If you suffer from skin allergies, you know how irritating and unpleasant they can be. Skin allergies come in many forms, ranging from minor reactions to more severe reactions such as itching and swelling. While there are many different types of skin allergies, some natural remedies can help you treat your symptoms as well as prevent them from getting worse. These remedies use ingredients you probably already have in your home, so they are easy to find and use. In this article, we will explore eight ways to treat skin allergies naturally.
10 Ways to Treat Skin Allergies Naturally
Skin allergies can be an annoying and sometimes painful condition. Especially when they are severe enough to keep you indoors most of the time. If you are looking for ways to soothe your skin allergies and prevent them from flaring up again, these 8 Ways to treat skin allergies naturally may be able to help you out.
Water Your Plants With Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant has multiple health benefits, but you may not know that it can also be used to treat skin allergies.
How to prepare the mixture:
- Juice an aloe vera leaf or two
- Mix it with water
- Apply to affected areas with a cotton ball as needed.
Remember: Don’t overdo it if you are applying something directly on your skin. If you have sensitive skin, dilute further with water until your skin gets used to it. This treatment will give your plants a boost and treat any allergies from within.
Gently Wash The Problem Area
Soaps and body washes can create skin irritation and worsen allergies. To relieve itching, use an unscented hypoallergenic soap or a non-detergent cleanser like Cetaphil or Cerave when showering. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser on your face as well. If you are feeling extra itchy:
- Try adding two tablespoons of colloidal oatmeal
- Add it with bath additives or Epsom salts
- Take a warm bath for relief from itching
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water afterwards and pat dry instead of rubbing vigorously
Note: Constant rubbing will only irritate your skin further.
Use Vaseline as an Antihistamine
Vaseline is one of the most natural, cheap and accessible remedies for skin allergies. It is particularly effective at reducing swelling and itching associated with insect bites.
How to apply:
- Apply a small amount of Vaseline directly to bites and repeat every four hours until symptoms subside.
- You can also take a spoonful of Vaseline every couple of hours if you have severe allergies that involve swelling or hives on your body.
Create a Mask Of Yogurt and Honey
Honey is known for its skin-healing properties. Yoghurt contains lactobacillus, a bacteria that can help treat acne and other types of skin allergies. The combination of honey and yoghurt will moisturize your skin and reduce inflammation from rashes, bug bites or an allergic reaction.
How to apply:
- Take one tablespoon of honey and half a cup of Yogurt
- Mix them together to make a fine paste
- Gently rub it on your face for at least 15 minutes
- Rinse with warm water or a mild soap. You will start to see results in as little as a week.
If you have sensitive skin:
- Apply a small amount before bedtime
- Leave it on overnight
- Wash off in the morning.
It is also helpful to use a loofah sponge during showering to remove dead cells that clog pores.
Eat Licorice Roots
Licorice root is a natural antihistamine. It soothes inflammation and swelling associated with skin allergies.
- Try eating licorice roots or add them to herbal teas
- Drink a cup of licorice tea before going to bed if you are suffering from itching skin due to allergies.
The anti-inflammatory properties in licorice will help reduce itching and swelling, making your symptoms more bearable.
Additionally, avoid red meat, seafood and wheat products as they contain histamines that can also cause irritation when consumed in large amounts. Licorice root can be purchased at health food stores or online if you have trouble finding it locally.
Use Apple Cider Vinegar as a Face Wash
Apple cider vinegar is a great all-natural toner, and it helps keep your face clean by killing bacteria.
To use apple cider vinegar as a face wash:
- Add a little bit of apple cider vinegar to your favorite facial cleanser.
The acidity from the vinegar will help exfoliate your skin, and cleanse it of any dirt or oil.
You can also use apple cider vinegar on its own. Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with two cups of water and apply with a cotton ball or cloth for best results. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to dilute more.
Rub Some Oregano into the Affected Area
Oregano contains rosmarinic acid which has been shown in studies to reduce inflammation. When you rub some fresh oregano leaves onto an area of skin that is suffering from allergies, it will provide a cooling sensation and help with swelling and pain. Best of all, there are no side effects.
For best results, you can also dilute oregano oil with other carrier oils before applying directly to your skin. While a number of essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties that can be used in lieu of oregano oil (cinnamon oil, lavender oil and clove oil).
They do not have quite as much antiseptic properties as oregano does and therefore should not be used alone on open wounds or abraded areas.
Antihistamines (If required)
Antihistamines help fight allergies in your nose, mouth and throat. If you have an allergy, you may be able to find some antihistamines that you can take by mouth. They work by preventing histamine from traveling through your body.
You can try Betnesol also. It is one of the most effective OTC medicine for skin allergy. Read more about Betnesol Tablet Uses.
Antihistamines are sold over-the-counter as well as by prescription. Ask your doctor if they are right for you. Read labels carefully and follow all directions on how much to take and when it’s safe to drive or operate machinery after taking these medications. Taking too much of any medicine is dangerous, so talk with your doctor before deciding whether or not an antihistamine is right for you.
Causes of Skin Allergy
One of the most common skin allergies is from food allergies. Eating certain foods can cause hives, swelling and redness on your skin. Common foods that may cause allergic reactions include eggs, dairy products, peanuts and wheat.
If you suspect a food allergy is causing your skin allergies or other symptoms, such as diarrhea or gas, see your doctor for an allergy test to determine what causes skin allergies. Once you know what causes skin allergies you can avoid them by changing your diet or cutting out specific foods.
Keep in mind that some foods may not be obvious triggers for a person with a particular type of allergy but may trigger allergic reactions in another person who also has an allergy caused by different types of foods.
Symptoms of Skin Allergy
Allergic reactions happen when a person’s immune system reacts negatively to substances that are generally harmless. Common symptoms of skin allergies include:
- Rashes
- Irritation
- Dry skin
- Redness
- Raised bumps
- Scaling or flaking of skin
- Cracked skin
People with skin allergies often have difficulty managing their symptoms with over-the-counter treatments. However, there are many home remedies for common skin allergies that are simple and effective (and most importantly, won’t irritate your skin). These above 10 Ways to Treat Skin Allergies can help you treat your allergies at home without spending lots of money on expensive medicines.
