Skin irritation is a widespread problem that can affect people of any age. The causes can be different and range from ailments that can last a long time to become chronic, such as eczema, to those that are only temporary, such as sunburn or insect bites. Common symptoms of irritated skin include redness and swelling. Fortunately, there are a number of remedies that can offer quick relief to irritated skin and prevent the problem from recurring in the future.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating Skin Redness
Step 1. Take advantage of used green tea bags
Green tea is a natural anti-inflammatory that you can use to treat skin when it is swollen or red. Take 4-6 bags of green tea, soak them in boiling water for 5 minutes, then squeeze them and put them directly in contact with the irritated skin for up to 10 minutes.
- Be careful when handling tea bags as they will be hot. Let them cool for a few minutes before squeezing or applying them to your skin.
- If the irritated area is very large, soak a clean cloth in the tea, then place it on the skin as a substitute for tea bags.
- In addition to green tea, you can also use chamomile tea. Dip a sachet of chamomile tea in a cup of boiling water, then apply the infusion to the skin using a cotton ball, as if it were a toner.
Step 2. Make an oatmeal mask
Oats have anti-inflammatory properties as well as being rich in antioxidants. For these reasons, you can use it to relieve redness and itching. Mix two tablespoons of oatmeal with two tablespoons of boiling water and half a tablespoon of honey. Wait 5 minutes, then massage the mask into your skin. Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm (but not hot) water.
- You can grind oats with a food processor or coffee grinder.
- Oatmeal is also suitable for dehydrated skin or dilated pores.
Step 3. Make a cold compress using milk
Milk contains molecules that act as an anti-inflammatory, providing a soothing effect on irritated or red skin. Dip a clean cloth in cold milk, then place it on your skin for 10 minutes.
- If you don't have milk available, you can make a cold compress with ice water or ice to lower the temperature of the skin and relieve redness.
- Another useful remedy is to use yogurt as a face mask. Spread it on your skin, then let it sit for 10 minutes. Choose a plain yogurt, which does not contain sugars, flavors, dyes or other added substances.
Part 2 of 3: Relieve the Itch
Step 1. Apply a hydrocortisone cream
You can ask your pharmacist to recommend one, even without a prescription, to relieve itching. Remember that as this is a topically applied steroid drug it should not be used on the face or in areas where the skin naturally forms folds, such as in the armpits, breasts or groin. Generally it is enough to spread a thin layer on the irritated parts, repeating the application for a maximum of 4 times a day for about 5-7 days.
Step 2. Take an over-the-counter antihistamine medication
You can get an over-the-counter antihistamine from your pharmacist to help reduce itching. Ask for the correct dosage for you. Benadryl, Claritin and Zirtec are among the best known.
Do not use a topically applied antihistamine, such as Caladryl, or the skin reaction may worsen
Step 3. Take an oatmeal bath
Buy a bath product that contains colloidal oats, for example from the Aveeno range. Pour it into the tub to soothe your skin and relieve itching as you wash. However, remember that this is only a temporary solution.
- If you want, you can also pour two cups of oatmeal directly into the bath water. It is a great solution when the irritated or red areas are large or widespread. When the water cools, rinse your body and pat it gently with a soft towel to dry it.
- It is an excellent solution especially in case of chickenpox, eczema or contact with poison ivy.
Step 4. Apply calamine cream
You can use it after a bath to give your skin extra relief and prevent itching from coming back. But first make sure it doesn't create unwanted interactions with any other medications you are using.
Step 5. Use an anti-itch spray
You can buy one at the pharmacy, without a prescription. It is a product designed to be applied to hard-to-reach parts of the body in order to relieve itching. It will probably also contain substances that can moisturize the skin.
Step 6. Use a clay mask
Bentonite or green clay relieves itching caused by insect stings and bites by removing toxins from the skin. It is also a suitable solution for fighting acne. What you need to do is mix the clay with enough pure water to create a paste that can be applied directly to the skin. Let the mask dry until a thin film forms on your face, then rinse it off with water or gently remove it with your hands.
- If you want, you can spread the mask on a piece of gauze or a clean cloth to put in direct contact with the skin, then fix it with a bandage or a plaster and leave the clay to act for up to 4 hours.
- Check the ingredients of the mask to make sure the clay has not been treated.
Step 7. Use apple cider vinegar
Soak a cotton ball in the vinegar and then gently rub it on the itchy area of skin. Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties.
- Make sure it's pure, unfiltered vinegar, as it's the best and most skin-friendly. Even better if it comes from organic farming.
- Apple cider vinegar can also be used to relieve animals from itching. Just add about half a liter to the bath water.
