- Bug bites
- Bee stings
- Excessive skin rubbing/friction
- Prolonged exposure to heat (heat rash)
- Prolonged exposure to moisture (diaper rash)
- An allergy to a medication
- A side effect or photosensitivity to a medication
When it comes to rash risk factors, having a viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection puts you at higher risk of developing a rash.
Also, a family or personal history of allergies or asthma raises your rash risk.
Since rashes are commonly the result of contact with poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak or from insect bites, then it’s not surprising that people who spend more time outdoors have a higher risk of developing a rash.
Now that we’ve talked so much about the various rash types, causes, and risk factors, let’s get to the solution sections: how to get rid of a rash.
Conventional Treatment
Getting rid of a rash using standard treatment almost always includes a topical ointment or cream, commonly including over-the-counter as well as prescription-strength corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone.
Long-term use of corticosteroids is known for causing thinning of the skin, among other side effects.
Another conventional treatment of getting rid of a rash varies on the specific diagnosis of the outbreak.
How to Get Rid of a Rash: Natural Rash Home Remedies
Have you been searching “how to get rid of rash home remedies”? Look no further because there are so many natural rash home remedies to improve a rash quickly
Here are some ways of getting rid of a rash holistically using foods and supplements, and essential oils.
Top Foods to Reduce Rashes
Organic foods — By choosing organic foods, especially when it comes to producing’s dirty dozen, you reduce your exposure to toxins and chemicals.
Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables — These provide carotenoids like beta-carotene, which studies have shown can help improve resistance to rashes triggered by the sun.
Clean, lean protein — Sufficient protein helps the immune system guard against infections that cause rashes. Aim for three to four ounces of protein minimum per meal. However, shellfish is a protein that is known to be problematic for many people.
Flax and chia seeds — Can reduce systemic inflammation leading to a reduction in symptoms. I recommend adding ground chia or flax seeds to salads and smoothies.
Cold-pressed oils — Look for oils that are not heated above 129 degrees during pressing, such as olive oil and coconut oil.
Foods to Avoid
Any food that causes an allergic reaction — This can vary from person to person. Some common allergens include gluten, nuts, shellfish, and dairy.
Conventional Dairy — Many people find that eliminating regular cow’s dairy helps decrease symptoms.
Trans fats and hydrogenated oils — These fats increase inflammation, which may lead to immune reactions.
Fried foods — These foods are difficult to digest and are known to increase inflammation, which can only make rashes worse.
Processed foods — Many processed foods contain additives (under the term “natural flavors” or certain food dyes) that can cause allergic reactions in certain people.
Supplements
#1 Vitamin C (2,000mg daily)
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and has antihistamine properties, which can help to reduce the inflammation of a rash.
#2 Nettle leaf (300 mg 3x daily)
Shown to be effective in reducing hives because it reduces overall histamine production.
#3 Quercetin (1,000 mg 3x daily)
An anti-inflammatory flavonoid found in red wine, green tea, and onions. Quercetin has been shown to reduce inflammation and allergic reactions.
#4 Green superfood drink
It supports detoxification and alkalizes the body.
Essential Oils for Rashes
Using essential oils topically like geranium, rose, and lavender can help to improve rashes.
Combine three drops of oil with a half teaspoon of coconut oil and apply it to the problem area three times per day.
I also highly recommend this DIY Rash Cream with Aloe & Lavender.
Other
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay benefits the body by helping it to expel toxins, increasing immunity, and reducing inflammation.
When it comes to how to get rid of a rash on your face, if you’re using bentonite clay or any other natural remedy, make sure to avoid the eye area.
If you have an itchy rash, my DIY Anti-Itch Cream with Bentonite Clay can help to calm things down.
For bug bites, apply a concentrated amount of the clay directly to the trouble area and let it sit for about two hours before rinsing it off.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter contains compounds called cocoa mass polyphenols, which some studies have found can help diminish aging signs, plus soothe sensitive skin suffering from rashes.
Polyphenols are types of antioxidants that promote health both internally when eaten and when used topically on the skin.
Cocoa’s polyphenols have been found to fight various chronic diseases, degeneration of the skin, sensitivities, and even cell mutations.
Just make sure the cocoa butter you use doesn’t contain any alcohol, fragrance, or other additives that can lead skin to become even more inflamed and sensitive.
Aloe Vera
If you’re wondering how to get rid of a heat rash on the face or how to get rid of a heat rash somewhere else on your body, aloe vera is a top natural remedy.
It is excellent for all kinds of rashes and skin concerns.
Aloe vera is not only incredible at soothing rashes by reducing inflammation and redness, but it also helps to decrease itchiness while improving moisture and healing.
You can use a high percentage of aloe vera gel for a rash, or you can try a 0.5 percent aloe extract cream.
Apply as needed or at least three times per day. If you’re looking for how to get rid of a heat rash quickly, aloe vera is an excellent natural remedy.
Bonus Rash Remedy Section
Precautions
Hopefully, you are only dealing with a minor rash, and the many ways of getting rid of a rash naturally will be useful for you.
However, if you have a rash that lasts longer than a few days with no explanation or is getting progressively worse, it’s a good idea to see your doctor.
You should also seek immediate medical attention if you experience any additional symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Tightness or itchiness in the throat
- Increasing pain or discoloration in the rash area
- Swelling of the face or extremities
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Severe head or neck pain
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
Contact your doctor if you have a rash and a sore throat, joint pain, a recent tick bite, the last animal bite, or red streaks/tender areas near the rash.
Final Thoughts
Rashes are a widespread occurrence.
Most of the time, rashes can be successfully treated with natural home remedies.
Sometimes, rashes are more severe, and if you have additional symptoms, you should certainly seek immediate medical attention.
There are so many varieties of rashes, but they all involve inflammation and irritation of your skin.
Thankfully, many tried and true natural ways to make that rash a problem of the past quickly and easily.
Remember that your diet plays a big part in improving a rash, as does what you put on your skin regularly.
I hope you avoid any food products with unhealthy additives while also steering clear of body care and personal products that have synthetic fragrances and other serious health hazardous ingredients.
What you put on and into your body can influence your likelihood of a rash and how to get rid of a rash quickly.
