5 Home Remedies for an Itchy Rash

As a parent, any kind of rash on your child is worrisome. No parent likes to watch their child suffer because of an itchy rash. You may be able to help reduce the severity of your child’s rash through some of these methods. However, it is important to monitor the rash to ensure that it isn’t worsening. If your child’s rash is getting worse, take the child to a doctor. These methods, however, are great, at-home rash treatments to reduce the symptoms of an itchy rash. 

Apple Cider Vinegar 

Whether it’s a diaper rash or a skin rash, the acetic acid properties of apple cider vinegar can inhibit the growth of a particular yeast called candida. Pour some apple cider vinegar into your child's next bath, which is especially a great help for babies with diaper rash. You can also mix apple cider vinegar with water and wipe it over the afflicted area throughout the day. 

Olive Oil 

Any kind of rash can leave a lot of damage on the skin. Olive oil is a great choice for both healing a rash and renewing the skin afterward. Olive oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties are great for irritant dermatitis diaper rashes and allergic contact dermatitis rashes. 

With olive oil, you can either rub it on a rash with honey or on its own. You can also add a bit of turmeric powder. This is a powerful agent against bacteria and inflammation. Add it to your olive oil and apply it to the rash a few times a day. 

Coconut Oil 

Coconut oil is a great alternative to olive oil that will hydrate and soothe a rash. Coconut oil also helps to protect the skin. Unlike olive oil, coconut oil has a thick consistency like most diaper rash products. This protects the rash from irritation and outside variables. Virgin coconut oil is recommended as it still has the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of unprocessed coconut oil. 

Cold Compress 

A cold compress is a simple, but great rash treatment. This relieves the pesky symptoms of a rash and helps to reduce its severity. Cold compresses work best with rashes caused by heat as they help to reduce swelling and inflammation. This method is especially helpful if your child’s rash has started to blister. 

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To use a cold compress, you can fill a plastic bag with ice, soak a cloth in cold water, or use a purchased compress. It is important to never place ice directly on your child’s skin, especially a baby’s. This can cause frostbite and harm to their delicate skin. 

Oatmeal Bath 

This remedy may sound bizarre, but it has been done for years and years to treat many skin issues. In fact, the United States Food and Drug Administration has approved the oatmeal bath as a way to protect skin. Oatmeal has skin-soothing properties, as well as anti-inflammatory properties. 

To give an oatmeal bath, dissolve a cup of finely blended oatmeal into warm bathwater. Let your child soak for about a half-hour and then rinse them off with tepid water. You can also mix yogurt and honey with oatmeal to treat facial rashes. 

When to Seek Help for a Rash

If you have noticed that none of these at-home rash treatments seem to be helping your child or if the rash is worsening, you should seek medical help. Some rashes may be signs of something more serious that could greatly affect your child for the rest of their life. For immediate help with a rash, contact BASS Urgent Care today. Our urgent care team is fully equipped for pediatric help and can help reduce the symptoms of your child’s rash.

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