Step 8. Treat the itching with herbs
For example, you can use mint, basil or plantain leaves. Pound them in a mortar, then apply them directly to the skin to relieve itching. It is a great solution to treat itching caused by insect bites.
- Mint also gives a refreshing sensation that offers additional relief to the skin. After crushing the leaves, you can freeze them in a mold to make ice cubes for a perfect cooling effect.
- Crush the plantain leaves and apply them directly to insect bites or parts that have come into contact with poison ivy. Alternatively, you can use them to make a tea to use as a soothing spray if you have sunburned. I recommend that you let it cool completely before you spray it on the skin.
- Rubbing the leaves of these plants on your skin can help keep the urge to scratch at bay.
Step 9. Apply aloe vera gel to the burns
You can also grow it on the terrace and extract the gel contained inside the leaves if necessary, instead of buying a ready-made product at the supermarket that may contain additives. Simply score an aloe vera leaf and then squeeze it to release the gel.
The best technique for extracting the gel is to open the leaf completely and scrape the inside with a spoon
Part 3 of 3: Treating Sensitive Skin
Step 1. Avoid using products that contain aggressive substances
In many cases, the skin becomes red or irritated due to abrasive or aggressive substances that are used for aesthetic purposes (such as scrubs) or for example to treat acne. Stop applying products you have recently started using for at least 4 days, and also consider switching to a milder cleanser.
- Acne products that contain retinoids are particularly irritating.
- After the fourth day, try using the product you suspect may have caused the skin irritation only occasionally to see if the problem returns. If so, throw it away.
- Do not replenish more than one product at a time, otherwise you will not be able to determine exactly where the problem is coming from.
Step 2. Cleanse your skin daily with warm water and a mild cleanser
For a product to be considered valid, it must be able to eliminate all traces of makeup and all impurities, but not the natural oils of the skin. After washing your face, if the skin feels dry, it means that you are using a too aggressive cleanser. The products of the Cetaphil and Eucerin lines are among those indicated for sensitive skin.
- Hot or cold water can damage the capillaries and, as a result, cause the skin to redden. Excessive heat also tends to make her dehydrate quickly, aggravating the redness.
- You should choose a cleanser that is suitable for your skin type, for example oily or dry. Foamy ones are generally not suitable for dehydrated skin.
- Avoid products that contain harsh ingredients, such as sodium lauryl ether sulfate, alcohol, or menthol.
- Avoid products that contain coloring or scented substances. Generally, even the anti-acne ones are too aggressive because they deprive the skin of its natural protective oils.
- You may have to adapt the products to the current season, depending on the degree of humidity in the air and how your skin reacts to different climates.
Step 3. Remember to moisturize your skin at least once a day
Choose a cream that has glycerin as its first ingredient, as it helps it retain moisture. Alternatively, you can use plain petroleum jelly. Apply the product of your choice every day on clean, dry skin, immediately after showering.
Beware of hand sanitizer gels as they contain alcohol, so they tend to dehydrate the skin. Look for one formulated to nourish the skin as well as disinfect it
Step 4. Use a laundry detergent that does not contain harsh fragrances and substances
If skin irritation is widespread, it could be caused by the detergent you use to wash your clothes. Try to change it; you should choose one made from natural ingredients or formulated for sensitive skin.
Step 5. Buy a humidifier to use in your bedroom
If the air in your home is dry, especially when the heaters are on, using a humidifier can help prevent your skin from drying out while you sleep. Humid air also helps reduce irritation.
Step 6. Follow an anti-inflammatory diet
Place foods that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as leafy greens, salmon, avocado, and nuts, on your plate. You can also take anti-inflammatory food supplements, such as probiotics, spirulina, vitamin C, and fish oil. These nutrients help relieve skin irritations.
Advice
- If you get stung by an insect, remove the stinger immediately using your fingers or a pair of tweezers. Wash the wound with water and antibacterial soap, apply a cold compress, and take an antihistamine by mouth. Continue to use ice and keep the side elevated for the next 8-12 hours.
- If a few hours after being exposed to the sun you are struck by an intense and annoying itch, from which you cannot find relief even by scratching, you may be severely burned. It is a disease that affects 5-10% of the population every year. Many people believe that taking a hot shower can help relieve itching, while the only useful thing to do is see a doctor.
Warnings
- Try not to scratch yourself to avoid further irritating your skin.
- If you also have difficulty breathing or feel suffocating at the same time as the skin irritation occurs, call the emergency services immediately! This could be a case of anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction that can cause death.
- If irritation spreads or worsens, see your doctor.
