Having skin problems can make you feel watched; if you have sore and cracked skin, you may feel uncomfortable and don't want to participate in activities with friends, not to mention the fact that it could be painful! The causes of this disorder can be many, including the use of potentially irritating products, scratches or even friction. However, this type of inflammation is a fairly common problem that you can treat by defining the causes and treating the skin with home remedies.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Protect Inflamed Skin
Step 1. Keep the affected area clean and dry
Spray with cold water and apply a mild, perfume-free, or alcohol-free cleanser twice a day. Proceed with an even more frequent cleaning, if you notice dirt or residues on the area to be treated, then pat dry with a clean cloth to avoid further irritation. This procedure allows you to remove any dirt or bacteria, reducing the risk of infections.
Don't rub or scrub the area too aggressively, as this can inflame it even more
Step 2. Apply a protective ointment
Spread a thin layer of cream, lotion, or ointment that is gentle and free from perfume or alcohol. Use products based on zinc oxide, petroleum jelly or aloe vera on the inflamed and surrounding areas, which help protect the epidermis by relieving any irritation; ask your pharmacist or doctor to tell you the best product for your specific problem.
- Apply the ointment twice a day or even more often if needed.
- Petroleum jelly can aggravate seborrheic dermatitis, so avoid using it if you have this condition.
Step 3. Cover the area with bandages
Get non-stick gauze or cloth made for sensitive skin; apply the bandage of your choice to the affected skin, attaching the adhesive edges to healthy skin. In this way, you protect the area from possible contact with hands or fingers and from extreme temperatures, as well as from bacteria, thus minimizing the risk of infections.
Step 4. Spread some soothing powder (other than talcum powder) on the affected skin
If the problem is due to friction irritation, you can apply a powder such as alum or cornstarch. don't forget to smear it again after showering and whenever your skin is damp. This remedy removes moisture from the epidermis, preventing further irritation, as well as promoting healing by minimizing friction.
Talc appears to be associated with cancer when applied to genital areas, so do not use it until more in-depth studies are available
Step 5. Do not expose the inflamed skin to the sun
If you want it to heal and you want to protect it from further damage, you must avoid the sun's rays, especially during the hours when they are strongest, from 10:00 to 14:00; wear long sleeved clothing, long pants and a hat. If you need to stay outdoors, apply water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 (apply it only to healthy skin, not inflamed skin).
Step 6. Don't scratch itchy skin
This behavior can cause infections, scars and in severe cases even skin thickening. Take over-the-counter antihistamines or apply cortisone cream if you can't stand the itchiness or if the disorder is due to an allergic reaction.
Part 2 of 3: Relieve the Discomfort
Step 1. Soak in a warm oatmeal bath
Fill the tub with warm water, just enough to cover the inflamed skin; pour colloidal oatmeal, which is very finely ground and is specially made for that purpose. Then immerse yourself in this mixture for 5-10 minutes; when finished, pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizing product. This remedy is supposed to soothe the discomfort and promote healing.
If you can't find the colloidal one, use raw flour
Step 2. Wear comfortable, cotton clothing
During the healing process, you should keep loose clothing made of smooth, breathable fabric, such as very light cotton, to prevent further inflammation, as well as increase airflow and promote healing.
Don't put on several layers of clothing; make sure they are comfortable to avoid irritation and excess moisture
Step 3. Stay away from irritants or allergens
Minimize or completely avoid potentially irritating or allergenic products; use only those on the label which indicate that they are without perfumes, fragrances or dyes. This foresight allows to accelerate the healing process and prevent further inflammation.
Step 4. Seek medical attention if the skin does not heal
Inflamed skin does not always heal with home remedies. Inform the doctor when you notice inflammatory outbreaks and tell him what home treatments you have put in place; he can diagnose the potential causes of the disorder and offer you appropriate treatment. Get checked when your skin:
- It is so painful that it prevents you from sleeping or distracts you from normal daily activities;
- It causes a lot of pain;
- Shows signs of infection
- It does not heal with home remedies.
Part 3 of 3: Establish the Cause
Step 1. Pay attention to red rashes to recognize a yeast or bacterial infection
Examine the inflamed skin and surrounding area for red, inflamed, or itchy rashes. these scattered marks on the epidermis may indicate a bacterial or yeast infection. If you suspect that the origin is due to one of these microorganisms, contact your doctor so that he can make a diagnosis.
- The dermatologist can advise you to take better hygiene to solve the problem and avoid future other skin rashes; in severe cases he can also prescribe drugs to relieve discomfort and promote healing.
- Taking antibiotics could be a possible cause of yeast infection which in turn inflames the skin.
Step 2. Check to see if the breakouts are due to tissue scrubbing
Check if the area of skin affected by the inflammation is in the thighs, groin, armpits or nipples. in these cases, the disturbance could be attributable to friction with tight clothing, shoes or the rubbing of the skin with itself. Soothe these areas by applying a thin layer of protective ointment to prevent future breakouts from friction.
Step 3. Eliminate certain products gradually to recognize those that are irritating to you
Examine all substances that come into contact with the skin, including cleansers, body care creams, or even topical medications. gradually remove them from your daily hygiene routine to understand what may be causing your ailment. Stop using a product and see if your skin improves or calms.
Step 4. Check your allergen exposure
Pay attention if skin inflammation develops on exposed areas of skin or if it comes into contact with potential allergens, such as plants, detergents, foods or animals. In these cases, you may have an allergic reaction to some substance, which resolves when you no longer come into contact with that element or avoid it altogether; take an over-the-counter antihistamine to relieve pain, inflammation, and promote healing.
An allergic reaction can occur at the same time as skin inflammation caused by irritants
Step 5. Keep aching skin dry if you have intertrigo
This is a rash that develops in the folds of the skin. Examine the area of the inflamed epidermis by comparing it with the corresponding one on the other side of the body and pay attention to whether it appears moist, thin or as if it has lost several layers; these are all symptoms that can indicate this disorder. Keep the affected area dry by exposing it to air or blotting it with a towel to help it heal.
- Rashes from intertrigo can develop anywhere on the body that is exposed to heat or moisture.
- To avoid further irritation, you should stay cool and not expose yourself to the sun.
Step 6. Examine the skin for seborrheic scales
Pay attention to whether the inflamed area has rough patches or scales. If you notice greasiness and yellowish scales, you may be suffering from seborrheic dermatitis; however, in some cases it could be atopic dermatitis (eczema). Go to the dermatologist to get a clear diagnosis.
- Your doctor can advise you on the most appropriate treatment for your situation, such as light therapy or antifungal medications to relieve discomfort and promote healing.
- This type of rash typically appears on the scalp, face, upper chest, and back.
- If you have seborrheic dermatitis, you should not use petroleum jelly as it may aggravate the situation.
Step 7. Reduce Stress
Emotional tension can greatly affect the immune system and can trigger skin disorders such as acne and eczema. Reduce stress levels by eating, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly; you can also take time to do things you enjoy and participate in relaxing activities, such as yoga.
